Chapter 3

Chapter 3 The next morning, as I was leaving with my suitcase, I ran into his assistant.

"Mr. Vane sent me to pick you up for the banquet."

I stopped in my tracks.

"I already made myself clear to him yesterday."

"I know."

The assistant's tone didn't shift.

"But you're still Mr. Vane's secretary. You have to go."

When I didn't move, he shoved me toward the car.

"This isn't a request. Your opinion doesn't matter."

I fell against the seat, feeling pathetic. Since I couldn't win, I stopped fighting.

When we arrived, I saw Silas doting on Farrow, the two of them wearing matching outfits, looking like the perfect couple.

Farrow spotted me at the door and shouted, "Sister-in-law! You finally made it!"

She strode over with a bright, fake smile, pulling Silas along.

Up close, I could see the hickeys Farrow had intentionally left on Silas's neck.

Silas looked at my outfit, his brows knitting in disgust.

"Is this what you're wearing to a banquet? Your hair is a mess. People will think you're a street urchin."

"This is a birthday dinner for Farrow's family. You're embarrassing me."

I lowered my eyes.

"My apologies, Mr. Vane. If that's the case, I'll just head back to the office to finish my resignation paperwork. I won't interrupt your date."

I turned to leave, but Silas grabbed my wrist.

"Why are you acting like this?"

"Farrow only invited you because she felt guilty. Have some class, will you?"

"Apologize to her."

I frowned. "Silas, I thought I was perfectly clear last night."

"You…!" Silas was seething.

"Didn't I tell you I'd marry you next time? Still holding a grudge over one night?"

"I never realized you had such a nasty temper."

Before I could respond, Farrow played the victim.

"Silas, please, don't fight with her on my account. Here, let me take her to the lounge to change into something better."

She grabbed my arm, her grip turning into a pinch as she dug her nails into the soft skin of my waist where no one could see.

I gasped in pain, but to onlookers, it just looked like I was being rude.

Inside the lounge, she produced a black gown that was clearly two sizes too small and forced me into it.

"Don't be shy, sis! You've taken such good care of Silas, it's only right I return the favor."

She yanked the zipper up.

I screamed as the metal teeth caught my skin.

Farrow was much stronger than me; I couldn't even pull away.

She gasped, feigning innocence.

"Oh, oops! Did I catch your skin? Ouch, looks like a piece of meat got stuck."

She tugged it down, then shoved it back up, not bothering to check the damage, letting the rough fabric grind against my raw skin.

"Sorry, sis! No band-aids here. You'll just have to deal with it for the night."

She dragged me back out with a sickeningly sweet smile.

The friction against my wound was unbearable, and the tight dress made it hard to breathe.

Silas looked at me, unimpressed.

"That dress doesn't fit you well."

"The bag I promised you last night is already at home."

Seeing I couldn't even muster a smile, he leaned in.

"Just be happy tonight, okay?"

Farrow clung to his arm, pouting.

"Silas, you promised to be my partner tonight! Don't just stand there chatting with your assistant!"

"Look, my parents are over there. Come with me?"

Silas immediately put on his doting mask.

"Of course, anything for you."

He glanced at me. "You're on your own tonight. Act like you're at home. I'll find you later."

Farrow pulled him away, throwing a smug, challenging glance back at me.

"Tonight, I'll show you exactly who the woman meant to be by Silas's side is."