Chapter 3

I don't know how long I stared at that photo.

Long enough that Luca came in with a "drunk" Zoe Adams, and only then did I snap back to reality.

Seeing I was still awake, Luca paused, then explained.

"Zoe got drunk. She lives alone with no one to take care of her."

I should have cried. I should have made a scene.

But I knew clearly it wouldn't help.

Luca didn't love me.

With that thought, I stepped aside to let Luca pass.

Luca raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Good that you've thought it through. I haven't treated you badly."

"Besides, without me, you can't afford your mom's medical bills at all."

I didn't respond, just let Luca carry Zoe upstairs and completely ignored the provocative look Zoe shot me.

But when I returned to the bedroom and saw the pajamas Zoe was wearing, I lost all reason.

I rushed forward, trying to pull the clothes off her.

The moment I touched Zoe, she screamed, "Ah! You're hurting me!"

The next second, Luca emerged from the bathroom and shoved me away.

The force was too strong. I crashed into the corner of a table.

In my ear was Luca's interrogation. "Riley, have you lost your mind?"

I shakily got up, for once talking back.

"Shouldn't that question be directed at you?"

"You know perfectly well this pajama set was handmade by my mom. She's being kept alive by medical equipment right now. How could you let another woman wear it?!"

Luca's movements froze, as if he'd finally realized.

But he didn't back down. He shielded Zoe behind him and said in a deep voice, "Even so, you shouldn't have gotten physical! Apologize to Zoe!"

My voice choked. "She's the one who did wrong. Why should I apologize?"

Luca laughed coldly.

"Fine. Keep acting tough if you've got the guts. Just don't regret it!"

With that, he turned to look at Zoe, his voice carrying a tenderness he'd never shown me.

"Change back into your own clothes. I'll take you to the hospital."

Zoe nodded, giving me a provocative look before leaving.

I hadn't wanted to cry.

But the contrast was too great. The grievance pressed down on me until I couldn't breathe.

Blood from the wound on my forehead slid down my cheek. My phone lit up with a familiar message.

---\[My promise to repay you still stands. As long as you're willing, I'll marry you.\]

I'd refused countless times before, but I didn't want to wait for Luca anymore.

I'd waited five years for him. How many five-year spans does a person get in one lifetime?

I finally made up my mind to reply.

---\[I'll marry you. Start preparing.\]