Chapter 4

I looked over at him.

Ryan had already made himself comfortable in the chair beside the bed, an unmistakable challenge written across his face.

"Back then, she was the one who changed your college application, too."

My heart lurched. "What did you say?"

He let out a quiet laugh.

"It was never her bratty little sister messing with it by accident. That was just an excuse.

"It was Claire. She changed your application from Ashbourne University to the same school she was attending. She did it right in front of me."

My thoughts descended into chaos as memories came flooding back.

After the college entrance exams, I'd trusted Claire completely. She knew all my application details.

But when the acceptance letters arrived, I discovered that my first-choice university, Ashbourne University—the one I had been certain I would get into—had somehow changed to Seaview Institute of Technology, the same university Claire attended.

Back then, I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.

I'd rushed to confront her. For a moment, I'd even wondered if she had changed my application herself.

But before I could even reach the Sullivan residence, her younger sister, Sophie Sullivan, had dropped to her knees in front of me, crying.

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I didn't know it was your college application. I thought it was just something people filled out for fun.

"Please forgive me. I really didn't know."

I had been completely stunned.

Claire immediately sent Sophie overseas and cut off her financial support.

Then she lowered her head in apology, guilt written all over her face.

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I've sent her abroad and punished her for what she did. It's all my fault."

Back then, seeing Sophie receive such a severe punishment, I no longer had any grounds to keep blaming her.

Since it meant Claire and I could attend the same university, I chose not to pursue the matter any further.

So that was the truth.

From beginning to end, it had all been Claire's scheme, a performance she directed herself. She was the one who changed my future.

Ryan smiled. Then, as though his mission had finally been accomplished, he left the room.

I sat alone on the hospital bed.

From darkness until dawn, I remained motionless, my heart feeling like it had been ripped out.

Not long afterward, the hospital room door opened again.

Claire walked in carrying breakfast.

I watched as she carefully arranged everything on the table. Her expression was so focused, as though nothing in the world mattered more than making sure I ate.

It was revoltingly fake.

"Why?" My voice was hoarse.

Claire looked up in surprise. "What?"

"Why did you change my college application?"

Her movements froze. After a long silence, she finally spoke, "Didn't you want to stay with me? You didn't need to go to Ashbourne University. The Sullivan Group was always going to be yours. I just wanted you to stay by my side. I didn't want you working so hard."

I lost control. I swept the breakfast off the table and sent it crashing into her. My entire body shook with anger.

"Claire, that was my life! Do you have any idea how much I sacrificed for Ashbourne University?!"

Scalding oatmeal splashed across her clothes, but she didn't even flinch. Instead, she simply said, "I only did it because I love you."

I lowered my head and let out a bitter laugh. The sound was filled with endless sorrow.

"Love? Sleeping with another man and making me raise your lover's child is love? Destroying my life is love? Claire, your love is poison."

Her eyes fluttered.

"Calm down." She pressed her lips tightly together. The woman standing before me felt like a complete stranger.

"I've already started re-planning the wedding. I hope you can forget all of this and that we can live our lives properly together.

"The invitations have already gone out to your friends and family. If you don't want your parents to be embarrassed, be at the venue the day after tomorrow."

Her threat was delivered without emotion.

"And I know you can't bear to leave me. Nathan, be reasonable. Don't make this ugly for everyone."

With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

The hospital room fell silent.

I closed my eyes and let out a bitter laugh. When I opened them again, there was nothing left except hatred and resentment.

Threatening me with my parents?

Not a chance.

I immediately called my parents and told them I was leaving for Ardenia. I also told them to block Claire's number.

By tomorrow evening, when the plane lifted off the runway, Claire and I would never have anything to do with each other again.

But first...

I let out a cold laugh.

I'd left her a very special surprise for the wedding the day after tomorrow.