Chapter 3

3 I moved my things into a penthouse near my office.

After unpacking, I collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

In the morning, the screaming of my phone woke me up.

The moment I answered, Hazel's voice exploded through the speaker.

"Silas, do you want to die? Today is our wedding day! What the hell do you mean by leaving me here alone?"

"Don't forget, you were the one who begged me on your hands and knees for this wedding!"

Every word she said felt like a slow execution.

"Was I not clear enough last night? The wedding is off. I told you, but you insisted on going there alone. That's your problem."

"Silas, have you lost your mind?" she screamed.

"I'm warning you. This is your last chance. If you don't show up today, I can't guarantee you'll even have a place in this city tomorrow!"

It was a blatant threat, backed by the power of the Vance family.

I choked on my words for a moment. My heart felt heavy and sour.

Is the difference between love and indifference really this obvious?

I remembered when we first started dating. Hazel was the one being bullied by her family, and I was her only support.

She was so insecure back then. She'd ask me over and over, "Silas, you'll never leave me, right?"

I would always nod. As long as she loved me, nothing could tear us apart.

But now, she didn't love me anymore.

I tried to say something, but she had already hung up.

I slumped back onto the sofa, staring at the ceiling like a ghost.

Suddenly, a heavy pounding started at my door. It took me a while to find the energy to stand up.

When I opened it, I found a line of burly security guards standing in the hallway.

Leading them was the Vance family's long-time driver, Arthur.

"Arthur? Why are you here?"

Arthur bowed respectfully. "Mr. Thorne, Mr. Vance ordered me to bring you. Please, come with us."

I looked at the men behind him. Fighting them would be useless right now. Besides, going to the venue wouldn't kill me.

"Fine. Let me change into a suit."