Chapter 1

Ward Baker had two contenders for a family-arranged marriage.

One of them was me, and the other was Sarah Harrison.

The year we graduated from college, Sarah's family business went under. With things falling apart, she moved overseas to get married, and that was when Ward and I started our life together.

After tying the knot, Ward and I became famous in our circle. Everyone saw us as the perfect couple.

Ward showered me with care, and I poured my heart and soul into our marriage.

I not only raised two wonderful kids with him, but also helped him become the youngest billionaire in the country.

Just when everyone was envying my picture-perfect life, reality slapped me hard. I got cancer right as I was about to retire, all those years of exhaustion finally catching up to me.

When I was at my weakest, when I desperately needed my family's support, Ward blindsided me by asking for a divorce, all so he could take Sarah—who'd just returned after her own marriage crashed—back into his life.

I was in total denial at first, then I ended up literally coughing up blood as I begged Ward not to leave me.

But Ward's heart was set on Sarah. He gave zero thought to me, and even handed over the hotel empire I'd spent half my life building and put it right under her name.

Even our two kids, the ones I'd raised with my own hands, acted like I was just being dramatic. They told me to quit making a fuss and to let Ward be with the woman he truly loved.

I was shoved out of my own house to clear space for Sarah. In a daze, I missed a step and went tumbling down the stairs.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on my wedding day with Ward.

Gripping my father's arm, I walked toward Ward, my heart pounding with every step.

But Ward, looking all anxious, suddenly snatched the mic from the host.

His sharp voice cut through the room, bringing everything to a screeching halt.

Everyone just stared at him, totally baffled.

I watched with frosty eyes, knowing full well Ward had time-travelled to that exact moment, as well.

He didn't give a damn about the decades of friendship between our families, the business deal we were about to sign, or the jaw-dropping wedding gifts I brought to the table.

He was willing to throw all that away for Sarah.

I sure wasn't going to get in his way.

*****

"I'm not marrying Kelsey. This wedding is over." Ward blurted out, his voice sharp and frantic.

The whole place erupted into chaos.

My father's face twisted with shock and anger. He was about to storm over and demand an explanation, but I stepped forward, yanked off my veil, and tossed it to the floor.

"Fine then. I won't force you," I said, keeping my tone frosty and unbothered.

Ward looked stunned, but he quickly ripped the boutonniere off his suit and strode right past me, not looking back.

I knew exactly why he was in such a rush. He was heading to the airport, hell-bent on chasing after Sarah before she could board that plane out of my life.

It was obvious that he was going to risk everything just to be with her.

It wasn't until that moment that I finally realized that all those decades I'd poured my heart into our marriage, all the sacrifices I'd made for him, meant nothing to him.

Every bit of his affection was an empty gesture.

"Kelsey, stop getting caught up in Ward's mess," Ward's father, Leland Baker, barked while slamming his hand down on the table, frustration written all over his face.

Our marriage wasn't just about falling in love. It was also a giant merger, a big-money partnership between our families.

"That's right, Kelsey. You've always been my top pick for a daughter-in-law," Ward's mother, Janice Baker, said, eyes shining with tears as she looked at me.

I'd lost my mom when I was little, so I'd always seen Janice as my mother.

But Ward left me standing alone in front of all our friends and family. After that, there was no way I would ever have anything to do with him again.

I clenched my fists and declared, my voice steady and loud, "Thank you all for making time to come. Please be my witness. From now on, Ward and I have nothing to do with each other.

Leland wanted to step in and fix things, but my dad stopped him with a sharp gesture.

"I swear I'll drag that punk over here and make him get on his knees to apologize." Leland blurted.

"Get lost. If Ward even thinks about coming over, I'll break his legs. My precious girl deserves someone way better!" my father snapped back, his voice booming with rage.

The guests just kept eating and drinking like the whole drama was no big deal.

I headed back to the lounge, peeled off the heavy wedding dress, and took off my makeup.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I caught the makeup artist and her assistant huddled together, gossiping.

"No way. The groom just ditched his wedding the ultra-rich bride to run off to the airport for his love," one of them whispered.

I checked my phone, and social media instantly exploded with breaking news alerts.

Every shot, from every angle, was crystal clear.