Chapter 3

"That's enough of your willfulness, Cosmo. We really have to get going. The hotel has already called. If we don't get married, everyone will think Selene is the one who ruined the wedding. How is she supposed to hold her head up after that?" Julian chastised.

Cosmo turned to leave, but Julian grabbed her arm. The man who had always been dignified and self-possessed lost his temper at her for the first time—and it was all because of Selene.

"Once this gets out, Selene will be branded as a homewrecker. There's absolutely no way I'll let that happen."

"What did you just say?" Cosmo laughed, but tears streamed down her cheeks.

"So, you're choosing to go through with the wedding because you're afraid people will call Selene a homewrecker? Do you honestly think what she's done doesn't make her one?"

Julian sighed and said, "No, I'm marrying you because I love you. Why else would I propose or go through with a wedding? In my heart, the most important person has always been you and only you."

"Love me? You love me, so you give me freebies as birthday gifts and sleep with Selene on the very day you propose to me? Even knowing full well I have a thing about cleanliness, you still did it with her on our marital bed? Julian, don't you think your so-called love is revolting?"

Julian lost all patience.

"Selene was just being playful—she only said it as a joke. Why do you have to keep harping on it?"

"Shut up, Julian. In any case, the wedding's off. Since you won't let me leave, all of you can get out then."

Cosmo shoved them out like a madwoman. Even Cathleen was no exception—she, too, was pushed out of the house.

"Cosmo, stop making a scene and let me in," Cathleen urged.

"Come on, Cosmo, it's so hot out here. Hurry, let us in," Selene begged.

"Cosmo, I'm giving you three minutes. If you don't open this door, we're completely done!" Julian threatened.

They pounded on the door until it rattled, but Cosmo never opened it.

The commotion had started sometime after 9:00 am, and now it was past 10:00 am.

It was the height of summer, with the temperature nearing 104 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

Refusing to believe Cosmo could be this ruthless, Julian kept hammering on the door.

"Cosmo, open up! There's still time to get to the hotel, or all that money will go down the drain."

Selene shouted through her tears as well, "Cosmo, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have exposed my relationship with Julian today. But I truly know I was wrong now. Don't be like this and just open the door."

The moment she finished shouting, someone screamed, "Selene, what's wrong?"

Selene collapsed in Julian's arms.

"I'm so hot. My head is spinning, and my stomach hurts so much."

"Cosmo, open this door right now. Selene is suffering from a heatstroke. Open up! I'll never forgive you if anything happens to her!" Julian roared.

Inside, Cosmo let out a cold chuckle.

"Heatstroke? Why doesn't she just drop dead?"

"You'd actually go so far as to wish her dead? Cosmo, I never took you for someone like that. I'm really disappointed in you!"

Julian scooped Selene up into the wedding car and rushed her to the hospital, with the whole group trailing behind.

Once they had left, Cosmo called her friend in Califax, Irwin Blackwell.

"Irwin, didn't you say the design department in your company was short-staffed? Do you think I'd have a shot?"

Irwin was somewhat surprised.

"Of course. You know I've always wanted you to come help us out here. But I heard you're getting married today. What happened? Did you call it off?"

"Julian cheated, so yes. Wait for me. Once I've dealt with everything here, I'll come find you."

"Alright. Give me a call then, and I'll come pick you up."

Next, Cosmo contacted Riley Lowe, the agent who had sold her the house.

"Hi, please help me sell my house as soon as possible."

"Ms. Foster, isn't this the place you were going to live in after marrying your fiance? Are you sure you want to sell it?"

"Yup. Cash upfront would be best. I'm fine with taking a hit on the price. I just need it done fast."

"Alright, I'll get in touch with you the moment I have any news."