Chapter 2
My phone buzzed.
[Husband: You worked so hard today, babe. Something urgent came up at the office. Head home and rest-Ill handle this.]
If I hadn’t just heard him casually discussing his first love and how he was about to abandon me, I might’ve actually believed he loved me.
Turns out… he just wanted my executive title.
Ha. What a fucking joke.
What he didn’t know? I wasn’t just a Sterling Group executive. I was the sole heir.
I changed his contact name from “Husband” to “Asshole.”
I typed back: [You do what you need to do.]
Doria flashed my reply to his boys like a trophy.
“See? I just say there’s something at the office, and she’s all understanding. So damn easy.”
He clapped Lysander on the shoulder again. “Tonight’s all yours, brother.”
He strolled off, his crew trailing behind, already yelling about hitting the open bar.
I pulled up my messages and texted my dad: [Dad, cancel tomorrow’s investment in Skyward Group.]
He called immediately, asking what happened. I gave him the short version-told him I’d explain everything tomorrow in person.
I’d planned to bring Doria home to the Sterling estate after the wedding today. Reveal my real identity. He was this close to hitting the jackpot-full backing of Sterling Group, just like he said. Huge for his precious career.
Now? I should be thanking him for showing his true colors.
Snapping back to the present, I dialed Doria’s number. Just as I expected-straight to voicemail. He probably thought the investment was a done deal, using our ‘honeymoon” as cover while he jetted off with his precious Lily.
The arrogance. I couldn’t wait to see his face in a month when he came crawling back and found out the deal fell through.
I got up, showered, changed into a sweet little sundress, and headed down to the underground garage.
I walked straight to the white convertible parked in the corner-the one I’d bought as a wedding gift for Doria. We were supposed to drive it to city hall today to get our marriage license.
Guess some people are just destined to stay small-time.
I drove back to the Sterling estate. Our housekeeper, Mrs. Lee, had just finished setting the table. She looked up as I walked in. “Miss Kristine’s home.”
I nodded. My parents heard her voice and came from the living room. Mom rushed over and pulled me into a tight hug.
I patted her back gently. “Mom, I’m fine.”
Dad stood back, watching us. Once Mom finally let go, he said quietly, “Come on, let’s sit down and eat.”
Mom nodded quickly. “Yes, let’s eat. I had Mrs. Lee make all your favorites today.”
Throughout the meal, Mom kept piling food onto my plate, muttering about how I’d gotten too thin living on my own.
After getting together with Doria, I’d bought a 2,500-square-foot condo to protect his fragile ego and test his character. He’d claimed he couldn’t afford a place yet-his startup wasn’t off the ground. So we used mine as our “marital home,” and he swore up and down he’d buy me a mansion once he made it big.
Mom loaded another spoonful of braised pork onto my plate, her voice dripping with disdain. “That asshole. Thank god he’s so full of himself-otherwise my Kristine would’ve really gotten screwed over.”
Dad set his chopsticks down. “Since you’ve split, just move back home.”
Mom nodded hard. “Exactly, Kristine. You being out there alone worried me sick. That bastard abandoned you yesterday-if you hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve dragged people straight to the airport and beaten his ass myself.”
I shrugged, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Mom, it just means he didn’t have the fortune to become your son-in-law.”
Mom huffed. “Damn right.”
“I’m not moving back yet.” I set my fork down, meeting her eyes. “He still thinks I’m clueless-thinks he’s getting that investment today. Thinks he’s about to hit the big time.”
If you’re gonna play a role, you commit to it.
I turned to Dad. “Dad, let’s schedule my CEO inauguration ceremony in one month.”

Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.

 
	 
 
		 
		 
		 
		 
		