Chapter 3

I stopped before him, my throat feeling dry.

"Mr. Hayes."

Julian looked up, his deep, dark eyes locking onto mine.

"You're here."

He stood up and motioned for me to follow.

"Come on. Penthouse suite."

The elevator soared upward. In the enclosed space, the subtle scent of cold pine and cedar wood drifted from his suit.

Once inside the penthouse, I stood stiffly by the door, nervously wringing my hands.

Julian slipped off his jacket, tossed it casually over the back of the sofa, and loosened his tie.

"Sit down. No need to be nervous."

His voice was calm and unreadable.

I took a deep breath, deciding to lay all my cards on the table.

"Mr. Hayes, I don't know why you replied to my post, but tomorrow's wedding..."

"I happen to need a wife," Julian cut in, pouring a glass of warm water and handing it to me.

"My family has been pressing me to settle down. My grandfather’s health is failing, and his only wish is to see me married."

He studied me, a faint flicker of approval crossing his eyes.

"When you delivered that painting last time, you were professional, composed, and spoke only when necessary. You left a good impression on me."

"Rather than marrying some spoiled socialite with an agenda, I’d much rather marry you."

I froze, entirely caught off guard by his bluntness.

"B-but we don't have any feelings for each other."

"Feelings can be built after the vows."

Julian pulled out a chair, sat down, and tapped his long fingers against the table.

"Now, let's go over the details for tomorrow."

"The ceremony proceeds as planned. We just swap the groom's name to mine. Any objections?"

Looking at this man who commanded the room with effortless grace, I nodded firmly.

"None!"

Right at that moment, my phone buzzed again.

I answered and hit speakerphone.

"Chloe, are you done throwing your tantrum yet?"

Derek's irritated voice crackled through the speaker.

"Savannah finally fell asleep. I don't have time to constantly babysit your emotions."

"I’ll be at the wedding on time tomorrow. Use tonight at the hotel to reflect on your attitude."

"And don't show up tomorrow with a miserable face. Don't make us a laughingstock in front of our families!"

Hearing his words, a cold laugh escaped me.

Even now, he genuinely believed I was just throwing a childish fit.

He believed that with a single snap of his fingers, I’d come running back like an obedient puppy, wagging my tail with gratitude.

I spoke, my tone dead cold:

"Derek."

"Tomorrow, don't bother coming."

With that, I ended the call.

I immediately swiped over to my contacts and blocked Derek's number.

A text message instantly forced its way through before the block took effect:

*Chloe, that’s enough. Stop acting like a spoiled brat. Savannah needs someone by her side right now. I’ll be there tomorrow on time, so quit making drama.*

I laughed bitterly. He actually thought I was just "making drama."

"Do you need me to take care of him?"

A deep, velvety voice came from beside me.

Julian tilted his head slightly, watching me.

I swallowed, an unexpected flutter hitting my chest.

I couldn't fathom what a ruthless billionaire meant by "take care of him."

"No, thank you."

Taking a slow breath, I shook my head.

"I already told him not to come."

"If he still insists on making a scene, the only one getting humiliated won't be me."

Julian gave me a long, searching look, pressing no further.

"Get some rest, then. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

Leaving me with those words, he turned and headed into the master bedroom of the penthouse.

I shut the door to the guest room and collapsed onto the massive king-sized bed.

The room was dead quiet. Memories from the past three years flashed across my mind like an endless film reel.

Every single time Derek and I went on a date, one phone call from Savannah was all it took for him to abandon me.

*"Savannah's having an episode. She only has me, Chloe, please be reasonable."*

*"Can you stop being so petty? The girl is sick, and you're competing with her?"*

Every righteous accusation he had ever thrown at me felt like a needle to the chest.

How blind and foolish had I been to let myself be his doormat for so many years?

Tears slipped down my cheeks, soaking the silk pillowcase.

I thought I would toss and turn all night.

Yet before long, a subtle, soothing fragrance drifted through the room.

The scent was unique, wrapping around my frayed nerves and gently unraveling the tension.

My eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.