Chapter 3

The day after I got home, Dad arranged for me to meet my fiancé.

In the Albright family mansion's drawing-room, the black tea I was sipping caught in my throat as the double doors swung open.

The man stood there, impeccably suited, a smirk playing on his lips, and a familiar glint in his eyes. It was Ashton Hayes, my childhood nemesis.

“Ashton Hayes! What are *you* doing here?”

I slammed my teacup down, the sharp clatter echoing through the room and startling a black cat on the windowsill.

“What, disappointed to see me?”

Ashton slowly polished his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone as infuriating as ever.

“Heard the great Celeste Albright ran away for love. Figured I’d come back for the show.”

His eyes, behind his glasses, curved into a dangerous arc.

“Didn't expect to see a pathetic, drowned rat instead.”

I grabbed a cushion and hurled it at him, my face burning crimson with rage.

“You’re the rat!”

He easily caught the cushion, then suddenly turned serious.

“I heard that guy hooked up with his female boss?”

Seeing my silence, he scoffed.

“I told you, some people, once they get a taste of money, lose their decency faster than you can blink.”

“What do you know!”

I shot up, ready to argue.

“At least he…”

“At least what?”

Ashton also stood up, his figure towering over me, casting an oppressive shadow.

“At least he'd be there for you when you're sick, bringing you hot tea or chicken soup?”

“Or make you breakfast?”

He suddenly reached out, pinching my chin, his eyes filled with a trace of something… investigative.

“When did you start settling for so little, Celeste?”

I slapped his hand away fiercely, but then heard his next words.

“So, what do you say? Will you marry me?”

I let out a scoff, rolling my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain.

“Why not?”

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, Dad and Mr. Hayes were deep in pleasant conversation in the garden.

I stared at the diamond tie pin on Ashton’s tie, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I want a wedding for the ages. Every media outlet invited.”

He raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“And?”

I met his gaze, speaking each word deliberately.

“On our wedding day, I want Derek to watch Valerie Sterling’s company go down in flames.”

Ashton let out a booming laugh, then reached over and ruffled my hair, a gesture that usually infuriated me, but now felt… different.

“*That’s* the Celeste I know.”