Chapter 3

3.

The day after I moved out, I added Elara Vance on social media.

In my last life, she stayed abroad and focused on her career, never getting married.

When my father reached out to her family about a merger, I didn't expect her to agree so quickly.

She didn't say much. She just told me she was flying back in two days and to pick a restaurant for us to meet.

I sent her the location and turned off my phone.

Two days had passed, and Lyra hadn't even noticed I was gone.

Either she didn't care, or she had spent every second with Zane.

On the day of Elara's arrival, I went to the restaurant early to wait for her.

There was a large bridal shop next door. As I walked past, I glanced at the window.

I saw Zane and Lyra inside, picking out wedding dresses.

Zane spotted me and walked out with a sneer.

"Caden? How did you find us? Are you stalking Lyra and me?"

Lyra followed him out, her brow furrowed in annoyance, though she looked smug.

"I knew you'd come looking for me. Have you learned your lesson? I'm still not signing those papers!"

Zane wrapped his arm around her waist and laughed.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Lyra and I are getting married in three days. You should come."

I could feel Lyra watching me closely.

She looked like she was waiting for something―maybe for me to beg.

I just smirked. "Then I wish you both a long life together."

Lyra's face fell instantly. She started shouting at me.

"Don't act like you don't care! I know you're just pretending!"

"I'm only marrying you to please my family! I will never be your real wife, so give up!"

She sounded angry, but she looked like she was waiting for me to fight for her.

I stepped back and spoke coldly.

"That's perfect. Because I wasn't planning on marrying you anyway."

I turned around and walked into the restaurant.

A few minutes later, Lyra and three others walked into the same restaurant.

She marched over to my private booth and sat down as if she owned the place.

"I guess you're being smart today," she said arrogantly. "You knew Zane's parents were coming and booked a table for us."

She gestured for Zane and his parents to sit down.

Maybe I loved her too much in my last life. Now, she thought my coldness was just a game.

She handed the menu to Zane with a sweet smile.

"Mr. and Mrs. Miller, please, order whatever you like."

Zane's parents looked a bit nervous, but Zane just chuckled.

"Don't worry, Mom. Dad. We have a sucker paying the bill today."

His parents started ordering the most expensive items on the menu. They were clearly trying to scam me.

"You're Lyra's fiancé, right?" the mother said with a fake smile. "We won't be shy then. You'll be family soon anyway."

I let out a cold laugh and looked at Lyra.

"I'm here waiting for my actual fiancée. Lyra, stop making a scene."

Lyra slammed her chopsticks down, looking furious.

"Do you have to make up such a pathetic lie? I'm giving you a chance by eating with you. Stop acting out!"

"Besides, who else would you marry if not me?"

I looked her in the eye, my expression serious.

"Lyra, I told you we broke up. Don't ruin my date."

Zane laughed mockingly.

"Caden, we get it. You're jealous because Lyra is close to me. But don't take it too far."

"Everyone in Ravencrest knows you're her lapdog. You've been begging for a scrap of her attention for years."

Lyra nodded, grabbing Zane's hand and locking fingers with him.

"Exactly, Caden. Stop pretending. If you tell the truth, I might feel sorry for you and give you a fake wedding."

Their tag-team insults made me want to laugh. It was pathetic.

All the love and effort I gave her meant nothing. To her, I was just a lowly servant.

"Believe what you want," I said.

I didn't care to explain. Everyone would find out soon enough.

I stood up to leave, but Zane called out to me.

"Where are you going? My parents are thirsty. Get over here and pour them some water."

I glared at him, finally losing my patience.

"Who the hell do you think you are to talk to me like that?"

Lyra grabbed my wrist, screaming at me.

"Caden! Watch your mouth! Apologize to Zane right now!"

I shook her off. "Why should I apologize?!"

Lyra's eyes turned red with rage. She stood up and raised her hand to strike me.

I felt the wind as her hand swung toward my face.

But before she could hit me, a sharp female voice rang out.

"Lyra! What do you think you're doing to my fiancé?!"