Chapter 3

Connor stared at me in disbelief. "Caroline, you used to be the kindest person I knew. When did you become such a stranger? Sarah is my child, but she's as much yours as mine.

"What mother would ever let her own kid get a record? Besides, General is Reagan's favorite dog. He helped her out of that dark place. If you take him away, she'll break down."

I raised my voice. "Connor, didn't you hear what the doctor said? I'll never play the piano again!"

Connor's tone softened. "Caroline, what's done is done. All we can do now is try to minimize the damage.

"I'll be here for you. Your hand will heal, but if you take General away, the scars on Reagan's heart will never fade..."

I retorted, "What does that have to do with me?"

Connor spoke softly, trying to comfort me. "Caroline, I know postponing our wedding because of Reagan hurt you.

"But Reagan's already had it tough enough. Can't you just cut her some slack?

"I promise, once grandma's birthday party is over, we'll finally get married."

I let out a cold laugh. "Connor, what makes you think you have the right to ask me to just let this go?

"Why would you think I'd still be waiting around for you after five years?

"I'm married now. I'm not the pushover I used to be. This isn't over."

Connor smashed the glass from the table onto the floor. "Caroline, you even dared to make up a lie about being married just to hurt Reagan?

"Did you forget? Your parents' ashes are still at my Everwood Estate. Do you want justice, or do you want your parents' ashes? Make your choice."

Back when Connor's parents were always busy with work, he was almost like family, raised by my folks.

He used to joke about looking after my parents when they got old, but now, all for Reagan, he was threatening to toss their ashes.

I gritted my teeth, with a fake smile plastered on my face. "Connor, you'll get what's coming to you!"

But Connor didn't even flinch. "Just rest up, okay? Grandma's worried sick about you."

On the day of Ella's birthday party, I showed up early.

Ella pulled me into a gentle embrace. "Caroline, you've grown up. Once you're married in a few days, I'll give you the shares your parents left for you."

I nodded. Jamison Wallace would be back soon to announce our relationship.

My arm still ached, so I ducked into a lounge to change my bandages.

Inside, I caught the sound of people talking.

"Connor, I just don't get it. You love Reagan, and you have a kid together. Why not just marry her instead of going after Caroline?" someone asked. "Aren't you worried Reagan might relapse?"

Connor just brushed it off. "How do you know I don't love Caroline? She's got that innocence. She's gorgeous, and her family's top-notch. Even after everything, she still has that clarity in her eyes—something Reagan could never compare to."

He added, "Caroline is the only woman I'll ever marry. But I'm not letting go of Reagan either. I'll look after her forever."

The group jeered, "Man, you're such a player!"

Connor smirked, totally unfazed. "Hey, I'm not the only guy in the world who's got feelings for two women."

Gritting my teeth, I cursed myself for being so stupid back then—throwing away six years of my youth on someone like him.

By the time I finished changing my bandages, the party hall was already packed with guests.

Reagan made her grand entrance on Connor's arm, stunning in a high-end designer dress.

People started whispering among themselves.

"Ms. Jones might not come from money, but she's all about loyalty," someone said.

"After Brenton passed, she went through with the pregnancy and raised their kid all by herself. Luckily, the Harrison family really cares about them, and Connor's always been there for them," another person added.

"Life's got a twisted sense of humor. They look like such a perfect match, but Connor already has a fiancée," someone else chimed in.

"Yeah, and rumor has it Ms. Jones is actually the daughter of the fiancée's family's nanny. That's a major drama right there," another person said.

"I heard the fiancée left the country for five years right after Brenton got into trouble and the Harrison Group's stock crashed. She said she went abroad to further her education, but only just came back," someone whispered.

"Further her education? Please. She was just afraid the Harrison Group would go bankrupt and take her down too. Point her out to me later. I really want to see what a heartless person like that looks like," another scoffed.

"And it's not just the Harrison family making waves tonight. Jamison spent five years abroad chasing after his wife, and he's finally bringing her to the party," someone else chimed in.

"If Mrs. Wallace could make the heir chase her for five years, she's definitely someone we all need to take note of. Seriously, don't get on her bad side..." another warned.

I couldn't be bothered with their gossip, so I picked up a glass of champagne and slipped over to the poolside to clear my head.

I'd barely gotten there when Reagan came over, Sarah tagging along at her side.