Chapter 3

Harriet's Perspective

I realized that in Damian's mind, I was merely a compliant, presentable arm candy. How absurd.

I acknowledged this to myself. If that's the case, so be it.

It stung, certainly. But I've always been resilient, capable of recovering and moving forward.

I arrived hoping to mend things. If that wasn't feasible, I'd depart.

Facing Damian, I mustered a forced, cynical grin. "Very well. I hope you find happiness."

With those words, I began to exit the platform.

I noticed Damian clenching his fists and avoiding eye contact. However, Astrid wasn't going to let me leave so easily.

She obstructed my path, sneering. "Since you're already present, you might as well witness the ceremony. Leaving now would be disrespectful to me. And disrespecting me is equivalent to disrespecting my family. And disrespecting my family means disrespecting all of Denver!"

"How melodramatic," I retorted with a smirk.

I'd encountered similar nonsense before.

Back in Washington, many people unaware of my identity tried such tactics. But after dealing with a few ignorant individuals, no one dared address me in that manner anymore.

Astrid missed the contempt in my voice. Instead, she summoned a group of men in dark suits with a clap. They encircled the stage, closing in.

"You filthy little tramp," she said icily. "If I'm not satisfied, you're not exiting this room."

Suddenly, Damian rushed over, glowering at me. "Leave! I don't want to see you again!"

But Astrid snapped at him. "Did I give you permission to speak?" Her expression turned glacial as she continued, "Do you think I'm foolish? I can see you're trying to shield her."

Shield me?

I glanced at Damian, catching a glimpse of concern in his eyes.

Was he deceiving me earlier?

Before I could process this, Damian shook his head and said, "I just don't want remnants of my past here. Today is about us. Having my former girlfriend here—what kind of impression does that create? What will people think of you, Astrid?"

His tone softened as he added, "I'm only considering your interests, Astrid."

Astrid's expression relaxed slightly, but she still declared, "I'm not concerned about appearances. Here in Denver, I make the rules."

She then pointed at me and commanded, "Go sit down and observe the ceremony."

I shrugged and gave Damian a faint, mocking smile before descending from the stage.

But as soon as I reached the floor, four men in dark suits surrounded me and guided me to a corner seat.

Evidently, they were concerned I might attempt to escape.

From the stage, Astrid called out, "You'll sit there and watch silently. You're not departing unless I permit it."

I chuckled softly. "You may not allow me to leave now, but when you want me gone, I might choose to stay."

"Silence!" Damian barked.

I smiled but remained quiet. If they wanted to play games, I'd participate.

Astrid added with a cunning grin, "I heard you're from Washington. Perfect timing. Some influential figures from your area will be here later—the genuine heirs of the capital's elite. I'll introduce you to them and let you witness what real power looks like."

"I appreciate it in advance," I said, unable to suppress a laugh.

Just then, a group of young people sauntered into the room. Their arrogance was tangible—clearly Astrid's crowd.

One of them, a young man with a sneer, leaned towards me. "You should've stayed out of this, you know?"

"You really believe Damian can protect you?" another chimed in.

"Here's the reality," a third said with a smirk. "Even if you hadn't appeared today, Astrid wouldn't have let you off. Do you truly think she'd allow someone who spent four years with her fiancé to walk away unscathed?"

The fourth one even waved a phone at me. "Want me to summon the authorities for you?"