Chapter 21

Anthony woke up to some delightful news first thing in the morning.Simon's wedding invitation had arrived.Anthony thumbed through the heavy, gold-embossed invitation, its centerpiece a dazzling sapphire."Snagging a wedding invite was a breeze. So much for the Canfield family's big, mysterious rep," he mused."Odd though, the invite lists only the groom's name. No bride. How peculiar."However, Anthony could not care less about the bride's identity, she was just another heiress from some highfalutin family.He glanced at his assistant. "Are we all set?"His assistant gave a firm nod.Jessica had once boldly faced down her own family, the Sullivans, calling off an arranged marriage to be with Anthony. Then, he was her world, her everything.If anyone was going to step into the picture then, it would be Simon."Ha, the Hudson City golden boy's big day will be crawling with the press. Can't wait to see Simon squirm when the dirt hits the fan.""And when Jess is left with nowh

Chapter 22

Linda smoothed her dress and flashed her sweetest, practiced smile.She sidled up, her neckline daringly low."Mr. Canfield, my hero, do I owe you my hand for saving me?"Before she could bat an eyelash, Simon's secretary whisked her away by the collar.Simon slouched in his chair, his voice dripping with boredom. "You think you're in my league?"Linda's face soured. She was not a knockout like Jessica, but she was no slouch in the looks department. How could Simon dismiss her so easily?She settled back into her chair at the dining table. "Alright, what do you need me to do?"Simon had dangled a carrot in front of her: 750 thousand dollars. With that money, she could whisk Tracy away from the orphanage and they could vanish into the horizon, just the two of them."And who's Tracy's real dad?"Simon planned to play Linda like a chess piece against Anthony, but he needed something to hold over her head.He never knew what Linda might do when she snapped—she was a ticking time

Chapter 23

Jessica knew Simon's career was leagues beyond Anthony's, his social calendar a testament to his success.She had zero expectations for him or their fast-approaching wedding."It's just a loveless arranged marriage," she confided in her best friend.To her surprise, Simon was hands-on with the wedding plans. He picked out the venue himself and personally approved every decorative detail.The guy had some serious credentials, holding dual doctorates from the prestigious St. Lonsdale University of Arts.He even had a hand in designing her unique wedding ring.When it came to her dress, he made sure she felt valued and involved. The mermaid-style gown she was trying on? A Simon original from his grad school days.Simon lounged on a low sofa, his long legs sprawling awkwardly.His gaze was intense, almost predatory, as he eyed her up and down.Feeling the heat of his stare, Jessica tugged at her dress. "Don't you like it?"Simon rose and closed the distance between them, his hand

Chapter 24

On the eve of their wedding, Jessica played the 'bride and groom can't see each other before the big day' card to shoo Simon away.Simon pleaded from the other side of the door, "Come on, we're going to be together tomorrow night anyway, let me in."Jessica clicked the lock shut. "Nope, it's bad luck. Besides, it's tradition."The moment Simon heard 'bad luck', he immediately agreed."But I miss you so much already. What am I supposed to do?"With a playful roll of her eyes, Jessica teased, "Simon, it's been less than five minutes since we said goodbye."Little did Jessica know, Simon was the ultimate romantic, hopelessly attached at the hip.Left alone after Simon's reluctant departure, Jessica tossed and turned in bed, sleeping just out of reach.She would become Mrs. Simon Canfield by morning light. Their courtship had been a joy, but she knew well that marriage was a whole new ballgame, and it left her feeling uneasy.With the sting of Anthony's betrayal still fresh, she c

Chapter 25

Anthony gestured with pride for silence. "I've come uninvited today to extend my personal congratulations to Mr. Canfield on his joyous wedding."Simon kept his cool, ignoring Anthony's antics."I've got a few photos here I'd like to share with the bride's family and friends."He whipped out his phone, showing off a cozy picture of Simon and Jessica.Simon, ever so considerate, offered, "Mr. Harris, your phone screen seems a bit small. How about we put it up on the big screen?"Anthony smirked. "That would be just great."The tech crew got to work, and soon Anthony's phone was casting to the massive electronic screen behind him.Anthony could not hide his smugness. "Mr. Canfield, the lady in the photo, could she be the secret lover you've been seeing behind your fiancée's back? I'm curious, what's your excuse?"Simon let out a dismissive snort. "The lady in the photo, Mr. Harris—recognize her?""Absolutely! She's my wife."Simon burst into laughter. "But the wife I've heard a

Chapter 26

"And now, let's welcome today's bride—Jessica!"The banquet hall doors parted slowly, a spotlight illuminating her path.To the grand strains of the wedding march, Jessica, bouquet in hand, made her way to Simon.Jessica was all dolled up for the second time in her life for a big event. The last time she had done that, she had ended up utterly humiliated.This time around, she was not exactly brimming with confidence about her chances for happiness either.Right then, she was seriously considering just turning tail and running.Up on the stage, Simon's hands were a bundle of nerves, his fingers twitching."Jess!"Down below, at her family's table, her parents were looking up at her, their eyes glistening with tears. Sharing the table were the Sullivans, her classmates, and her closest friends.They were all waving and calling out their congratulations, their voices a warm chorus.Jessica was rooted to the spot, overwhelmed, as tears streamed down her face.The emcee was abou