Chapter 3

Because Marcus was eager, his wedding with Charlotte was set first. My wedding with Ethan was scheduled for a few months later.

Charlotte was happily picking out custom designer gowns and diamond rings until Marcus showed up at our house, bluntly stating his family was too poor to afford a proper wedding.

Charlotte lost her mind. She threw a tantrum and smashed her custom jewelry and perfume bottles all over the floor.

In the end, Eleanor couldn't stand seeing her daughter cry. She stepped in and offered to pay for the entire wedding out of the Sinclair pocket. Marcus didn't have to spend a dime, which finally calmed Charlotte down.

In my past life, Marcus had used the exact same excuse. But back then, Eleanor had pretended to be deaf. She told us a married couple should stand on their own feet. Marcus had simply told me to "suck it up" and promised he would make it up to me when we were rich.

On my wedding day in that past life, there was no ceremony, no white dress. I just packed my bags and took an Uber to Marcus’s run-down apartment while high society laughed at me.

But in this life, I was marrying Ethan Sterling, the sole heir of the Sterling empire.

The Sterling family spared no expense. The wedding was grand, lavish, and became the social event of the year.

Though Eleanor had paid for Charlotte’s wedding, it was nothing compared to the scale of mine. Charlotte’s face was practically twisted with rage when she arrived.

Even standing on the stage, I could feel her venomous glare cutting through the crowd. But then she probably reminded herself of the "billionaire future" she stole, and managed to force a smile. When we toasted, she leaned in and whispered:

"I heard the Sterling heir has a weak heart and might not live long. You better get ready to be a young widow, Chloe."

In my past life, Ethan Sterling had indeed vanished during a business trip. The Sterlings spent millions searching for him but found nothing. Eventually, he was declared dead.

During the search, the Sterling company was hit with a massive scandal. They were accused of distributing laced pharmaceuticals and bribing government officials.

The Sterling empire crumbled into bankruptcy. Charlotte, desperate to find a new sugar daddy, jumped into bed with a young heir named Leo Bennett. But during a wild party, Ethan’s grandmother caught them red-handed. The shock nearly killed the old lady.

With her last breath, the grandmother kicked Charlotte out of the house, turning her into the biggest laughingstock of the city.

I kept my smile polite and replied softly,

"You should worry about yourself, Charlotte. I hope you and Marcus stay happy together. Forever."

Seeing that I wasn't bothered at all, her elegant mask cracked. She clenched her jaw and hissed,

"Oh, we will."

Seeing Charlotte lose her temper made me feel a bit better. As Ethan and I continued to greet the guests, I suddenly felt a chill run down my spine. Even with dozens of people between us, the intensity of that gaze didn't fade.

I looked over and saw Marcus sitting at his table. He seemed busy chatting up some corporate executives and wasn't looking my way.

But I was absolutely sure—that snake-like, toxic glare had belonged to him.