Chapter 2

I opened my eyes to find my parents seated beside my hospital bed, grasping my hand. Their expressions were etched with concern.

My voice raspy, I announced, "I'm ready to return home. I've decided to accept the arranged marriage."

After years of resistance, I felt it was time to yield to their wishes and stop causing them distress.

The ceremony was scheduled for just three days later.

I knew nothing about my intended spouse, and truthfully, I lacked the interest to inquire.

Before cutting off contact with Clay, I noticed his latest social media update:

[For six years, I was blinded by misplaced affection. Fortunately, fate intervened. A wonderful woman rescued me, and she'll be the sole recipient of my love from now on.]

I skimmed the post, but an intense ache gripped my chest, as if countless tiny barbs were piercing me simultaneously.

Then I received his wedding invitation. That alone was upsetting, but discovering his nuptials were set for the identical day and location as mine was truly devastating.

Altering the date or venue wasn't feasible. I had no option but to endure the situation.

I reasoned that the hotel likely had multiple floors with separate reception areas. Surely, the chances of crossing paths were slim, right?

On the wedding day, just as I finished applying my makeup, my closest friend called. She'd gotten disoriented and ended up on the incorrect floor, so I grabbed my dress and set out to locate her.

I had barely exited the elevator when I collided with Clay and Melissa.

His expression immediately darkened. "You just can't let go, can you? You've come to disrupt my wedding, haven't you?"

Melissa sneered, then lashed out, "Is this some kind of soap opera? You think you can just swoop in and take my groom? You're digging your own grave! What gives you the right to show your face here? You're nothing but a pathetic, desperate woman who'd sleep with a man twice her age!"

I stood my ground, refusing to budge, and Clay shouted, "Get out of here!"

Swallowing my pride, I calmly explained, "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not here for you. I'm searching for someone. Once I find her, I'll leave."

Melissa erupted in mocking laughter. "Searching for someone? Are you dense? That's the best excuse you could concoct? Come on, even a child wouldn't fall for that!"

"I'm looking for Jewell," I clarified. "She came for my wedding but ended up on the wrong floor!"

Melissa stared at me as if I'd suddenly sprouted an extra head.

"Your wedding? Today is my wedding! Have you lost your mind? If you're mentally ill, seek help! Don't stand here making a fool of yourself."

I met her gaze unflinchingly. "Listen, today is my wedding too. I'm marrying someone else. Clifton."

Clay froze momentarily, then, before I could react, he struck me across the face.

"Shut your mouth! My uncle isn't even interested in women, let alone you! Don't you dare drag him into your lies unless you want to get yourself killed!"

I recoiled, but before I could defend myself, his hand clamped around my wrist like a steel trap.

"I'm not lying," I managed to gasp. "I'm going to marry Cli—"

Before I could finish, his hand rose and struck me again.

"Who do you think you are?" he snarled. "You show up here, spouting lies about marrying my uncle, just to cause trouble? What, you think you can intimidate me with your nonsense, huh?!"

The corners of my mouth were bleeding, and it felt like they might split open at any moment.

But then he grabbed my hair again, and the piercing pain shot through my scalp with each tiny movement.

The man who once treated me with such tenderness was now nothing but brutal!

"C-Clay," I sputtered, "if you don't believe me, call your uncle."

He let out a harsh laugh. "What a joke! If my uncle were getting married, don't you think I'd be aware of it? Stop this charade, Lorraine! I've had enough of your act!"

My vision blurred with tears, but through the haze, I saw a figure rushing toward us.

It was Jewell!

She halted briefly, taking in the scene, then lunged at Clay, clawing at his hands.

"Y-You bastard! How dare you treat Lorraine this way?! Let her go, or... or... I'm calling the police!"