Chapter 2

2.

The wedding between Valerie and Bradley was indeed drawing near.

The head butler approached me, asking if I could move out.

"Mr. Cole really likes this historic mansion and hopes to use it as their marital home."

"As compensation, he is willing to offer all the properties under his name for you to choose from, Master Mason."

A thick stack of property deeds was placed before me, all from renowned prime developments.

Any single one of them was worth millions.

Yet, I couldn't feel a shred of joy.

Valerie was getting married, and she couldn't wait to kick me out.

What reason did I even have left to stay?

Refusing the butler's offer, I went upstairs to pack my things.

Bradley appeared at my bedroom door at some point.

Watching me pack, he suddenly spoke up.

"It seems the rumors are true. Valerie really dotes on you."

My hands paused slightly, assuming he was merely rubbing it in.

Then, Bradley bent down and snatched a photo frame right out of my suitcase.

I reached out to grab it back, but he held it high on purpose, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"Tell me, between you and me, who truly matters more to Valerie?"

What a pointless question.

I didn't even need to think to know the answer.

Suddenly, Bradley slammed the photo frame hard against the floor.

My heart ached sharply, and I rushed forward to salvage it, but it was too late.

The frame shattered into pieces, glass shards scattering everywhere.

Bradley clutched his face, apologizing with a terrified expression.

"Little brother Mason, I didn't mean to. Please don't be mad."

I was completely bewildered.

The next second, Valerie rushed in from outside and pulled Bradley close to inspect him.

Then she yelled at me as I stood there in shock. "Mason! That's enough!"

"I know you don't like Bradley, but my marriage to him is set in stone! No matter how much of a tantrum you throw, it won't change anything!"

I tried to explain. "I'm not throwing a tantrum. He threw my photo frame."

Valerie's voice was dripping with disdain.

"It was just a frame! If it's broken, we can just buy another one! If you dare lay a finger on Bradley again, we are completely done!"

Valerie hurriedly took Bradley to the hospital.

Before leaving, Bradley didn't forget to throw me a smug, provocative smile.

A sharp pain suddenly flared in my palm.

Looking down, I realized a glass shard had cut deep into my hand at some point.

I found some bandages, but the bleeding just wouldn't stop.

Soon, dizziness overwhelmed my head, and my vision blurred.

Fumbling, I dialed Valerie's number and managed to say, "Valerie, I feel dizzy."

Her response was freezing cold.

"Mason, how long are you going to keep acting?"

"These petty tricks don't work on me. Even if you die, I will still marry Bradley!"