Chapter 2

My father was clearly taken aback by my choice.

"Aren't you dating Julian Vance? Why the sudden choice for Asher Hayes? Celeste, marriage isn't a joke, you need to choose carefully."

I nodded.

"Dad, I broke up with Julian Vance. I like Asher Hayes now."

My father gently patted my head.

"Our family doesn't need a strategic alliance through marriage. If you don't like any of them, we can just cancel the engagement."

At the entrance, Julian Vance's parents walked in, all smiles.

"Mr. Richard, since we'll be family soon, please guide us through 'Project Pawa' this time."

My dad is the wealthiest man in the state, and the group's project partners depend on who I choose as his son-in-law.

My dad gave them a cold glance and announced,

"Don't be ridiculous. My daughter's fiancé is Asher Hayes."

Mr. Vance looked stunned.

"What does this mean? Celeste, aren't you my son's girlfriend?"

My mom, with her hands on her hips, practically yelled,

"Nonsense! Julian Vance not only deceived my daughter but also publicly claimed Blair was his girlfriend, even going as far as to call Celeste the other woman! They trampled all over her reputation, and it was Asher Hayes who helped suppress those rumors!"

My heart clenched painfully.

My mind instantly cleared.

No wonder when Julian Vance and I went to friend gatherings, they always looked like they were watching a show.

Turns out, I was the joke.

Blair and Julian Vance became "good friends" shortly after she moved into our house.

I thought they were just close, but I never imagined they were already together.

I glanced at Mr. Vance, and said flatly,

"I only have one fiancé, and that's Asher Hayes."

Mrs. Vance stomped her foot in anger.

"Celeste, I treated you like a daughter-in-law, and yet you turned out to be such a hypocritical person."

My mom's soul stood in front of me, gently comforting me.

"Sweetheart, the Vance family conspired together to deceive you. Don't let them make you angry."

"But I'm so happy you finally saw Julian Vance for who he really is."

Soon, everyone had arrived.

Seated on either side of me were two handsome, stylish men: Julian Vance, Asher Hayes, and then Ryan and Leo.

We all lived in the same villa complex, and being similar in age, we'd grown up together.

After the meal, the elders left early, leaving just the four of us looking at each other awkwardly.

But just as I was about to speak to Asher Hayes, his father called him away.

The moment he left, Ryan put on a playful smirk.

"Celeste, as the daughter of the state's wealthiest man, you must be pretty pleased with yourself, getting to pick the most suitable husband from four powerful families."

Leo scoffed.

"So what if she was born with a silver spoon? She's still just a complete pushover, constantly chasing after Julian Vance like a lost puppy."

Julian Vance put on a facade of deep affection, looking at me.

"Celeste, since you've chosen me, I will naturally fulfill my responsibilities and duties as a husband. Don't worry, I'll treat you well."

My mom stood by, sneering, and reached out to hit him.

If only she wasn't a soul, she couldn't touch anything.

"He truly is a manipulative liar! That kidnapping was orchestrated by him and Blair! They wanted to trick Celeste into giving up her newly inherited fortune, then release her dirt, and Blair would step over her to rise to the top."

Listening to my mom's furious accusations, a wave of bitterness washed over me.

If my mom hadn't been unable to let go of me even after her death, I might not have been alive anymore.

Julian Vance reached for a napkin to wipe my mouth, but I pulled away.

"Don't touch me."

Julian Vance's face changed, but only for a moment before he regained his composure.

"Celeste, are you still upset about the kidnapping? I already explained, it was an emergency, I had no choice but to ensure Blair's safety first."

"Blair is your sister, I was doing it all for your own good."

Julian Vance had always been so gentle. He knew I had low blood sugar, so his pocket always had my favorite candies.

He knew my stomach wasn't good, so he'd have his housekeeper make me stomach-soothing porridge every day.

I was touched by his thoughtfulness and fell hopelessly in love with him.

He used to say: "Celeste, I love your star-bright eyes, I adore your beautiful face. Please allow me to protect you for a lifetime."

But time had passed, and he was no longer that gentle, considerate gentleman.

His love was like a dazzling fireworks display, quickly blooming for someone else.

Now, his devotion was entirely for Blair, yet he continued to feign sincerity for my inheritance.

I shifted my gaze, and said coldly, "I don't need it."

Julian Vance peeled a shrimp and placed it in my bowl.

"At the Freshman Orientation Week in a few days, Blair wants to perform a piano piece. You're about to start your company internship, there's no need to waste time on this. I've already replaced your name with hers."

I looked up at him in disbelief, then quickly felt a sense of resignation.

He was the Student Body President, and this Freshman Orientation Week was his to organize. He could do whatever he wanted.

"Do what you want."

But what he didn't know was...

The school board had personally begged me to perform at the Freshman Orientation Week this year.