26
Why did I choose Sloane? To be frank, I never really liked her that much. She was like a restless butterfly, always flitting from one thing to another, never knowing how to settle down. She wasn’t nearly as gentle or thoughtful as Liv. I just couldn’t accept it–I couldn’t accept being forced to separate from the person I truly loved. And I was too certain that Liv would never make a fuss over something that was merely a formality. But in the end, I lost the one person I really loved.
My mother said that Livia had personally agreed to the marriage with Zane. It was her choice.
I was the one who gave up on Livia first–was I really expecting her to just wait around forever? And who was I putting on this whole act for now?
She went on to remind me that today’s engagement party had been arranged with the help of Kensington Corporation, bringing together several major business representatives to discuss partnerships. I should be clear about my status–what I should and shouldn’t do.
My status?
I let out a self–deprecating laugh. She’d been drilling that into my head ever since I was a child. But what had this so–called status ever given me? A status that couldn’t even keep the woman I loved by my side–what was so great
about that?
I treated her words as nonsense and turned to leave, determined to find Liv.
8:46 AM
Just as I was about to step out, my mother let out a strange, soft chuckle.
you
“Do you know why she’d rather marry a blind man?” She took a step closer, her eyes gleaming. “Do yo remember, Cassian?” she whispered. “Who was the one who begged me to shape her into a lady?” she asked.
My heart clenched. I had done this. I had begged my mother to mold Liv into a woman of status. A woman of dignity. And a woman of dignity would never settle for being second.
I had made her too good to be my mistress
And now–now, she was gone.
For the first time in my life, my hands trembled.
I had trained her to be better–and she had learned too well.
But even so…
Even if I didn’t want her, there was no way in hell I would let her be with a blind man.
Ignoring my mother’s disapproval, I was about to rush to Langston Hill when my assistant hurried in, looking panicked
All the companies that had agreed to sign contracts today–every single one of them–had just pulled out. Someone had recorded a video of tearing down the decoration and leaked it online.
Now, the Montclair Group was being labeled as dishonorable, a company that went back on its word, utterly untrustworthy in business.
Even our stock prices were starting to drop.
My fists clenched unconsciously
Zane had set me up. He had thrown me straight onto the fire. But out of all the people he could have chosen for a marriage alliance, why did it have to be Liv?
My mother scoffed at me.
She said I was just like my father–wanting to have it all while still being forced to bow to reality.
I truly was my father’s son. The same selfish coward.
In the end, she warned me–Kensington Corporation might seem to be in decline, but its foundation was still solid. She told me to weigh my choices carefully. She wouldn’t interfere in my affairs anymore. With that, she left, disappointed beyond words.
I had seen her crying herself to sleep every night back then, I had sworn to myself that I would never be the kind. of scumbag my father was. But look at me now–greedy and insatiable just like him,
I gritted my teeth and considered my options.
In the end, I pushed down my emotions and regained my usual composure.
The engagement party would go on as planned. But to make up for my mistake, I immediately ordered a grand gesture at Langston Hill–ten thousand drones lighting up the night sky.
Livia loved me. She was always understanding and obedient.
As long as I apologized, she would forgive me. Once I secured those business contracts, I would break this off with Sloane and bring Livia back. She was so understanding, she would definitely understand my plight.
I never thought
