Chapter 2

The racing girls and other racers swarmed them.

"That Valentino is limited edition. Can't believe Marcus won it for you, Charlotte."

"Marcus is so good to you."

"I heard the Warren and Ashford Family are family friends. They're arranging a marriage."

"So Marcus is marrying Charlotte? Lucky girl."

Charlotte smugly took the gown and headed to one of the cars to change.

Marcus watched her go, indulgent, then turned to me.

"Ophelia, I know I let you down. Charlotte said she only wants this gown for her birthday. I had no choice."

"You want the necklace—Cole won't budge for some reason. But it's fine. When I come to propose, I'll have Cartier make you the same one. Better than your mother's."

I blinked back tears. "I don't think you'll get the chance."

Marcus looked regretful, mumbling, not knowing what to do.

Charlotte came back in the Valentino, tugging his sleeve and laughing.

"Thank you, Marcus. This is the best birthday gift."

Then she tilted her head at me.

"Ophelia, why hold onto the past? That necklace is pretty, but isn't it creepy to keep a dead woman's things?"

"You wouldn't actually make Marcus order a replica of a dead woman's necklace for the proposal, would you? Isn't that bad luck?"

Marcus played mediator.

"Alright, this is my fault. It's just a necklace. I'll get you several more. I'll bring them when I propose. That should make up for it."

Marcus saw me staying quiet. His patience snapped.

"How long are you going to sulk over a dead woman's jewelry?"

"Is your mother's old necklace more important than Charlotte's birthday? She's your sister. Aren't the living more important?"

"You're acting like a spoiled child. Where's the grace of a Warren heir? Think about it."

"If you keep being this petty, you're not fit to be a Marcus's wife. I'll have to reconsider this marriage."

After saying that, he opened the car door for Charlotte and drove off, tires screeching down the street.

......

Three days later was Charlotte's twenty-first birthday.

Victoria had been planning it for months.

After my mother died, Dad's mistress Victoria moved into Mom's bedroom.

Charlotte was treated just like the legitimate heir.

If it weren't for my Grandfather, Dad would've made Victoria his official wife years ago.

Charlotte's birthday party had invited every socialite and heiress in New York.

And this was also the day the Ashford Family were supposed to come to discuss the wedding date.

Guests filled the house.

Someone joked about when they'd get to attend our wedding.

Marcus looked at me, uncomfortable, forcing a smile. "There will be a wedding. Just... the timing is a bit complicated."

A family friend spoke up.

"Complicated? Wasn't it supposed to be in one month? Is something wrong?"

Marcus lowered his head, looking embarrassed.

"Ophelia, we have discussed this. Your grandfather won't let Victoria become your father's official wife unless Charlotte marries well."

"Charlotte's had it rough. I feel for her."

"So... I'll marry Charlotte first. In one month."

The room went silent.

Someone gasped. "Wait, you're marrying Charlotte? What about Ophelia?"

I stared at Marcus. "Is this the Ashford Family' decision? And my father's? You marry Charlotte instead?"