Chapter 3

I was speechless for a moment.

Sixty and twenty-two, and he said "a bit older."

This was probably what they called inappropriate.

Without the mood to chat further, I tossed my phone into my bag.

As I walked out of the cemetery, I saw Vivian leaning against my car.

“What, you’re coming to tell Aunt about something so shameful as marrying a sixty-year-old man? Aren’t you afraid you’ll make her so angry she’ll flip over in her grave?”

Seeing my face change, she grew even more smug.

“But she probably wouldn’t care, right? When she found out about me and my mom, didn’t she put up with it for six years? Looks like you and your mother are equally tolerant.”

“Speaking of which, in those years, she drank herself silly every night at the bar, her personal life was a mess. She either hit you or yelled at you. I don’t think she even liked you as a daughter, did she?”

“Shut up!”

I couldn't take it anymore and raised my hand to slap her.

The next second, my wrist was seized by Ronnie.

“When your mother was out of control and hit you back then, what did you hate most? And now you’re going to become just like her?”

Alex shielded Vivian behind him, giving me a cold look.

“Iris, you haven’t even become the billionaire’s wife yet, and you’re already throwing your weight around?”

Noah raised his palm towards me.

“Try laying a hand on Vivian, I dare you.”

Vivian peered out from behind them, looking utterly wronged.

“I just saw Iris driving out looking upset, and I was worried something would happen, so I followed her.”

“Iris, these three guys are all your childhood friends. They don’t want to help you, you should look for the reason within yourself. Why are you taking it out on me?”

The guys, who usually argued amongst themselves, now glared at me, ready to stand up for her.

I retorted sarcastically.

“Everything she just said, insulting my mother, is recorded on the dashcam. Want to listen?”

Alex curved his lips playfully.

“Things like that can be faked. I only believe what I see with my own eyes.”

Ronnie rubbed his temples, looking exhausted.

“Vivian cares about you. Why don’t you appreciate it and have to resort to violence against her?”

Noah looked utterly bewildered.

“Iris, why can’t you like Vivian like the rest of us? She really is such a sweet and kind girl!”

“Is it really that hard to understand that I don’t like my dad’s illegitimate daughter?”

I had no desire to argue anymore.

One person couldn't possibly argue against four mouths.

As soon as I got into the car, my sixty-year-old fiancé sent a message.

He said he wanted to meet before the wedding, that he had something to tell me in person, and he’d set the time for tonight.

I was about to decline, but he sent a pleading emoji.

“Okay.”

My finger moved, and the message was sent.

I suddenly felt a little curious. What kind of person was he, exactly? What if he had Alzheimer’s?

The car door suddenly opened, and Ronnie got into the passenger seat.

“I talked to Alex and Noah. They won’t agree to a fake marriage.”

“We’ll go to the Hayes’ place, together, and talk to your fiancé. We’ll make him an offer to cancel the engagement.”

In the back, Alex and Noah sat on either side, protecting Vivian in the middle.

Vivian smiled.

“Iris, it’s okay, I’m not angry anymore.”

Alex ruffled her hair, a pained look on his face.

“Such a kind, silly girl.”

Noah glanced at me impatiently.

“Just so we’re clear, if this doesn’t work out, don’t think you can latch onto us.”

I silently started the car, not wanting to say another word.

Whatever I said, it would only lead to a combined attack from the four of them.

Just as we were about to reach the agreed-upon restaurant, an out-of-control truck suddenly swerved and crashed into us from the side.

Ronnie cried out in panic.

“Iris, how are you driving?!”

“Vivian! Alex, Noah, protect Vivian!”

“Bang!”

The airbags deployed.

A sharp pain shot through my head and chest.

In a haze, I saw Ronnie, blood trickling from his forehead, frantically hailing a car by the roadside while holding Vivian.

Alex and Noah were also injured, but they ignored themselves, just anxiously calling out to the unconscious Vivian.