Chapter 2

I looked straight into Isaac's eyes. None of the dull, womanizing look the rumors talked about. Just clear eyes.

I said, "Lance is Lance. I am me. Our engagement is over."

Isaac raised an eyebrow. A tiny spark flashed in his eyes, almost hidden.

He leaned in even closer. Our noses nearly brushed. "I don't care. You used to be his fiancée. Who else am I supposed to go to?"

His voice turned whiny, a little shameless. "The whole city knows my bride got stolen. If you don't give me a wife to make up for it, I'm not leaving today."

He dropped onto the armchair and crossed his legs. He looked like he was going to stick to me no matter what.

Then Lance's words before he left flashed through my mind. "Who else would ever marry you?"

Anger burned in my chest. "Fine, I'll make it up to you," I blurted out.

Isaac shot up from the chair. His eyes went wide. He stammered. "Y-you mean it?"

"I won't back out." I looked at him. "Do you dare to marry me?"

His ears turned bright red instantly. He spun in circles, not knowing what to do.

Then he burst out laughing. "Why wouldn't I? Celine, don't blame me for not warning you. Once you say yes, there's no backing out."

He grabbed my shoulders. "Three days later, I'll come with the wedding procession. You stay right here and get ready for the wedding."

Then, without even using the front door, he climbed over the wall and ran off. He moved so fast, people would think a dog was chasing him.

I watched him nearly trip over the top of the wall. My gloomy mood lifted a little.

Who would've thought the infamous menace was actually kind of adorable?

*****

The next morning, the whole Ingram Mansion woke up to deafening music.

I threw on a coat and went outside. The yard was full of wooden crates.

Isaac stood in front, holding a piece of ivory paper. "These are all my engagement gifts. Every single one."

He strode up to me and pressed the list into my hand. "Celine, I'm here to propose."

I looked down at the long list. My fingertips felt burning.

All the neighbors had gathered at my gate to watch the spectacle.

Everyone knew that the heir of the Robinson family had come with luxurious gifts to ask me to marry him.

My family's honor wasn't just saved. It was raised higher.

Then a stir suddenly came from the edge of the crowd.

Lance pushed through, pulling Stacey behind him.

Standing side by side, they looked like a perfect couple, so striking that it was almost hard to look at.

Stacey wore a plain dress and carried a tray. On it sat an ugly, tacky gown and a cheap, rough headpin.

Lance stared at the gifts in the yard, his face dark. "Celine, what's this little tantrum about?"

He stepped forward, his voice full of command. "Isaac is just playing with you. You don't actually think he'll marry you, do you?

"Return all this right now. Stop embarrassing yourself here."

I looked at Lance coldly. "Mr. Turner, who do you think you are to tell me what to do?"

Stacey stepped forward, her eyes red. She pulled up her sleeve on purpose.

On her wrist was the Turner family heirloom bracelet. The one Lance's grandmother left for his future wife.

Stacey said, "Celine, Lance is only trying to help you. Lord Robinson has a bad reputation. How can you risk your whole future over a fit of spite?"

She pushed the tray toward me. "Lance specially had this gown rushed for you.

"Even though you can't marry him, he said he'll still be good to you. Just take it. Stop making a scene."

An ugly gown and a cheap headpin. That was Lance's way of making up for our three years.

Isaac laughed mockingly and kicked over a crate next to him. All kinds of jewels spilled out, shining.

Isaac said, "Lance, are you out of your mind? You come here, showing off trash like this in front of my future wife? What gives you the nerve?"

Isaac put his arm around my shoulder. "This is the woman I'm going to marry properly. Since when does she need your pity?"

Lance glared at Isaac. "Isaac, what do you really want? You're just getting back at me for taking Stacey. You're using Celine as a shield. Don't think I don't know your dirty game."

He turned to me. "Celine, you're coming with me right now. Don't make me tie you up and haul you back in front of everyone." He reached for me.

I stepped aside and gave Stacey an impatient shove. "Take your trash and get out."

I only pushed her lightly. But she let out a scream and fell backward, making a huge show of it.

The tray crashed to the ground. The gown was covered in dust.

"Stacey!" Lance's eyes blazed. He caught her.

He looked up at me, his glare full of venom. "Celine, you're absolutely hopeless. Stacey came here trying to help you, and you dared to push her!"

He lifted Stacey into his arms, his face full of disgust. "You cruel, jealous woman. Isaac will dump you soon enough. Just wait. You'll be the laughingstock of the whole city."

He stormed off with Stacey in his arms.

I stood there. I remembered something from two years ago. At a royal party, some young noble lady had tripped Stacey on purpose.

Lance rushed over, just like today, and slapped the lady across the face, all to stand up for Stacey.

The signs had been there all along. I just had my eyes shut. I didn't want to believe his heart had already left me.

Now everything was clear.

I let out a long breath and turned to Isaac. "Sorry you had to see that."

He curled his lip. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and shoved it into my hand. "Wipe your hands. After dealing with someone like her, you want to get her bad luck on you."

He paused. His voice turned a little awkward. "Don't listen to Lance's crap. I said I'd marry you, and I mean it. It's not about getting back at him."