Chapter 2

I pressed my lips together. When I looked at Lucas again, he had already gone back to his usual calm and dignified self.

He held me close and told everyone at the client dinner, "Please enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow is our wedding. We still have a lot to prepare, so we'll head out first."

Then he walked me toward the door.

Behind us came everyone's blessings for our marriage.

"So excited for you two—tomorrow is the big day!"

"We'll be there tomorrow for sure!"

But just as the door was about to open, both Lucas and I heard Sandra's sharp voice stand out among all the blessings.

"Guys, I want to apologize for what I did in the past," Sandra said. "Tonight I'll use coffee instead of wine. Let's drink this and forget the bad blood. I hope you'll support me in business in the future—"

Before she could finish, someone cut her off. "How can you use coffee instead of alcohol?"

"If you're really sorry, you should show it."

"How about this: you drink one glass of wine, and we'll let you sign one deal."

"Ms. Young, how many deals you get depends on how much you can drink."

People started cheering. Someone even poured Sandra a full glass of vodka.

Lucas and I had our backs towards them, but we could feel their heated stares.

Some came from our business partners. They worried about upsetting Lucas, but at the same time, they wanted to help him and me get back at Sandra.

I also felt Sandra's eyes on us, full of burning feelings for Lucas.

I looked at Lucas and thought that forcing a partner to drink like this wasn't good for Sterling Enterprises, which was still on the rise.

But he only smiled gently and said to me, "You barely ate tonight. When we get home, I'll make your favorite chicken chowder, okay?"

He tucked my coat around me. "It's windy outside. Be careful not to catch a cold."

His face looked calm, but I could feel his hand trembling slightly as it brushed against my neck and cheek.

"Fine, I'll drink!" Sandra's voice rang out, firm and clear.

One by one, empty glasses hit the floor, making sharp sounds.

I leaned against Lucas's shoulder and heard his heart pounding wildly with tension.

Finally, Sandra passed out.

Lucas could no longer pretend to be calm.

He rushed toward Sandra without a second thought.

Then he scooped her up in his arms and rushed out of the private room.

As he passed me, I saw the veins bulging in his arms and his face turning pale with worry.

He ordered, "To the hospital!"

My assistant glanced at me in a panic but didn't move. "Mr. Sterling, what about Ms. Cooper?"

But Lucas didn't seem to hear. In a tone that left no room for refusal, he said, "Now!"

I gave a bitter smile. Not wanting to put Lucas in a harder spot, I gave my assistant a calming look.

Only then did he follow Lucas.

Sandra's face was flushed as she curled up in Lucas's arms. Weak as she was, she still lifted her eyes and gave me a mocking glance.

She had said Lucas would leave with her tonight.

She won.

Even though she pulled every trick she had and suffered for it, she won in the end.

*****

The private room went silent.

Everyone looked at me, most with sympathy in their eyes.

Some even spoke up for me.

"Lucas is such a fool."

"It's our fault. We pushed too hard and fell into Sandra's trap."

"Jessica, don't blame Lucas. He's just too sentimental."

"I'll call him right now and make him come back. He's only drunk and not thinking straight."

"Once I explain it, he'll see Sandra was only putting on an act."

I shook my head with a bitter smile.

If Lucas had no feelings for Sandra, her tricks wouldn't have worked.

Right there in front of everyone, I took off the engagement ring from my finger and set it on the table.

Faces froze in shock.

Before anyone could try to comfort me, I turned and walked out.

Sandra had won.

But I hadn't lost.

I just didn't want Lucas anymore.

*****

I pulled my coat tight as I walked down the cold street.

Neon lights flashed, shadows stretched across the road.

The wind blew hard, stinging my eyes.

When I passed under the bridge, old memories rushed back.

Seven years ago, after being assaulted by my stepbrother, I ran away from home.

No matter how I tried to explain his vile actions, my mother never believed me.

She even told me to go back and apologize to him and my stepfather.

She sat me down, speaking with all her patience, and said beggars couldn't be choosers.

At that moment, I understood what people meant when they called me a burden.

To keep my mom from being caught in the middle, I left home for good.

I never went back. I even cut off all contact with her.

I worked during the day, slept on the streets at night, and lived meal to meal.