Chapter 3

Louisa said she was here to help me pick out a wedding dress, but she was way too excited trying on bridesmaid dresses herself.

She kept insisting they were just bridesmaid dresses, but every single one she tried on was actually a wedding gown.

Alexander played along with her antics, switching into a new suit every time she changed.

I kindly snapped photo after photo of them and sent them all to the Shaw family group chat. Alexander's phone was lying on the couch, so I helpfully put it on silent for him.

After they'd finally had their fill of trying on outfits, they finally remembered I was even there.

Alexander was in a much better mood now, and his voice was noticeably gentler when he spoke to me. "Claire, pick any dress you like and go try it on."

I was about to refuse, but when I spotted a wedding dress I'd always loved, I decided to give it a shot, just for the fun of it.

I stepped into the fitting room, but the wedding dress was so elaborate that the attendant couldn't get it on me alone. She went out to find help, leaving the door half open.

That was when I overheard Louisa, her voice low and possessive, asking Alexander, "You said you'd marry me. So, when are you dumping Claire?"

So, Alexander was already plotting to leave me before we'd even walked down the aisle.

Alexander wrapped Louisa in his arms, his voice full of frustration and helplessness. "I really can't do anything about it right now. Just hang in there for a while, okay?"

He added, "My kidneys are failing, and I've got Type P blood. Only nine people in the whole country have it. Finding a donor is nearly impossible. If I don't get a transplant, I won't live much longer.

"Claire's already a perfect match for me. Once we're married, I'll coax her into giving me her kidney. Then I'll divorce her and finally marry you."

When I tried to break off the engagement, he just kept acting clueless. Turns out, all he ever wanted was my kidney. I even tore up the donor match report, but he still managed to find out the results.

I yanked off the wedding dress and stormed out of the fitting room.

With my arm swung wide, I landed three sharp slaps right across Alexander's face, each one echoing in the room.

"Alexander, what kind of trash are you, thinking you can scheme against me?" I snapped, fury shaking my voice.

"So, what if we're a match? There's no way I'm giving you my kidney. If I'm feeling generous when you kick the bucket, maybe I'll drop by your grave."

Alexander, holding his cheek, didn't hesitate. He shoved me down onto the couch and raised his fist.

"Claire, no one's ever dared lay a hand on me. Are you looking to die?" he growled.

I lifted my chin proudly, staring him down without a trace of fear. "Go ahead, hit me. One word from me and your family's finances will crash and burn."

His fist skimmed past my face, but the storm in his eyes fizzled out.

He steadied me and carefully straightened out my clothes, fixing what he'd messed up.

"Claire, it was all Louisa. She was the one who tried to seduce me. Don't worry, I'll handle her.

"I promise, Louisa will never cross your path again. From now on, no other woman will ever be in my life except you," he said, trying to reassure me.

I let out a helpless sigh. Alexander just didn't seem to understand what I was saying.

"Calling off the engagement isn't just because of Louisa. We're just not meant to be together," I said.

Louisa stood off to the side, tears streaming down her cheeks like she'd been wronged by the whole world. She shot Alexander a look so pitiful it was almost comical.

A flash of guilt flickered in Alexander's eyes, but he steeled himself and practically steered Louisa toward the door. "Go back to the office and hand in your resignation. Leave Jinlesburg and don't ever show your face here again."

Louisa just fixed him with a desperate stare, her face a mess of tears and snot, shaking her head silently, refusing to budge.

Watching them, even I started to feel like the ultimate homewrecker, the big bad villain tearing their tragic love story apart.

I grabbed my bag and started heading out. "Seriously, you two need to stop. This whole scene is just making me feel awkward."

Suddenly, there was a loud thud behind me. I turned to see Louisa drop to her knees.

"Claire, please, don't break off the engagement. I swear, I'll never show up around Mr. Shaw again," she begged, her voice choked with sobs.

Alexander crouched down and tried to help Louisa up, but she wouldn't budge.

It didn't matter to me whether she dropped to her knees or not. I was heading out when I saw Kason Shaw, Alexander's father, walk in.

He probably saw the pics I posted in the family group chat and, since he couldn't reach Alexander, decided to show up himself.