Chapter 3

News of my marriage to Joseph did not spread across the city right away.

To protect their reputation and keep their creditors calm, the Sterling family spent a large amount of money bribing the wedding guests and journalists, forcing the whole thing under the surface.

Right after the ceremony, I took Joseph straight to the registry office. We signed the papers and officially became husband and wife.

After we got our marriage certificate, Joseph told me that he had some personal matters to take care of and needed to leave the capital for a few days.

I had a feeling his identity was more complicated than it seemed, so I did not ask questions. I just told him to come back soon.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of everything, Wyatt spent two carefree days on a yacht with Becky Jones before finally realizing something was off.

Normally, by this time, if I had found out he skipped the wedding, I would have caused a huge ruckus and forced him to return and explain himself.

However, this time, the capital was completely quiet. The Larson family was silent in a way that felt almost unsettling.

Wyatt absentmindedly swirled his drink, barely reacting even when Becky called his name in a soft, sugary voice.

'Something's not right. She must be playing hard to get,' he thought.

A confident smile curled on his lips. 'I have spoiled her too much. If I ignore her for a few days, she'll come running back on her own.'

Two days later, I attended a business banquet at the capital's chamber of commerce on behalf of my father. I did not expect to run into those two people.

Wyatt noticed me immediately. However, when he saw me laughing and chatting with several young elites, his expression darkened instantly.

Becky saw me too. She subtly pushed her stomach forward, then said sweetly to Wyatt,

"Wyatt, I'm tired. My feet hurt and my stomach doesn't feel great."

Wyatt’s expression immediately changed to a doting one, supporting her carefully, though his eyes darted toward me like it meant nothing.

"Be careful. Don't upset the baby."

He was probably waiting for me to walk over and confront him.

It was too bad for him.

From start to finish, I did not even look in his direction. I kept talking and laughing with the people beside me.

He finally lost patience. He strode over and slammed his hand down on our table.

"Anna, are you mad because I had someone take my place at the wedding? You haven't even sent a message these past few days."

I could not even be bothered to look at him. I stood up, ready to leave.

"Anna, there was an emergency on the wedding day. Wyatt suddenly wasn't feeling well, so he couldn't make it." Becky stepped in front of me, blocking my path, a pitiful expression on her face.

"Anna, please don't blame Wyatt. It's my fault for being so weak. I delayed your—"

Wyatt cut in, looking at me with a half amused, half annoyed expression.

"Anna, since when did you become this petty? It was just a ceremony."

As he spoke, he reached out like it was the most natural thing in the world and grabbed my arm.

"Alright, stop making a scene. Come back with me."

My gaze turned icy. I shook his hand off immediately. "Mr. Sterling, show some respect.

"Didn't your parents tell you what happened on the wedding day?"

Wyatt froze, frowning slightly. "Tell me what? I haven't gone home these past two days."

Becky suddenly grabbed my wrist, looking flustered as she tried to mediate.

"Anna, don't be like this. Wyatt only did it for your own good…"

Her words sounded gentle, but her nails dug hard into my skin. The sharp pain almost made me flinch.

I yanked my hand back. "Get off me!"

"Ah!" Becky fell to the ground in a miserable heap.

Wyatt's eyes went wide with fury. He rushed to help her up, then roared at me, "You're insane! Apologize to Becky right now!"

I let out an icy laugh and turned to the chamber guards who had rushed over.

"Security, remove these two troublemakers."

Wyatt's face turned dark with rage. "Don't believe for one second that think this will get my attention!

"If you behave, I might even consider giving you another ceremony in a few days."

He really believed that as long as he came back, I would be just like before, grateful and eager to run into his arms.

I smiled.

"However, I'm already married."