Chapter 3

3

I was done being obedient.

I would use this arranged marriage to pay off my debt of gratitude, ending all ties between us.

From the moment Mason told me I would still live at the Lockwood estate after getting married, I began planning my move.

If Silas Prescott truly didn't want me around, I needed a place of my own.

Mason hadn't returned home for several days. Once I found a small apartment, I started quietly moving my things out.

I found countless gifts Mason had given me over the years. I used to treasure every single one, but now I merely glanced at them and laid them neatly on the bed.

I refused to touch Mason's money. After graduating from college, I earned some income by writing scripts.

It wasn't much, and the apartment I rented didn't even have an elevator.

When I arrived at the complex, I noticed a young man.

He was tall, strikingly handsome, and clearly out of place in such a run-down neighborhood.

Our eyes met, and he gave me a polite nod. I offered a faint smile and continued dragging my heavy suitcase.

The luggage was exhausting to carry, and I struggled up the stairs step by step.

"Need some help?"

I turned around and saw the handsome man standing behind me.

I shook my head and stepped aside. "Thank you, but you go ahead. I can manage."

He didn't move. He looked at me and asked, "I live on the sixth floor. What about you?"

I paused in surprise. "What a coincidence. I live on the sixth floor too."

The man nodded, took my suitcase effortlessly, and walked up ahead of me.

"Since we're heading the same way, it's no trouble at all."

I had no choice but to follow him. Once we reached my door, I invited him in for a cup of tea, and he accepted politely.

Because I had just moved in, boxes were scattered everywhere. I tripped over a carton and stumbled.

The man caught me just in time, but hot tea splashed onto his crisp white shirt.

"I'm so sorry!" I frantically grabbed some napkins to wipe it off.

He waved his hand gently. "I'm fine. Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm―" Before I could finish, a harsh voice cut through the air.

"Summer!"

I flinched. Mason stood at the doorway with a thunderous expression, and Veronica was right beside him.

I scrambled to my feet. Before I could say anything, Mason stepped inside and snapped, "Silas Prescott? What the hell are you doing here?"

The man beside me stood up unhurriedly and nodded with calm elegance. "Mr. Lockwood."

Silas Prescott? This was the man I was supposed to marry?

I stared at him in shock. Silas caught my gaze and smiled faintly. "My apologies. I haven't properly introduced myself yet."

Veronica smirked and linked her arm through mine. "Summer, this is so childish of you. Why run away from home? Even if you wanted to bond with Silas early, you shouldn't make your uncle worry."

I yanked my arm away coldly. "Stop talking nonsense."

Mason grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the door. "We'll talk about this at home."

Silas stepped forward, blocking Mason's path. "Miss Caldwell left home because she clearly has reasons not to return. Why don't you ask for her opinion first, Mr. Lockwood?"

Mason didn't even look at him. "Even if our families agreed on a marriage, you two are nothing to each other yet. Taking away a daughter of the Lockwood family is utterly disgraceful. Out of respect for your family, I'll let it slide today. But don't meddle in my business."

I frowned. "Uncle Mason, Silas didn't―"

"Enough, Summer," Mason warned, his eyes freezing cold. "We talk at home."

Silas moved to stop him again, but I shook my head at him.

It was time to make everything clear once and for all.