Chapter 2

Instead, they grew closer and closer to Chase.

Back then, I was too naive to think anything of it. I simply assumed that Celia and Shannon were outgoing and warmhearted, the kind of people who got along with everyone.

Looking back, I realized that Chase had gradually taken my place in their hearts.

‘Since they’ve chosen him, I’ll respect their wishes,’ I thought.

I had one of the household staff take the mute waitress away first, so she would not get caught up in any more trouble.

However, Celia and Shannon had no intention of letting her leave. Shannon even shoved her aside.

“Jeremy, we just wanted to teach you a lesson this time. That’s what you get for humiliating Chase at the dinner table the other day.”

Shannon immediately pinned the blame on me.

Celia picked up where Shannon left off.

“Exactly. How could you pick on him? He didn’t choose to grow up poor. All you have to do is apologize to Chase, and we won’t make you marry this mute.”

I sneered and stepped in front of the waitress.

“Let me make one thing clear. When I, Jeremy Cottrell, give my word, I never go back on it. From now on, show her some respect. She isn’t some ‘mute.’ She’s going to be my wife!”

Celia and Shannon’s expressions darkened when I finished speaking. But they still regarded my mysterious fiancée with undisguised contempt.

“Let’s see if you really intend to marry this mute.”

With that, the two of them left with Chase.

The guests gradually dispersed as well.

What should have been a joyful birthday celebration ended on such a sour note that even Grandpa’s gaze toward me grew colder.

“You got yourself into this mess, Jeremy. So, you’d better get yourself out of it. Since you gave your word in front of everyone today, don’t turn yourself into a laughingstock. Otherwise, I’ll be the first to break your legs.”

“Got it, Grandpa.”

After seeing Grandpa off, I saved my fiancée’s contact information and finally learned her name: Kiara Sterling.

It was a beautiful name, and so was she. But for some reason, she could not speak.

To restore the Cottrell family’s reputation, Grandpa insisted that I arrange the wedding as soon as possible.

Naturally, Kiara and I began spending more time together.

One day, we decided to look at wedding rings, so I took her straight to Hartwell.

It was Jexford’s most prestigious luxury brand, best known for its bespoke jewelry.

I had heard that Hartwell had a bestselling diamond ring. It was meant to be given to only one person in a lifetime.

A few days earlier, I had asked Kiara for her ring size and passed it along to one of the store’s employees. The store called to tell me that the ring was ready, so I brought Kiara there to try it on.

I never expected to see Chase when we walked in.

He was staring at an emerald pendant in the display window.

“I heard this pendant is supposed to bring good fortune. I’ve been having terrible luck lately. I wonder if someone has it out for me.”

“It’s just a pendant. If you like it, I’ll buy it for you,” Shannon said.

Celia glanced at the pendant and scoffed.

“Isn’t it just a pendant? Chase, put on this Rolex. It suits you.”

“Thanks, Celia. Thanks, Shannon. You two are so good to me.”

Those three really were impossible to escape.

I tried to avoid them, but I had barely turned before they spotted me.