Chapter 4

After returning from Eagle Peak, I immediately sent Jaxson Thorne the wedding hotel address.

He replied instantly: [Received. I'll definitely be on time for your wedding. Julian Hayes must be thrilled, right?]

I stared at that message for a long time.

He still thought I was marrying Julian.

"Miss Sterling, Mr. Hayes is here."

Riley, my assistant, whispered from outside the door.

I put away my phone, composed my expression, and calmly said, "Let him in."

Julian Hayes pushed open the door, his widowed sister-in-law, Scarlett Bell, trailing behind him.

"Chloe."

Julian smiled. "Scarlett hasn't been well lately, and I was hoping she could stay at the CBD apartment to recover. It's close to the hospital, so it'd be convenient if anything happened."

"No."

I blurted it out without even thinking.

Julian frowned. "That apartment is empty anyway. Can't you just..."

"I said no."

I cut him off directly. "That's my property. It's my choice who lives there."

Scarlett's tears flowed instantly. She looked at Julian, aggrieved. "Julian, it's fine... I guess I'm just unlucky. A jinxed woman like me doesn't deserve to stay in Chloe's apartment..."

I scoffed. "Good self-awareness. It's important to know your place."

"Chloe Sterling!"

Julian's voice was stern. "Scarlett is my sister-in-law, and she'll be your family too. Can't you be a little more generous?"

I couldn't help but let out a snicker. "Julian Hayes, have you forgotten? You're the one who needs something from me now, aren't you?"

His face instantly turned ugly.

"Don't make it difficult for Chloe. I'll just leave!"

With that, Scarlett covered her face and ran out.

Julian glared at me fiercely, then turned and followed her.

I watched their retreating backs, a self-deprecating smile on my face.

In my past life, I really must have been completely out of my mind to have trusted that scumbag.

Three days later, the Dior boutique called to inform me my wedding dress had arrived.

I purposely arrived two hours early, hoping to surprise Jaxson Thorne.

When I pushed open the VIP room door, I froze.

A strong, cheap perfume scent assaulted me.

Scarlett Bell was twirling in front of the mirror, wearing *my* haute couture wedding gown.

Julian Hayes sat on the sofa, gazing at her with a doting expression.

I smirked coldly. "Take it off."

"Chloe... I..."

Scarlett flinched, startled. She tripped on the hem of the gown, stumbling forward.

Julian rushed to catch her in one swift motion.

"Chloe Sterling!"

He glared at me. "Scarlett hasn't been well. The doctor said she might... she might not make it until our wedding day. She just wanted to experience what it's like to wear a wedding dress. Can't you be less petty?"

I walked up to Scarlett, saying each word distinctly. "I'll say this one last time. Take. It. Off."

The sales associates quickly helped Scarlett remove the dress.

At that moment, Scarlett suddenly knelt on the floor and bowed her head to me. "Chloe, I'm so sorry! I'm despicable, I don't deserve to wear such beautiful clothes!"

Julian tenderly helped her up, then turned and roared at me, "Chloe Sterling, are you happy now?"

I ignored them, turning to the sales associate. "Remember to disinfect this dress ten times. I hate dirty things."

Scarlett ran out, covering her face. Julian shot me a furious glare, then slammed the door shut as he left.

Riley, my assistant, rushed in, breathless. "Miss Sterling, guess what? Scarlett Bell was hit by a car right after she left the store! I heard her leg is broken!"

I picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip. "Serves her right. Karma."

"Oh, and by the way."

I put down the champagne, my voice flat. "Inform the wedding planner to change the groom's name to Jaxson Thorne."

My assistant's eyes widened in shock. "Miss Sterling, are you saying... you're not marrying Julian Hayes anymore?"

"Exactly!"

I smiled faintly. "The man I'm marrying is Jaxson Thorne."

She paused for two seconds, then cheered. "That's fantastic! That Julian Hayes and Scarlett Bell were always together; it was disgusting to watch!"

I smiled, pinching her cheek. "For something as important as marriage, how could I possibly choose the wrong person?"

Yes, this time, I wouldn't make the same mistake.