Chapter 3

I kept silent, and Eric's face lit up with realization. "Sylvia, you've got some nerve. To get me to split from Willa, you're staging this whole wedding farce with the Lynches? They're really bending over backward for their adopted daughter—you. You don't seriously think this will make me leave Willa, do you?"

I watched Eric muttering to himself and could not help but sneer. "Eric, you're not worth the headache anymore. You want a breakup? Fine by me. I can walk down the aisle guilt-free."

I reached for the wedding gown the nanny had brought. "You all should head out, I've got a dress to try on."

However, in a flash, Eric grabbed the gown and chucked it to the floor.

"Sylvia, when will you drop the act? You've turned down every guy for me since we were kids, dead set on 'no one but Eric.' Who else would you even marry?"

His words sent a chill through me.

Eric knew it all. That's why he was so shameless.

My mom, Natalie Hawkins, came in just then and caught sight of the crumpled gown. "Sylvia, that dress is from the Garcia family's son. You're getting hitched in two days—what are we going to tell them? "

Natalie's words hung in the air when Eric came to a dead stop.

"Sylvia, you're actually going to tie the knot with that love child? Have you lost your mind?"

I did not even get a chance to answer before he blurted out again, "No way, Sylvia, you've got to be kidding me. My dad said everything was cool, you're just trying to get back at me, aren't you? Acting all this out just to get a rise out of me!"

I lifted the wedding gown, dusting it off, "Please, just go. I'm worn out."

Once Natalie had shown them out, my tears broke free. From that moment, Eric meant no more to me than any random flower or weed.

With the wedding day nearing, Yale Garcia, the so-called illegitimate son, had sent over a generous array of engagement gifts, and our villa buzzed with festive decorations.

I never expected Eric to show up, especially not alone, without Willa in tow.

"Sylvia, I get it, you're ticked off at me. Let's drop it, okay? Willa and I were just playing parts.

"I know you're dying to be with me, but imagine the talk if we split right after saying 'I do.' Give it some time, I'll break it off with Willa and then I'll be back for you, deal?

"Sylvia, you know I can't stand losing you."

His words were full of drama, but inside, I felt nothing, maybe even a bit queasy.

"Sylvia, cut the act. You've gone through all this trouble just to get me to sweet-talk you, right? Well, I'm here now, so can we stop this nonsense?"

I just gave a light laugh, keeping my thoughts to myself.

"Eric, you're reading too much into it. This has nothing to do with you."

Eric would not have it, stubborn as ever, "Sylvia, I know you're upset. Let's talk when you've cooled off."

I watched him walk away, a smirk hidden in my thoughts.

Come morning, Yale lifted me into the wedding limo, and we set off for the hotel.

Driving past the Jordans' place, I caught sight of Eric, his arm around Willa, at the front door.

Eric, eyeing the grand procession of wedding cars, teased Willa, "Sylvia's quite the fibber. Garcia's little secret is tying the knot today, but I'll confront her later and see what kind of scene she'll try to stir up with me then."

Willa, peering at the limo, seemed unsure, "However, ... that looks like my sister in there."

Eric, startled, then annoyed, retorted, "Willa, you must be mistaken. There's no way that's Sylvia in the car..."

He did not get to finish. I rolled down the window, and our gazes locked.