Chapter 3

Three days later, I met the delivery guy at a local coffee shop.

The aroma of coffee filled the air. I mindlessly stirred my caramel macchiato, watching the light rain outside, feeling a bit lost.

It wasn't until a figure sat down opposite me that I snapped out of it.

I looked up and met a face that was stunningly handsome.

He was wearing a gray tracksuit today. He looked like an entirely different person compared to the man in the DoorDash jacket.

With a hint of amusement in his eyes, he asked softly, "Sera, you don't recognize me?"

I quickly cleared my throat, forcing myself to look calm. "Of course I do! By the way, what should I call you?"

He sat down, his long fingers casually picking up the menu. "Christian Westwood."

It was a nice name.

I pulled an black credit card from my bag and pushed it toward him. "The PIN is six eights. Go buy whatever you want—sports cars, watches, whatever."

"We'll register our marriage at City Hall in a week."

Christian glanced at the card but didn't take it. Instead, he looked straight into my eyes. "Are you sure you want to marry a delivery guy who has nothing to his name?"

My chest tightened, but his question only made me stubborn. "What? Are you backing out? Scared to marry me?"

He let out a low chuckle and pushed the card back to my side.

"What does this mean?" I asked, confused.

He smiled faintly. "A man shouldn't spend a woman's money. See you at City Hall in a week."

I nodded. "Fine."

After saying goodbye to Christian, it was already evening.

When I got back to the villa, the family was having dinner.

Xavier was there too, sitting right next to Chloe.

My appearance made the smiles on everyone's faces instantly vanish.

The lively laughter of a moment ago plunged into an awkward silence.

Tristan was the first to react, waving at me. "Sera, come have dinner with us."

I shook my head. "I'm not hungry. Going upstairs."

As I turned to leave, my mother suddenly called out, "Sera, there's something we need to discuss with you."

I stopped. "What is it?"

She walked over to me, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Your father and I have talked about it. We've decided to finalize the engagement between Chloe and Xavier."

I looked up at Xavier.

He reflexively avoided my eyes.

Seeing this, I let out a cold laugh.

My mother grabbed my hand. "I know you and Xavier grew up together, but love can't be forced. I'll make it up to you in the future, I promise..."

I quietly pulled my hand back, cutting her off. "Save it, Mom. I don't care."

"I hope the happy couple has a long and perfect marriage. Locked in together, forever."

I didn't expect Xavier to follow me out.

Right now, he was gripping my wrist tightly, refusing to let go.

I frowned. "Xavier, what do you want?"

He lowered his eyes slightly and said softly, "I know you said those things because you're mad at me."

"You must be hurting right now, aren't you?"

Hurting?

Actually, I didn't feel much pain at all.

At most, I just found it incredibly ironic.

I used to think that at least Xavier wouldn't be taken away by Chloe.

Two years ago, when I first came back, Chloe loved to frame me for various things, playing the victim.

Back then, no matter how much I explained, no one believed me.

Except Xavier.

He would hold my hand tightly and say, "Sera, I believe you. I'll always be on your side."

And because Chloe kept mimicking my style and the way I spoke, he kept his distance from her.

I thought this childhood sweetheart, who had once sworn to marry only me, would always stand firm.

But in the end, he chose to join the others in hurting me.

"Sera, are you ever going to drop this? If there was really something going on between Chloe and me, do you think you'd still be in the picture?"

"No wonder your parents prefer their adopted daughter! Who could stand you when you're always so prickly?"

"Every time I say a single word to Chloe, you go crazy and act like a paranoid, hysterical drama queen!"

"Fine, let me tell you now. Chloe is sweeter, more understanding, and far more attractive than you. Are you happy now?"

Back then, I loved him so deeply that even when he said such hurtful things, my first reaction wasn't anger, but doubting myself.

Only later did I realize that Xavier was always saying he disliked Chloe, but he never actually rejected her inappropriate closeness.

His hypocrisy was what drove me crazy.

He was the one in the wrong, not me.

Seeing my silence, Xavier thought he had struck a nerve.

He sighed, talking to himself, "Sera, we grew up together and have so many good memories. I don't want us to end up as strangers."

"How about this? If you behave yourself and stop targeting Chloe, I can consider... keeping you around. We can be friends with benefits. After all, we have great chemistry, especially in bed."

I stared at him in utter disbelief, shocked by his shameless proposal.

Seeing my wide eyes, Xavier thought I was too thrilled to speak. He added smugly, "But you have to promise me to stay in your lane from now on, and stop causing trouble for Chloe..."

I couldn't listen to another word. I violently shoved his hand away and screamed with every ounce of my strength, "Get the fuck out!"