Chapter 5

Mom clutched my IV hand, warm tears dripping onto my skin.

"Silly child, he treated you like this, and you still want to speak up for him?"

She suddenly turned to Chloe.

"What spell did you cast on him?"

Chloe let out a soft laugh, her finger tracing Caleb’s suit tie.

It was the silver-grey one with subtle patterns, the one I had personally chosen for him.

"Mrs. Hayes, Caleb merely… discovered someone more worth cherishing."

Dad suddenly exploded, grabbing Caleb’s collar.

"I’ll ask you one last time! Are you sure you’re calling off the engagement with Audrey to marry this… this shameless woman?"

Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobbed violently.

Chloe collapsed into Caleb’s arms, her voice tearful.

"Caleb, they’re saying such things about me! You promised me you wouldn’t let me suffer any injustice."

I propped my shaking body up against the headboard.

Under Caleb’s perfectly tailored suit, his shoulder blades trembled subtly.

His throat worked three times before he squeezed out the words:

"Yes… I… I have to marry Chloe Thompson."

[CRASH.]

Mom picked up a glass and violently hurled it at them.

"Do you Graysons treat marriage like a child's game?"

Hot tea splashed onto Chloe’s high heels, making her gasp and take half a step back.