Chapter 2

I used to care about Seraphina. If she asked, I'd give her anything, do anything for her.

But now, she had personally woken me up.

Thinking back, ever since Caleb returned, everything she did was for him.

She had forgotten that I was the one meant to spend the rest of my life with her.

My answer enraged Seraphina. "What is that supposed to mean? You're refusing? You better get this straight, Caleb is my most important friend, and you better keep him happy, otherwise, I won't marry you!"

With that, she slammed the door and left.

Feeling restless, I went downstairs to the park for a run.

After just one lap, I received a call from Blair Sterling.

Thinking of the usually stone-faced Blair, I hesitated for two seconds before answering.

"Once you're on my boat, you're mine. Try to run, and I'll drag you back!"

Blair's first sentence was a punch to the gut.

I remained silent, and she continued:

"First, give me your identification. We're going to get married at the registry office."

"I'm afraid you'll back out."

Blair, something's definitely off with you.

I'd already conjured a million scenarios in my head of her using our marriage to torment me.

In the end, all I could manage was, "See you at the wedding, Miss Sterling."

The moment I hung up, Seraphina appeared behind me, I don't know when.

"You're inviting Blair to our wedding? No way!"

Her eyes narrowed, glaring at me like I was the enemy.

"Leo, I told you not to associate with Blair! Her intentions towards you aren't pure. If you insist on inviting her to our wedding, don't blame me for cutting ties!"

I hadn't even said a word, and she was already throwing down ultimatums.

Seraphina had always disliked Blair, always harboring some inexplicable hostility. When we first started dating, she even got intensely jealous because Blair and I often clashed at business forums. Later, I gradually reduced my public contact with Blair.

But she actually said… Blair's intentions towards me weren't pure?

I was about to press her when Caleb suddenly stumbled, turning to embrace Seraphina.

"Sera, you're hurting my hand…"

It was then I realized they had been strolling, fingers intertwined.

Seraphina coughed uncomfortably a couple of times but made no move to pull her hand away.

Caleb looked at Seraphina with a soft gaze, then feigned helplessness as he apologized to me.

"Leo, I'm sorry, Sera and I were just getting familiar with the wedding flow in advance. Please don't mind us."

"And about you threatening me and harassing my mother, I won't say anything, but please, don't hurt Sera. True feelings can't withstand such tests."

I couldn't stand this charade any longer. I turned to leave.

"Since you're so excited, then I'll 'satisfy' you tonight."

Slap!

Seraphina slapped me hard across the face.

"Leo, how could you be so cruel?!"

Her face was pale with anger, her chest heaving.

Me, cruel?

She believed a simple rumor from someone else, but five years of our relationship couldn't earn me an ounce of trust.

A surge of anger suddenly flared within me, and I wanted to confront Seraphina. But Caleb stepped in front of her.

"Leo, please, as soon as the wedding is over, I'll give Sera back to you."

"Please, be merciful, don't hurt those around me, and don't hurt Sera anymore."

He began to bow to me.

Seraphina quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him from lowering his head, and glared at me.

"Leo, don't play your rich boy bullying tactics!"

"You know I hate that most. If you still want to marry me, stop acting out!"

With that, she warned me not to show my face in front of them again until the wedding.

But the next day, Seraphina actually contacted me.

She started with a barrage of scolding. "Leo, you actually harassed Mrs. Reed?! I never thought you'd be this kind of person!"

Full of doubt, I immediately called my assistant to investigate, only to uncover something truly shocking.

Caleb's mother… was perfectly fine.