Chapter 2

Amanda was over the moon. All these years, she'd been worried that her failed marriage with my father would leave me traumatized.

To sort out my love life as soon as possible, she arranged for me to have dinner with the guy I'd chosen the very next day.

When I saw Jamie Canberra sitting across from me, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward.

He raised a brow with a smirk. "I think it's love at first sight for me. So, when are we getting married?"

His bluntness made me choke on my water.

"We've just met for the first time. We barely know each other. Isn't it a bit too soon to talk about marriage?"

He looked down and murmured, "It's not the first time–"

But he spoke so quietly I didn't catch it. "Sorry, what did you say?"

Jamie gave a faint smile. "Nothing."

Then, without warning, he pushed aside the tableware in front of him and leaned in close to me. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face.

His eyes sparkled like an eager puppy wanting a pat. "I work at my family's company, love racing, don't smoke, drink, or gamble. No messy romantic past either. Selena, is there anything else you'd like to know? Even if it's something more private, I'm open."

He shifted closer and closer, but a voice suddenly called out.

"What are you two doing?"

Snapping out of it, I quickly pulled away, only to see Connor standing there with Vanessa Kruger.

Jamie stood up and greeted him casually, "You're Selena's neighbor, right? We're just two young people dating."

Connor's expression grew darker, and Vanessa gave his sleeve a tug. "Selena's old enough to date, Connor. Even if you think of yourself as her big brother, you're just her neighbor. Don't get too involved."

But then I froze and stared at her finger. She was wearing a very familiar ring.

It was the ring I'd designed in secret without telling Connor. I'd revised it countless times, hoping that someday, when we got married, that would be our wedding ring.

"Where did you get that ring?" I asked.

Vanessa's face lit up with pride. "Connor had it custom made just for our wedding."

Connor smiled. "Selena, don't you think it looks beautiful on Vanessa's hand?"

So he knew. He'd known all along what I'd been foolishly doing behind the scenes. It felt like someone was ripping my heart apart. I stared at him in shock.

"Can I have my ring back?"

He caressed Vanessa's hand. "Selena, some things were never meant for you."

Fury took over, and I reached out to grab it.

Vanessa screamed in panic, and Connor gently soothed her before taking off the ring.

"This ring looks too cheap for the spotlight," he said, "just like the person who liked it, cheap, and not fit to be seen. It doesn't deserve to be worn by Vanessa."

With a casual flick of his hand, the ring that once carried all my hopes flew out the window and vanished from sight.

I fought to hold back the tears welling in my eyes. Suddenly, I didn't feel like fighting anymore.

"Connor, Vanessa, I'm sorry. I was being immature."

I left with Jamie, not noticing the dark, unreadable look in Connor's eyes.

-

Later that night, back at my apartment, Connor showed up. The moment I opened the door, he slammed me against the wall.

"Selena, did my words mean nothing to you? What the hell were you doing today?" he demanded.

I looked at him, exhausted. "I just want to live a normal life too."

Connor laughed bitterly. "Selena, I get to live a normal life. You don't. You're exactly what I want, and I'm not done with you yet. You'll stay with me.

"Or do you want to see what'll happen if your fragile, conservative mother sees explicit photos of you fooling around with an engaged man? Do you think she'll survive that with her heart condition?"