Chapter 2

"You really think you're so high and mighty, huh?" Austin scoffed.

I hurled a heavy ceramic planter right at his feet. It shattered violently, and he finally got the message, snapping his mouth shut and scurrying away like a rat.

Staring at the broken ceramic and scattered dirt, I felt a sharp pang of grief hit me.

The gentle, polite Austin I used to know was gone forever, vanishing the moment he ran off with another woman.

I had always believed that years of loyal companionship could outweigh a fleeting spark. I thought Zoe was just a passing phase.

But harsh reality taught me that a fiery new romance will always beat boring stability.

Perhaps he never truly loved me at all.

*****

Maxwell moved fast. Bright and early the next morning, he showed up at our estate with his legal team in tow.

He was the picture of reliability, behaving with perfect grace and impeccable manners.

He even made a point to explain that his parents were currently out of the country on business but would fly back the second they wrapped things up.

Compared to Austin's parents, who had completely ghosted us since the scandal broke, my parents were definitely warming up to the Pierce family.

Still, worried by Austin's parting insults, my mother pulled me aside privately.

"Please don't marry him just to get back at Austin," she whispered, her eyes full of maternal concern.

A wave of warmth washed over me. "It's okay, Mom. I actually really like him."

It was a lie, but between true love and financial security, I had to secure at least one.

The Pierce family was old money, aristocratic and powerful for generations. If it weren't for Maxwell's terrible reputation, there was no way he'd still be a bachelor.

Marrying a man like him guaranteed a life of absolute luxury, and it would absolutely infuriate Austin. It was the perfect revenge.

After finalizing the wedding arrangements with my parents, Maxwell whisked me away to pick out a ring.

Staring at the dazzling jewelry cases, I was absolutely mesmerized.

Austin had given me a ring once. It was a simple band with tiny, inexpensive diamond chips.

Back then, I was so blinded by love that those pathetic little sparkles were enough to make my day.

But looking at the blinding brilliance of the flawless diamonds in front of me now, I couldn't help but pity the hopelessly romantic fool I used to be.

I didn't hesitate for a second and pointed to the most expensive rock in the store.

Since our marriage was built entirely on wealth and petty revenge, I was absolutely going to maximize the material perks.

While Maxwell stepped out to handle the payment, two people walked out of a private viewing room.

It was Austin and Zoe.

I let out a dark, mocking laugh. It was so true what they said. A man spent his money where his heart was.

Any random ring in this boutique was worth ten times the one he had given me.

In his eyes, I was just that cheap, easily manipulated, and entirely unworthy of his actual effort.

Austin spotted me immediately. His eyes locked onto the massive diamond on my finger.

He gasped in scolding disbelief, "Ava, are you insane? Do you know how expensive that is? Put it down right now! Didn't I already buy you a ring?"

I looked at him like he had lost his mind. "I'm shopping for a ring. What does that have to do with you?"

Realizing I wasn't expecting him to foot the bill, Austin visibly exhaled in relief.

Then that smug arrogance crept right back onto his face. "Ava, and you claim you don't want to marry me. You're out here buying your own wedding ring.

"Don't even try to tell me it's just for everyday wear. That is clearly an engagement ring."

Zoe was clinging to his arm, her eyes completely glued to my hand.

"Austin, her ring is so gorgeous," she whined softly. "I want one too."

Austin cast a seemingly casual glance at the price tag, blanched slightly, and then boldly reassured Zoe. "Don't worry, babe. We'll just have Ava give it to you later."

Zoe giggled sweetly and nestled deeper into his embrace. As she moved, a pendant slipped out from her collar.

It was the Rhodes family's heirloom sapphire, the one reserved exclusively for the future bride of their family.

Catching my gaze, Zoe flashed me a sickeningly triumphant smirk.

A complicated mix of emotions churned in my chest.

I couldn't fathom that I had almost tied myself to such a stingy, hypocritical man and a family that treated me with such blatant disrespect.

"Stop acting so entitled to my things. I already told you, there is absolutely no way I'm marrying you," I said, my voice cold and firm.

Austin didn't believe a word of it.

Beside him, Zoe's eyes darted around calculatingly before she patted his chest. "Austin, Ava is clearly just jealous that you brought me ring shopping.

"Why don't you give her a little something too? What about that free gift with purchase the store threw in when we bought my ring? It suits her perfectly."

I scoffed out loud. A free giveaway item suited me? Was she intentionally trying to insult me?

I couldn't even be bothered to reply, but she acted completely oblivious to my disgust.

She pulled out the cheap necklace and stepped forward, trying to clasp it around my neck. Frustrated, I took a step back to avoid her touch.

Suddenly, she let out a dramatic shriek, threw herself sideways, and slammed hard against the sharp edge of the display case.

"I'm so sorry, Ava!" she cried out, "I didn't know you hated me this much. I just wanted to give you a little gift on Austin's behalf. I didn't realize you only cared about expensive things."

Austin lunged forward instantly to catch her. "Ava, how could you be such a gold digger? Thank God I didn't marry you. You're nothing but a greedy social climber!"

With that, Austin scooped Zoe up and escorted her out. Just a second before they disappeared through the doors, Zoe turned her head and shot me a gloating smile.

It was the exact same smile she had given me the very first time we met.

*****

Our meeting was a total cliché. It was so incredibly predictable that even I couldn't believe how textbook the whole drama played out.

We were at Austin's birthday party. Zoe was working as a waitress and spilled a tray of drinks on some entitled rich guy.

Seeing she was gorgeous, the jerk got handsy and demanded she pay for his ruined designer shirt. Zoe looked terrified, tears brimming in her eyes.

Just as I was about to step in and stop it, Austin played the hero. He stepped right up, got the guy to back off with a few sharp words, and draped his own suit jacket over her shoulders.