Chapter 3

3

I accepted Elena's friend request just to avoid any unnecessary drama.

I was leaving soon anyway; there was no point in fighting with Hayden anymore.

I sat in the dark living room, letting my mind go blank.

Eventually, the front door opened, and Hayden walked in.

He seemed surprised to see me, but he couldn't hide the huge grin on his face.

He was still on the phone. "You idiot, the wedding was just a trick. I knew you'd come back if I did it. You know you're the only one I care about. She doesn't compare to you."

"It's just for the company's image. We'll have a ceremony, but we won't actually sign the papers. You're the only one I want to marry."

"Go to sleep, babe. I'll pick you up in the morning."

He hung up and walked further into the room, finally noticing me on the couch.

"Where's the hangover tea?" he snapped.

I just stared at him, saying nothing.

His face darkened, and he raised his voice.

"I told you to have the tea ready! Elena even told me she reminded you."

"You can't do anything right, can you? What am I even keeping you around for?"

I felt a wave of pity for myself as he continued to berate me.

When I didn't respond, he threw his jacket at me in a rage and stormed into the bedroom.

I sat there in the dark, tears streaming down my face.

In his eyes, I would never measure up to a single word from Elena.

Now that she was back, even the way I breathed was a mistake.

The marriage I had prayed for was nothing but a PR stunt. No wonder nothing felt real.

He didn't want to be known as the guy who dumped his long-term girlfriend, and he didn't want Elena to be labeled a homewrecker.

So, a fake wedding was his perfect solution.

That's why he told investors we were getting married―to see how Elena would react.

And it worked perfectly. She came running back.

What a brilliant plan.

Once the business was stable, he would probably announce a "peaceful separation" and marry her.

I had believed every single lie he told me.

He said we didn't have time to plan a big wedding, and I believed him.

He said he wanted to keep the ceremony private because he hated being flashy, and I believed him.

He said we'd pick a special day to go to the courthouse after the party, and I believed him.

Seven years of love, and I was just a pawn in his game.

I was just a prop for his and Elena's little romance.

He didn't care if I was humiliated or mocked by the whole world.

I let out a bitter laugh, relieved that I was finally seeing him for who he was.

I was a fool, but at least I was a fool who had woken up.

Now, all I wanted was to leave quietly.

The next morning, we didn't speak a word to each other.

As he was leaving, he gave me a cold command.

"Elena has a sensitive stomach. Since you're just lounging around the house today, make lunch and bring it to the office."

Lounging around? He was hilarious.

He seemed to have forgotten that I was the one who secured most of his early clients when he started the company.

The business wouldn't even exist without me, which is why he used me as his "fiancée" to impress people.

As he reached the door, he stopped as if remembering something.

"I saw your suitcase in the bedroom. Are you going somewhere?"

I didn't look up from my phone. "I'm going to visit my mother."

Hayden didn't say anything else. He had never met my mother and never cared to.

I spent the morning packing my things, then I got a call from him.

"Get ready. I'm coming to pick you up. You need to meet my parents before the wedding."

He hung up before I could answer.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Elena.

It was a photo of Hayden as a little boy.

"I visited Hayden's mom today. It's been so long since I've seen her, and she spent the whole day talking about our childhood."

"She said Hayden hasn't visited in ages, so I called him and told him to come over. Are you coming too, sis?"

So Elena wasn't entirely comfortable with my existence after all.

I didn't bother replying. I was leaving soon; there was no need to cause a scene.

The car ride was silent. Hayden and I sat on opposite sides, staring out our respective windows.

He was constantly smiling at his phone, obviously texting Elena.

I didn't look at him once.

When the car finally stopped, Hayden jumped out and walked into the house without waiting for me.

The driver looked at me, confused about whether he should leave or wait.

I gave him a polite smile.

"Could you wait for me for a bit? I don't think I'll be long."