Chapter 1

Cecilia's POV

I looked up toward the airport entrance, where two figures were chatting and laughing.

My fiance, Marcus Benton, was casually helping his childhood friend, Bianca Warner, with her luggage.

Bianca put on a frail expression. "I only said I wanted to visit Solaviera, and you left Cecilia behind like that. Won't she be mad?"

Marcus glanced back at me and dropped his voice. "Don't say that, Bianca. Cecilia understands your situation."

"Still, she looks upset. I feel terrible seeing her like that," Bianca said, her eyes welling up.

"What does she have to be upset about?" Marcus paused, then offered a soft word of comfort. "You haven't been well these past two years, so it's only natural I look after you. She's never made a fuss. I'll just say a few sweet words to reassure her. Don't worry about any of that. Just focus on enjoying the trip."

It was true.

In Marcus' eyes, I was always reasonable and easygoing. Even if I got upset, a little effort on his part was all it took to smooth things over.

Never mind that when he made breakfast, mine was just a plain sandwich, while Bianca got homemade chicken broth tailored for her sensitive stomach.

Never mind that his gifts to Bianca were always far more expensive than whatever he gave me.

As long as he coaxed me a little, I was expected to move past it.

I used to let it go because I cared about Marcus and didn't want to make things difficult for him.

But that was no excuse for him to keep pushing me aside.

I stared at him quietly. "Marcus, if we don't get married this time, there won't be another chance."

Marcus didn't take my words seriously at all. He brushed me off with the tone of an adult soothing a child. "Why are you acting out like this? There will be plenty of chances to get married. There's no need to pick a fight over this.

"I'm taking Bianca to Solaviera this time, but I'll make it up to you twice over when I get back. Just stay home and wait for me. Our wedding isn't going anywhere."

Before he could finish, Bianca wrapped her arms around his again. "Marcus, being able to travel with you like this is enough to make me happy for the rest of my life."

Then, turning to me, she added, "Don't worry, Cecilia! I'll be sure to take good care of Marcus!"

Marcus turned back to me. "Head home first, Cecilia. I'll text you when we land."

I watched their retreating figures without making a move to stop them. Instead, I let out a faint smile and dialed Papa's number.

"Papa, I lost the bet. I'll return to the family like you asked. Before I leave, I'd like to borrow your private helicopter for a few days. I want to visit Solaviera."

Shortly after hanging up, a text from Marcus popped up.

"You did great today. Thanks for not making a scene. Be good, and I'll bring you back some souvenirs."

I stared at the message for a few seconds before a Facebook notification from Bianca flashed on my screen.

It was a photo of her flashing a peace sign, beaming beside Marcus.

The caption read, "The final trip of my life! So grateful to have the most important person by my side to watch the sea."

Someone commented, "Where's Cecilia? Her fiance is traveling with you. Didn't she make a fuss?"

Bianca replied with an emoji, "She's busy with work. She didn't have time to join."

I scrolled past the post and exited the app without any expression.

Another message came in from Marcus.

"Did you see Bianca's Facebook post? She's been trying to get 999 likes. She said she wants to see how many people support her before she leaves. Go give her a like too, Cecilia. It'll make her happy."

I ignored it.

Five minutes later, he sent several more messages.

"Why aren't you replying? Did you fall asleep?"

"Alright, get some rest early tonight."

"Since I'm not there to tuck you in, don't kick off the blankets. Don't catch a cold."

Looking at these texts, I found them utterly laughable.

Back when he actually mattered to me, I used to reply instantly. This time, not only did I leave him on read, but I also muted his notifications.

After all, I would be arriving in Solaviera by helicopter tomorrow. I was going to enjoy a trip entirely on my own.

As for little things like having someone to tuck me in, I could handle that just fine on my own.