Chapter 3

3、

I didn't even want to breathe the same air as him.

I was about to walk away when my eyes caught the necklace around Lyla's neck. I froze.

Lyla noticed my gaze and smirked. "What are you looking at, Vera? Beautiful, isn't it? Xander gave it to me."

Xander's tone was indifferent. "It's just a cheap little trinket."

That was the necklace I had stayed up for nights to design. I had found the jeweler myself and watched them craft it.

I had personally engraved the words "Peace and Joy" onto the pendant, letter by letter.

I had given it to Xander as a birthday gift, my heart full of hope.

I had never seen him wear it. Whenever I asked, he'd tell me he probably threw it in a drawer somewhere.

And here it was, on Lyla.

It felt like someone had slammed a hammer into my chest.

I took a sudden step forward and ripped the necklace off her neck.

Lyla let out a sharp scream, grabbing my wrist.

"Xander, help me! It hurts! Vera, just because you're jealous doesn't mean you can attack me!"

"Vera! What the hell is wrong with you?"

Xander tried to lung toward me to stop me.

But the reality of his situation hit him. He was stuck in a chair.

He surged forward so fast the wheelchair nearly tipped over.

He gripped the armrests, screaming at me.

"Vera, you're a goddamn lunatic! If you touch a single hair on her head, I'll make you pay double!"

Lyla screamed for a few more seconds before realizing Xander couldn't actually reach her.

She let go of my hand. "If you want it that badly, take it."

Nobody noticed that when she let go, she gave the chain a violent tug. It hit the pavement and snapped into two pieces.

She covered her mouth, looking like a victim.

"Vera, if you hate me, just hit me. Why did you have to break the gift Xander gave me?"

I looked at her with a cold sneer. "This was mine to begin with. I'd rather see it destroyed than see it on the wrong person."

Xander's face was livid.

"Vera, haven't you had enough? The more petty you act, the more I despise you."

"While I still have an ounce of patience left, get in the car. Tell Grandpa you aren't fit to be the lady of the house."

"Then get on your knees and apologize to Lyla. If you do that, I won't hold this against you."

I straightened my coat, perfectly calm. "Why would I go to your grandfather? My father's arrangement has nothing to do with you."

Xander let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "You think I'll believe that? You've been following me around like a lost puppy for years."

"I get it. You can't let go of the Sullivan name. I'm giving you a chance. If I lose my patience, you won't even get to be a mistress."

Talking to him was becoming physically exhausting.

"Fine. I'll go to the estate. I'll tell your grandfather to let Lyla be your fiancée."

On the way to the estate, Xander whispered harshly.

"Don't you dare try anything funny. If you say one bad word about Lyla, you're dead."

I ignored him completely.

After a few minutes of silence, he looked at my cold face and spoke again. "If you behave yourself from now on, I might even consider letting you have my child. That way you won't be so lonely as a mistress."

The Sullivan estate came into view. I laughed internally.

Old Mr. Sullivan was surprised to see us arrive together.

He looked at me and offered a kind smile.

"You must be Vera, Sterling's daughter. You've grown into a beautiful woman. Your father came to see me yesterday to ask for a blessing on the union. We'll be family soon."

Xander shot me a triumphant look and spoke up.

"Grandpa, Vera has already agreed. she wants to give her spot as my fiancée to Lyla. I'm asking for your blessing."

At the mention of Lyla's name, the old man's brow furrowed. "What does this have to do with Miss Sterling?"

I spoke up clearly. "I think Xander has misunderstood. He seems to think I'm fighting Lyla for the chance to be his wife. I have no such desire, and I hope you can clarify things."

The old man looked at Xander with a weary sigh.

He was already disappointed in this grandson. Now that Xander was paralyzed and apparently delusional, he had to consider his options.

He spoke coldly. "You realize that in your current state, you need a wife with a strong family background. Are you absolutely sure about this girl?"

If Xander chose Lyla, he was effectively forfeiting his right to lead the family.

Unfortunately, Xander was too arrogant to see the trap.

He felt something was off, but he assumed he'd still have the Sterling family's support.

"I'm sure. Lyla and I are in love."

The old man sighed. "Fine. Since your legs are ruined, you should focus on resting anyway. Stop worrying about family business."

"When do you want the engagement party?"

Xander was desperate to have me move in to serve him. "As soon as possible."

The old man thought for a moment. "Someone, make the announcement."

"The engagement of Xander Sullivan and Lyla Brooks will be held on the seventh of March. Ten days from now."

Xander agreed happily. He was just about to bring up the part about me being his secret mistress when his grandfather continued.

"March seventh is a lucky day. Announce it to everyone―the engagement of Silas Sullivan and Vera Sterling will also be on that day. A double celebration. I am very pleased."

The smug look on Xander's face froze. He snapped his head up. "Grandpa, what did you just say?!"