Chapter 3

3

I met Caleb at a gala years ago.

It was my twentieth birthday. My father had invited all the elite families to a five-star hotel, including the Hawthorns.

Caleb was five years older than me. He had just started running the family business after graduation.

He was stunning that night. His cold, handsome face drew everyone's attention.

I was no exception. I was captivated by his mysterious, distant aura.

But what really won me over was the hidden warmth I thought I saw. I once caught him feeding stray cats in an alley.

He looked so gentle in that moment, like he was bathed in light. That image made me want to follow him forever.

One night, while we were walking, he suddenly asked, "Do you like me?"

I was stunned. My face turned bright red. All our friends knew I had a crush on him, so of course he knew too.

"Good. Because I like you too. If you're willing, we can try dating," Caleb said.

In the dim streetlights, I couldn't see his face clearly. I had no idea he already had a wife.

I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. My cold idol had finally noticed me.

I was so blinded by love that I agreed instantly.

I had met his parents before, but now I suspect they were just actors hired to deceive me. They looked nothing like the people in Mandy's photos.

When we talked about marriage, they just followed his lead. For our wedding, he took me to a small chapel in Europe.

He didn't invite any friends or family. He went to such lengths just to keep me in the dark.

The atmosphere in the bedroom was suffocating. I looked Caleb in the eye. "Let's just end this."

He didn't expect me to say it again. His face darkened. "I won't allow it! You're the one I really love, June! Marrying Mandy was my parents' idea. I don't love her!"

"Don't call me that. We aren't even legally married. You disgust me," I said, pushing him away again.

But he grabbed me and pulled me into his chest. "June, listen to me. She and I have been living separate lives for years. There's no love there. You have to believe me."

"We just don't have a piece of paper. As long as we love each other, isn't that enough?"

Rage boiled in my chest. I pushed him back and slapped him across the face as hard as I could.

Caleb touched his cheek, looking at me in disbelief. I laughed bitterly. "You don't love her? You live separate lives? Then how did she get pregnant, Caleb? Did someone else do it?"

"You're a CEO. Do you even believe the lies coming out of your mouth?"