Chapter 2

For three whole years, I practically catered to his every whim and never once lost my temper. In Bayview's rich-kid circle, whenever people mentioned Henry Shaw, Claire Linwood's name always came right after. Usually, the verdict was:

"Henry's simp."

"Her? She's something else. No clue what snapped in her brain, but she's dead set on marrying Henry."

"That girl's got no shame. Seriously—it's been three years and Henry still won't take her. How does she still not get the hint?"

The circle was tiny, so sometimes those comments got back to Henry. He'd repeat them to me word for word, then raise a brow and ask, "Still not giving up? You really don't care what people say about you?"

And every time, I'd answer with complete seriousness. "Let them talk. I like you, and I'm not giving up."

He'd let out a dismissive little laugh, but his tone made it obvious he enjoyed hearing that. "Not bad. You've got stamina."

That was when I finally realized something. Henry might have looked like Sam, but their personalities were worlds apart. Sam had grown up in the countryside with his grandmother and went abroad at twenty, before he ever had the chance to be influenced by that spoiled rich-kid crowd. He was gentle, and good manners were in his bones. He never raised his voice at me. He was always smiling.

Henry, on the other hand, had been pampered since birth and cared a lot about saving face. He didn't like me, but he'd probably never met a woman as stubborn as I was, so while he kept pushing me away, he also enjoyed my pursuit.

Of course, we were both adults, and sometimes things heated up. But every time I remembered he and Sam were brothers, I just couldn't go through with it. At first, he only laughed. "Let's see how long you can keep this act up."

Until I turned him down once, twice, three times, four times... he finally sensed something was off and asked me coldly, "You won't even let me touch you. Claire Linwood, do you really like me?"

"Of course. I'd do anything for you." I carefully reached for his hand.

He frowned, brushed my hand away, and walked off. Every time that happened, I had to chase after him even harder for a long stretch before he'd spare me another glance.

Yesterday, I really went for it. When I confessed, I even kissed him. What no one expected was that he actually said yes. I got so happy I drank myself silly, and then this happened.

"Ms. Linwood, Henry said I'm not supposed to touch you. Could you let go of me first?" Lucas's voice pulled me back to the present.

I eased out of his arms, my voice absurdly gentle. "Don't call me Ms. Linwood. Call me Claire, okay?"

He looked confused, but in the end he nodded obediently. Pleased, I asked again, "What's your relationship with Henry?"

"Our families were related through our grandmothers' generation, but by our generation we're pretty distant. Still, the Shaw Family puts a lot of weight on blood ties, so they invite us to the holiday gatherings too."

A sharp ache hit my chest, and my voice rose with excitement. "So that means you can get into the Shaw Family Cemetery too?"

He gave me a strange look. "Of course. I—" Thud. Before he could finish, I'd already pounced and shoved him back onto the bed.

Now that I'd found the premium replica, why would I settle for the budget version?