Chapter 4

Maeve had initially assumed I would refuse such an absurd condition. She was ready to use it as an excuse to pressure me into breaking off the engagement myself. When I agreed to plan the wedding, she thought I was desperate to marry Grayson. Her expression darkened completely.

Grayson had not expected me to accept his idea so quickly either. Pleased, he gradually smiled at me. "If you'd been this understanding from the start, none of this would've happened. Don't worry. As long as you behave and don't cause trouble, the three of us can definitely make this work."

I let out a cold laugh but did not respond. Three people could never make it work. I had no intention of repeating the same mistakes and dying miserably again.

Grayson did not care whether I responded or not. As he walked toward me, he finally noticed the injury on my hand and looked surprised. "Your hand is hurt. Why didn't you say anything? You're bleeding so much. Does it hurt?"

Before he could get any closer, Maeve immediately clutched her swollen cheek and exclaimed dramatically, "My face is injured from the hit. Will it make me look bad on the day of our wedding? Can you take me to the hospital right now to get it checked?"

Grayson's expression turned serious instantly. "You're right. That's what matters. We can't delay."

I scoffed. I had actually thought he had changed for a moment. It turned out he was just in a good mood and threw me a scrap of concern.

As if to placate me, Grayson kept reminding me to get my hand treated before he left. I did not need his nagging. I would take care of it myself.

After spending over a decade with him in my past life, I had long since grown used to licking my wounds alone. I carefully picked out the shards embedded in my flesh, then disinfected and bandaged the wound.

After enduring pain for so long, even my body had gone numb. More than the injury, the destruction of my grandmother's keepsake was what broke my heart.

I contacted people everywhere in hopes someone could repair it. Shortly after, my best friend called me back.

"Calla, I found a restoration expert. He's worked on museum pieces and can fix anything. I asked him about your bracelet, and he said it's no problem."

Hearing my friend's words, the weight on my chest finally lifted. I nearly cried with relief. "That's wonderful. I don't care how much it costs. As long as he can restore it, I'll pay anything."

My friend laughed mischievously. "He doesn't need the money. Restoration work is just a hobby for him. He's gorgeous too, six foot three and a total heartthrob. Want me to introduce you? He's way better than that scumbag Grayson Thatcher."

I gently declined.

My friend grew anxious. "You're not seriously going to marry that bastard, are you? Everyone in our circle knows about all the awful things he's done. Don't be stupid and throw yourself into that pit of fire."

It seemed the publicity campaign was working well. A faint smile tugged at my lips. "Don't worry. I've chosen a different match."

I would not waste another moment of my life on Grayson.

Just as the bracelet situation was resolved, my engagement to Emmett Harlow, the son of the wealthiest man in the country, was finalized. Both families sat together to discuss setting a date for the formal engagement. The registration of marriage and the wedding would require much longer preparation.

Emmett's mother smiled warmly. "Calla, what kind of wedding would you like?"

I smiled back. "I'm fine with anything. I'll leave it to the elders to decide."

It was just a strategic marriage anyway.

She waved her hand repeatedly. "That won't do. A wedding is one of the most important events in a person's life. Whether it's the venue or the dress, you two must genuinely love it.

"Emmett, clear your afternoon schedule and take Calla to try on wedding dresses. If she doesn't like any, we'll commission custom designs. We absolutely can't let her feel shortchanged."

I froze slightly, feeling warmth rise in my chest. In my past life, my wedding to Grayson had been rocky and half-hearted.

Grayson's mother had insisted that once I married into their family, I would be their daughter-in-law. The Thatcher company was already declining and desperately needed money. I had to economize on everything while still ensuring they did not lose their reputation in front of outsiders.

To meet their harsh demands, my family ended up covering most of the expenses.

Yet on the wedding day, Grayson still did not show up. The news of it went viral. He became the notorious playboy heir and even gained a following of young admirers.

Meanwhile, I was the one left at the wedding venue, being gossiped about. Some said I was incompetent, that I could not even control my own husband and that I was a complete failure.

Just thinking about those awful experiences made it hard to breathe.

Fortunately, I did not stay lost in those memories for long. Emmett's deep, magnetic voice pulled me back to reality.

"Is now a good time for you, Calla? We can go right away or reschedule if that's more convenient."