Chapter 2

Julian tightly held Chloe's hand, pulling her to stand in front of the crowd. Chloe let out a soft gasp, feigning an attempt to pull her hand back.

"Julian, we can't do this. Your grandfather arranged your marriage with Aria."

"You're the only one I love, Chloe. I refuse to marry anyone else."

He locked fingers with her, looking directly at Arthur Sterling sitting in the VIP seat.

"Grandfather, I've always loved Chloe. She is the only one I will marry."

The guests whispered, throwing pitiful and mocking glances my way. Everyone knew Julian and I grew up together, and that I was Arthur's handpicked granddaughter-in-law.

But now, Julian was slapping me in the face in front of the entire high society circle.

Julian’s voice left no room for argument.

"Aria and I might have grown up together, but I've only ever seen her as a sister. I have no romantic feelings for her."

"Chloe and I love each other. We've been together for a long time. In my heart, Chloe is my only wife. No other woman can take her place."

Julian's parents, Richard and Beatrice, paled, nervously checking Arthur's reaction.

Julian wrapped his arm around Chloe's waist and shot me a mocking look.

"Aria, you know I don't love you. You wouldn't want to marry a man who doesn't love you anyway, right?"

"Besides, Chloe and I are already together. You can't use Grandfather's affection to tear us apart."

I glanced at them calmly, then bowed slightly to Arthur Sterling.

"Arthur, since they love each other so much, I'll step aside."

"I wish Chloe and Julian a lifetime of happiness."

Hearing my smooth resignation, a flash of annoyance crossed Julian's face. But Chloe quickly clung to his arm.

"Julian, your grandfather arranged your marriage with Aria. Will he be upset with us?"

Julian patted Chloe's hand reassuringly, speaking in a gentle, doting tone.

"Don't worry. Grandfather loves me the most. He won't get mad at me over her."

"Besides, you're the real daughter and future heir of the Vance family. This is still a union between our families. Why care about an outsider?"

An outsider?

Only my father and Arthur knew the truth about my identity.

My mother was the sole heiress of the legendary Thorne dynasty. Back then, my parents' marriage was purely a business alliance, and I was designated to inherit the Thorne empire, which is why I took my mother's last name.

On top of that, did Julian really think Chloe was my father's biological daughter?

Arthur Sterling frowned at Julian's words.

"Julian, stop playing around. Are you absolutely sure you want to marry Chloe?"

Julian firmly slid the engagement ring onto Chloe's finger and kissed her hand with dramatic devotion.

"Grandfather, I've made up my mind. I will marry no one but Chloe."

Arthur looked at Julian with deep disappointment. If Julian had simply asked to change the bride beforehand, the old man might not have judged him so harshly.

But choosing to humiliate me publicly in front of the entire elite class proved Julian was completely unreliable.

"Fine. Have it your way."