Chapter 3

3

A few days later, I rented a street cart spot downtown to sell breakfast wraps.

I kept it from Rowan at first.

I worked my day job, braved the freezing wind to run the cart in the evening, and returned home on time to cook for her.

She was busy too, telling me she was looking for a job. But the bullet comments told me she was trying to get a new DNA test done.

【The Hayes family is already looking for their real daughter, and Rowan is working so hard. With this resilience, no wonder she becomes the richest woman in the city later!】

The richest woman, huh?

My hand paused on the hot plate. I almost laughed out loud.

Half a month later, my brother sent a photo of me at my food cart:

"Found you. You're dead."

The time was ripe.

I almost laughed out loud again.

That evening, I intentionally returned home an hour late, yawning with exhaustion the moment I stepped inside.

Then I rolled up my sleeves, revealing raw, hideous chilblains on both hands.

"Sorry I'm late... the convenience store was busy. I'll make dinner right away."

Behind me, Rowan's gaze locked onto my red, blistered fingers. I pretended not to want her to see and quickly pulled my sleeves down.

She remained silent for a long time, eventually looking away.

The next evening, while I was running my cart as usual, Mason showed up with our parents, looking furious.

"We finally found you! How dare you sneak off and get married behind our backs!"

They smashed my food cart, spilling batter and ingredients all over the pavement.

Dressed in an expensive designer suit, Mason gloated:

"Silas, I warned you, but you wouldn't listen."

My father held out his hand angrily. "Give it up! Where's the dowry money from your marriage? Hand it over!"

"Dad! Rowan is a fake heiress! She owes millions to the Hayes family. Where would she get dowry money?" Mason chimed in.

I stood there, trembling slightly as if terrified of a beating, yet keeping my spine straight.

"So what if there's no money? I didn't marry her for money!"

That sentence infuriated my parents. My father kicked me hard in the stomach.

"Marrying a penniless loser behind our backs? We raised you for nothing!"

"Get in the car! Your brother lined up several rich women for you. Marrying into any of their families would keep us set for years!"

My mother grabbed my hair, dragging me toward their car despite my screams.

"Help! Let go of me!"

"Just do as you're told, little brother. We won't hurt you. That Rowan girl is useless now, marrying her will just..."

"Let him go!"

Just as half my body was shoved into the car, a wooden rod struck my parents.

Before they could react, Rowan pulled me out, her face flushed with fury.

"Kidnapping someone in broad daylight? How dare you!"

Mason sneered in disgust:

"Rowan Hayes, you're broke, so stop putting on airs! Do you still think you're a grand heiress?"

"My brother has worn my hand-me-downs and eaten my leftovers his whole life. Now he's even taking the woman I threw away. Honestly, you two are a perfect match."

Rowan froze. I felt her shock.

Perhaps she was stunned that the man she once loved could say something so vile.

Or perhaps hearing it from someone else confirmed how miserable my past had been.

Slowly, her grip on my hand tightened.

"No matter what you say, Silas and I are legally married. We are husband and wife."

"Lay another hand on my husband, and I'm calling the police."

Husband.

It was the first time she had ever spoken that word.

Excitement buzzed in my chest, but I kept my composure.

Once my family fled at the threat of the police, I pulled Rowan into my arms and gently touched her cheek.

"I'm fine, don't worry. I'll just set up my cart somewhere else tomorrow."

"Besides, I've made quite a bit lately. I'll keep a hundred for groceries, and you can take the rest."

Rowan looked up, her warm hand tenderly covering mine.

Her voice cracked with emotion:

"Silas... thank you."

I held her close. "Between us, you never have to say thank you."

Rowan, don't thank me just yet.

Save your thanks for when you return to the Hayes family and become the richest woman in the state.

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