Chapter 3

03

The phone rang for a long time before she picked up.

Even though she tried to hide it, she was out of breath.

"Silas? Is something wrong?"

"It's late. Why aren't you at home?"

My voice was calm, but my eyes were icy.

"My... my girlfriend just arrived from out of town for the wedding."

"She had nowhere to stay, so I just dropped her at a hotel. I'm heading back now."

"Is that so?"

My voice dropped to sub-zero.

I kicked the door open with a loud bang.

The sight of Chloe and Axel tangled together in bed was laid bare before me.

"AHHH!"

Chloe shrieked, frantically pulling the sheets over her naked body.

I stood there, expressionless, recording everything on my phone.

"So, this is your girlfriend?"

Chloe realized what was happening and slapped the phone out of my hand.

"Silas Foster, are you insane? You're stalking me!"

Axel sat up slowly, his eyes full of smug defiance.

"Baby, did I do something wrong? Maybe I should leave."

"If Mr. Foster finds out I'm the one who cut up the dress, he'll never forgive me."

Chloe turned to comfort him with a soft voice.

"He won't do anything. It's just a dress. He shouldn't be so sensitive."

"Besides, his mother didn't even know my style. The one you made is perfect."

My gaze drifted to the sofa, where the butchered gown lay.

It was stained with fluids and barely covered more than a napkin.

I laughed, a cold, sharp sound, and threw the rag into Chloe's face.

"It does suit you. You're both pieces of trash."

Chloe exploded in a rage and lunged forward to slap me.

I stepped aside and sent a hard backhand across her face.

Axel jumped in, his voice dripping with fake concern.

"Silas, we've been friends for years. If we had something going on, she wouldn't be marrying you."

"You should apologize. I was just helping her test the dress. You should thank me!"

Chloe clutched her face, sobbing in Axel's arms as she yelled at me.

"Silas, Axel was just trying to help, and you treat him like this?"

"No wonder your mother died so young. You're a monster!"

That sentence hit me like a poisoned arrow. My whole body throbbed with pain.

Axel smirked at me and dropped a bombshell that made my blood run cold.

"Baby, thank god you got that appointment with Dr. Reed for me."

"If you hadn't, my hand would have been scarred forever!"

Chloe kissed his forehead. "You're so clumsy. Cutting yourself while cooking... so stupid."

My body began to shake uncontrollably.

My mother had an 80% survival rate if we could have gotten Dr. Reed for her final surgery.

On the day of the operation, Chloe had arrived in the rain, claiming the doctor had an emergency.

Only now did I realize the truth.

The doctor my family had begged for was used to bandage a tiny scratch on her bestie's hand.

Chloe saw my face and gave a half-hearted explanation.

"Silas, your mom lived long enough anyway. Axel is a designer; his hands are his life."

"I'm sorry about that, but haven't I agreed to marry you?"

"If you keep making a scene, the wedding is off!"

She stood in front of Axel, guarding him with the same look she used to give me.

Years ago, during a hurricane, she had stood in front of me just like that.

But this time, I wasn't the one she was protecting.

"Fine. The wedding is off. I wouldn't want to hold you back."

My quick agreement caught her off guard. Axel, however, acted offended.

"Silas, you can't be so casual about marriage! I hand-sewed that dress for her."

"If you have a problem, take it out on me. Don't bully her!"

I looked at Chloe's touched expression and stepped forward.

I grabbed her hand and ripped the engagement ring off her finger.

"Good thing we didn't sign the papers yet. I'm taking this back."

"You have two hours to move out of my house, or I'll throw your shit on the curb."

Chloe rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Whatever. This little act won't work on me. I'm going to the wedding tomorrow."

"But we're changing the venue to a cathedral. I'm not doing that old-fashioned crap."

"Axel has a suit he wore once; you can wear that. I don't want to hear another word."

I looked at her arrogant face and pulled out my phone to call the police.

"I'd like to report a case of soliciting for adult services at the Grand Hotel," I said clearly.

As she began to scream and curse, I snapped a few more photos.

"I'll see you in a cell," I said, walking out.

I hurried back home and sent a message to a number I hadn't used in years.

After praying at my mother's altar, I opened the front door.

My business rival, Fiona Quinn, stood there in a stunning traditional bridal gown.

She took my hand and smiled.

"Let's go. Our wedding is about to start."