Chapter 3

Celeste's POV

I fell backwards, his words hitting me like a wave of shock. "What?"

He repeated his words, slowly this time like he was afraid I would ask for it again. I raised a brow at him.

I barely knew this man. No, I didn't even know him at all, and he dared propose marriage to me. In such an absurd way too.

I took a further step back and he smiled.

"Is it really so surprising?" He asked, moving closer. "A contract marriage. I would not only save your company but also your reputation. Those lawsuits..." He paused, locking eyes with me.

"Just forget about it." He said, and I bit my lip harder.

I hated the fact that he was right, he really could be the one who would help me out of this misery and keep me away from it for a few more years but I wouldn't get married to a stranger.

My face hardened.

"I don't agree with your terms," I said, turning to walk out but he stopped me.

"I know you won't. This is your first time seeing me after all." He said, taking steady steps forward and finally pausing a few inches from me.

He stretched his hand out, "This is my card, you can make your findings. I'm sure you'll find me a good match. It also has my number on it, for when you are ready for the right decision."

The way he spoke made me twitch. He was so certain that I would come back to his offer. I scoffed, pushing my way out.

"You can't leave this company without this." He said, and I took a deep breath in.

I turned, grabbed his card, and walked out. What a character! I stepped out of the company, looking back at the magnificent building that I had thought my hope lay in.

I couldn't help but sneer before walking away. What a weird place. Such a waste of Viktor's goodwill.

I rolled my eyes, walking away when my phone rang.

I paused when I saw the caller—Yuna. I was scared she had more bad news but I took a deep breath and picked the call.

"Miss. Millie has been found," Yuna said and my eyes widened immediately.

"Really? Send me the details immediately." I said, and she hung up. I looked back at the company and I snickered, louder this time.

To hell with his damn offer, I was still saved with or without it.

I walked off with a smile on my face, taking huge big steps.

Hudson Valley

I glued myself to one of the guests to enter. My eyes scanned the place as soon as I was in, and I understood why she was here.

Millie had always talked about attending parties like this. I had always let her do as she wished, giving her the invitation meant for me most of the time. I even promised to throw them away for her.

I smiled, feeling more certain I would find her. I took slow, careful steps, my eyes scanning every chatting guest in the room but I didn't catch sight of Millie.

My heart plunged deep. Had I celebrated too soon?

I moved to a secluded corner, placing a call to Yuna. "Are you sure she's here? What if she had discovered you were watching and fled?"

I asked, the last word hardly escaping my lips.

"She's still there, and she couldn't have noticed us, you'll find her there for sure," Yuna spoke, making me feel more at ease.

I nodded at her words before cutting the call. "I would definitely find her here," I said to myself.

I was about to walk out when I sighted her. At first, I thought I was wrong but when she turned slightly, I recognized her immediately. It was really Millie.

But she was different. Millie was putting on gold accessories with a million-dollar dress that she had always shown me that she would buy once she struck it rich.

Was this what she had done with the company's funds?

I moved closer, trying my best to keep calm and not draw any conclusions yet. "Millie," I called when I was closer to her.

Millie turned, startled. For a moment, fear flashed through her eyes but it was soon replaced with disgust. "What are you doing here?"

She eyed me, almost like we weren't still eating from the same bowl a few weeks ago.

"It's Celeste," I said, shocked at her act but all she did was roll her eyes.

"I wouldn't really have loved to recognize you but here I am. So, what do you want?" She said, and I gulped. I had never seen this side of hers before.

"I got complaints after you left about inferior products and I still need you to solve them," I said.

Millie chuckled as soon as she heard my words. "Solve them? What am I to solve?" She said, a tear dropping from how hard she laughed.

"I used those materials because they saved money. And I have all the money I need. You can use the rest however you like." She said, her face carrying not even a single look of remorse.

"Can you hear yourself? You just admitted to embezzlement, and changing the materials used." I spoke, but my words carried no weight in her ears.

"And so what? I can never end up in jail, if anyone would, it would be you."

Millie spoke, a smug look on her face.

I stared at her, my brows furrowed. "Why?" That was all I managed to get out.

I had always lied to myself that she had a use for the money that's why she took it. I never knew she had always seen me as someone she would eventually discard.

"I needed the money, and I took it. You didn't really think I was with you for anything else apart from you?" She asked, and my knees wobbled.

Millie turned away, smiled, and waved at someone coming in from a distance.

Millie turned, her smile now vanished. "It's about time you leave this place. I don't want anyone knowing about our past relationship."

She waved her hands in the air but I didn't back out.

Only a cold smirk broke out on my face.