Chapter 4

"No, thank you," I said, turning Chase down coldly. "Since this is all for Joanna, don't you think it would be a little unfair to her if I shared the spotlight?"

He immediately picked up the sarcasm, and his expression darkened. "Renee, I'm only paying more attention to Jo because I'm worried she'll suffer from postpartum depression. What's with the attitude?"

He stormed over and grabbed my wrist. "If you keep pushing me, don't expect me to marry you."

"Suit yourself." I scoffed. "I'm leaving soon anyway."

Panic flashed across Chase's face.

"Leaving? What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes widening. "Where are you going?"

I yanked my hand free.

"None of your business," I shot back before going upstairs to my room.

…

The next morning, Chase came knocking on my door. He looked sheepish, and his attitude had completely changed from the night before.

"Renee…" he began, his voice hesitant as he tried to apologize. "I was just angry yesterday. I didn't mean it. Don't take it to heart."

I raised an eyebrow and watched him in silence, wondering what he was trying to pull this time.

When I didn't respond, he couldn't hold back any longer and quickly revealed his true intentions.

"Renee, I've decided to have a wedding with Jo." He tried to sound sincere, but he couldn't even meet my eyes. "After all, she gave me a child. The least I can do is give her a proper wedding and make things official. Don't you think so?"

I hummed in response. "You're right, but that's your decision to make. You don't need my permission."

Clearly, that wasn't the reaction Chase had expected.

He froze for a moment before hurriedly adding, "But… everyone knows you're my girlfriend. So I was hoping you'd come to the wedding and publicly give Jo and me your blessing. That way, we can put the rumors to rest. And…"

He faltered.

"It might make Jo feel better, too."

I nearly laughed. Even now, he was still trying to have it both ways.

"Don't worry," he quickly added. "It's only a wedding ceremony for appearances. I'll still marry you legally afterward. You'll still be my wife in every sense that matters. I'm just doing this so it's fair to both of you."

"Sure," I agreed without missing a beat.

Chase hadn't expected me to accept his proposal so easily. Suspicion flickered across his face, but it quickly gave way to relief.

"Renee, I'm so glad you understand. I really am," he said. "Once the wedding's over, I'll find a way to make it up to you. I promise."

I watched him walk away, looking entirely pleased with himself.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

Unfortunately for Chase, he wouldn't have a chance to make it up to me—not in this lifetime, and not in the next.

…

Soon enough, the wedding day arrived.

Chase had booked the most luxurious five-star hotel in town and invited nearly every prominent figure in the city's business circles. Even the media was clamoring to cover the lavish affair.

Before the ceremony began, he called to make sure I was on my way. Only after learning that I'd already gotten into a car did he finally relax.

"Just hurry up," he urged. "Don't screw this up for me today."

With that, he hung up.

The cab driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "Miss, are you headed to a wedding? Which hotel?"

I glanced at the plane ticket in my hand.

"No. Just take me to the airport," I replied softly.