Chapter 2

I stared at the photo. That was Jason's mom, Luisa.

So even his excuse was a lie.

The whole thing, a complete sham.

Every ounce of strength drained out of me. My vision blurred.

I staggered. Strong arms caught me—solid and warm.

Edward was suddenly right there, holding me steady.

For the first time, his voice carried emotion.

"Charlotte, don't waste yourself on a man like him."

His words knocked the wind out of me.

He was right. Jason wasn't worth it.

Here I was, falling apart over a guy who did nothing but lie.

Why was I even putting myself through this?

Anger surged up from somewhere deep inside—rage I'd never felt before.

I shoved Edward back, stared him down, and asked seriously, "Edward, do you think I'm an idiot?"

He looked at my red, swollen eyes. After a moment, he said, "No. You're not.

"You're just too soft-hearted."

Too soft-hearted.

That broke me. The tears came.

Yeah, that was me. Always wearing my heart on my sleeve.

So soft-hearted that I'd forgiven Jason over and over, always finding excuses to believe his lies.

I'd wrapped my whole life around him, lost all my self-respect, and made myself small just to keep him happy.

Edward didn't try to comfort me—just stood there, solid and steady, giving me space to break down.

I cried for a long time. Five years of hurt and disappointment were finally pouring out.

When I stopped, I felt strangely calm.

I wiped my face, unblocked Jason, and called.

He answered immediately.

"Charlie, you finally answered! Please, just let me explain..."

"Jason," I cut him off. "I'm breaking up with you."

Jason's voice shot up. "What? Break up? Charlotte, are you insane? Just because I missed one appointment?"

"It's not about today," I said calmly. "It's about all seven times. It's about the lies you and your mom cooked up. It's about how you spent five years crushing every bit of hope and trust I had in you."

"What lies? My mom—"

"Is playing cards. Looking perfectly healthy," I interrupted him coldly.

Jason went completely silent.

I could practically picture him freaking out, feeling guilty as hell.

"Charlotte, please, just listen. It's not what you think—"

"I don't want to hear it, Jason." My voice was flat. "We're done. Good luck to you and your mom—hope you both stay healthy and keep winning at cards."

With that, I hung up, blocked him, and deleted his number—all in one go.

Suddenly, I felt weightless. Like I could breathe again.

Edward drove me to Emily's building.

She was waiting at the door. When she saw my swollen eyes, she pulled me into a tight hug.

I patted her back and smiled, "It's okay. It's over now."

After a long, worried look to assure I wasn't forcing a smile, Emily relaxed at last.

"Good! Dumping that loser is the best decision you've made! Come on, we're drinking tonight till we can't see straight!"

She dragged me inside.

The Smith Residence was huge—elegant and minimalist.

Edward changed his shoes and headed straight for the study, clearly not joining girls' night.

I sat on the couch, staring at the folder in my hands. My marriage papers. Still pristine.

I'd taken the day off for this and put on my best dress. For what? To end up like this?

In the end, it was all a joke.

Rage flared up inside me, hot and sudden.

No way I was just letting this go.

I wasn't letting Jason think I couldn't live without him.

I wasn't letting this red dress go to waste on a loser.

A completely insane idea took shape.

I bolted up and headed straight to the study, ignoring Emily's stunned stare.

The door was open, and Edward was behind his desk, buried in documents.

When I walked in, his cold eyes locked onto mine.

I took a deep breath, raised the folder, and strode over.

I slammed my marriage papers down on his desk.

Emily rushed in behind me, jaw dropping. "Charlie, what are you doing?"

I ignored her, eyes fixed on Edward. My heart hammered—nerves and pure impulse.

"Edward." My voice came out steady, all-or-nothing. "Do you have your ID with you?"

His eyebrow arched. He didn't speak—just stared at me, unreadable.

I swallowed hard and forced the words out. "Let's get married. My treat."