Chapter 3

I'd been weak since I was little, and after all that happened today, I fell sick right away.

I had no idea how long I was unconscious at home. Half-awake, I felt a warm hand brushing across my forehead.

It felt just like my lover, Damian.

Whenever I wasn't feeling well before, Damian would stay up all night at my side, carefully coaxing me to take my medicine and go to sleep.

The thought alone brought tears to my eyes. I clutched that hand tightly and whispered his name, "Damian…"

The next second, sharp pain shot through my wrist.

My eyes flew open, and I met Felipe's furious gaze. He asked, "Estella, who's that man you just called out for?"

Disappointment sank in. I lowered my eyes. "An old friend. I remember things from when I was young."

Felipe still looked suspicious, but he chose to believe me. He didn't know about my past, nor why I had chased after him in the first place.

But all these years, my devotion was something he had seen with his own eyes.

Felipe was convinced that someone like me—a simp—couldn't possibly have anyone else in her heart.

I asked, "Why are you in my house?"

Felipe froze for a second. "You gave me your code before. I called you a bunch of times and you didn't answer, so I came over.

"Tonight is our families' dinner. I want you—"

"You don't have to worry," I cut in. "I know what I'm supposed to do."

I knew clearly why he rushed over. That tiny bit of kindness he showed me was only so I'd play my part at the dinner later.

All these years, mistaking him for someone else, clinging to him—it was my fault.

This time, I'd treat it as making amends.

I forced myself up and put on a flawless face of makeup, hiding the sickness in my pale skin.

Felipe left first and waited for me in the car.

The moment I opened the door, a strange stench mixed with perfume hit my nose, making me feel sick.

Jaida sat in the passenger seat, smiling at me. "Felipe said this was an important occasion, and of course he wanted to bring the person he loves. Ms. Ortega, I hope you don't mind?"

I answered flatly, "Wasn't this supposed to be our families' dinner?"

Felipe glanced at me, his tone awkward. "A lot of people are coming tonight. Jaida just got back in the country and wanted to go to a party, meet more people."

With that, Felipe added, "And besides, my parents really like you. You can say a few good things for Jaida later."

I looked at the two of them in the front, wrapped up in their own affection, and I didn't care. "Fine," I said calmly.

'Only Felipe can ask his fiancée to vouch for his old flame at a family banquet.

'This is just more proof—he's not the man I loved.'

When we arrived at the party, I realized it wasn't a dinner with both families.

The Cherry family were hosting a party under my family's name.

Over the years, they'd used my family's name to make business connections. And in just a few years, they had made a fortune.

I was there only as a mascot, so that no matter what happened to the Cherry family, the Ortega Group would back them up.

In the noise, Jaida looked at me with smugness in her eyes. "Estella, sitting there alone must be boring. Why don't you play Truth or Dare with us?"

Before I could answer, a few of them gathered around, closing me in.

The bottle spun and landed right at me. Jaida told me to pick a card.

I flipped one over. It only had one question. "Is the person you love most here tonight?"

"Damn, do we even have to ask? The answer's obvious." All eyes turned to Felipe standing nearby.

"Exactly. Everyone knows Ms. Ortega's been simping for Felipe forever. Of course she loves him the most."

They all thought it was too easy. But I slowly shook my head. "No."