Chapter 3

A trace of undetectable mockery flickered across Seraphina’s face.

My heart was calm. Mr. Sterling, the influential businessman, was also attending tonight’s banquet. My family needed his help with some recent business ventures.

My easy apology was simply to prevent Julian’s impulsive actions from spoiling things.

“Anya, I’d like to toast you.”

I instinctively reached out for the glass, but a sudden pull made me stumble back two steps.

Crash!

The towering pyramid of champagne flutes collapsed, and both Seraphina and I fell hard into the shattered glass.

Without hesitation, Julian rushed to Seraphina’s side.

Even though she had avoided most of the glass shards.

“Julian!”

I looked at Mr. Sterling approaching in the distance and whispered a reminder to Julian.

Julian paused, then, seeing me covered in blood and Seraphina with only minor scrapes, he quickly moved to help me up.

“Anya, why did you push me?” Seraphina cried, her voice trembling. “Don’t worry, I won’t fight you for Julian. Even if our three-year pact is almost over, I’ll still leave.”

Julian’s hand froze, and his face instantly turned dark.

“First, it was fake hickeys, and now you’re deliberately hurting her?” he snapped at me. “Anya, I told you I wouldn’t touch you, even after three years. Give up your vicious schemes!”

Julian didn't hesitate anymore. In front of the Mayor and all the guests, he carried Seraphina away.

“What’s going on? Didn’t Mr. Sterling and his wife have a great relationship? Why is he leaving with another woman?”

“If that woman was more seriously injured, then fine, but Miss Hayes is clearly hurt worse!”

“I always wanted to say, ‘model couple’? What genuine feelings can there be in a strategic marriage?”

Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Seraphina, who was about to leave, subtly flashed me a triumphant smile.

But I didn't care about Julian’s blatant favoritism. After all, in many moments no one saw, he had been just as biased.

While I soaked in an ice bath all night to fight the effects of the drug, he was at a bar, begging Seraphina for forgiveness.

While I landed in the hospital after drinking myself sick at business dinners for countless contracts, Julian was at the vet with Seraphina’s dog.

While I endured agonizing nights due to my sensual fever, Julian chose to prescribe me the most nerve-damaging medication, terrified he might cross the line himself.

I didn't care about any of that. My only concern was the company's interests.

I quickly explained,

“It was my fault; I accidentally knocked over the champagne flutes. Miss Seraphina has a bleeding disorder, so even a small injury can’t be ignored. That’s why I asked my husband to take her to the hospital first.”

Most people believed me.

“Oh, I see. No wonder Mr. Sterling hesitated for a moment.”

Of course, there were also sharp-eyed observers.

“But that Miss Seraphina, doesn’t she look a lot like Mr. Sterling’s fiancée from before he got married?”

I subtly glanced at Mr. Sterling, who had approached. His eyes were filled with disappointment; it seemed he didn’t believe a word I said.

Suddenly, the roar of a helicopter echoed from above the ballroom.

“We’re here to treat Mrs. Sterling’s injuries.”

Julian had actually called a helicopter ambulance for me. My heart immediately eased. At least our image as a loving couple hadn't completely shattered.

Dragging my exhausted body, I was about to head home when four bodyguards suddenly blocked my path.

They were unmistakably wearing the Sterling family’s security uniform.

My knees hit the cold marble floor of the Sterling mansion with a heavy thud.

“Married for three years, and you can’t even keep a man in line!”