Chapter 2
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, then a deep, languid male voice came. through.
“Ms. Moore, have you dialed the wrong number? I’m not Clay Sterling.”
“I know,” I clenched my phone, my fingertips turning white, “I’m asking you.”
“I don’t want to marry Clay anymore.”
Ethan seemed interested, his tone was slow and deliberate. “Really? But why exactly do you think… I’d marry you?”
I closed my eyes, my voice‘ even.“Because you’re Clay’s sworn enemy.”
“Because…” I paused, emphasizing each word, “there is a photo on your desk, the one of a woman’s profile… that’s me.”
As soon as I finished, the room fell into complete silence.
Menu
I didn’t know how long passed before I heard the faint click of a lighter opening and closing, then Ethan’s voice, laced with tobacco. “How did you find out?”
I stared at the bleak white ceiling of the hospital room, the IV drip dripping steadily, as if counting down the last of my foolish devotion.
“You only need to answer, yes or no.”
There was a two–second silence on the line, then I heard Ethan’s hurried breathing, his tone carrying a strange emotion:
“Be at my place within seven days. We’ll get the marriage certificate.”
“And…” he paused, his voice low, “after you marry me, you can never have any contact with Clay Sterling again.”
I closed my eyes, my voice soft but firm.“I won’t.”
“Seven days from now, I’ll never see him again.”
After hanging up, I booked a flight to Aspen, Colorado–Ethan’s turf–leaving in seven days.
For the entire day, Clay didn’t show up.
Only the nurse pushed open the door, respectful:“Ms. Moore, Mr. Sterling’s company is incredibly busy. We’re here to take care of you.”
I simply hummed in response, not exposing the truth.
I knew he wasn’t busy; he was with Riley, constantly at her bedside.
Until the day I was discharged, Clay finally appeared.
8.3%
< Chapter 2
Menu
He was impeccably dressed, his eyes shadowed with fatigue, but still devastatingly handsome.
Seeing me pack my things at the door of the ward, he hurried over, reaching out to take my bag, apologetic.
“Sorry, Maya. The company’s been hectic, and…I was planning a surprise, that’s why I couldn’t be
here.”
I dodged his hand, picking up my bag and walking ahead.“What surprise?”
Clay’s lips curled into a smile, a rare softness in his eyes. “I’m taking you somewhere.”
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a luxury hotel.
I followed Clay inside, and as we pushed open the banquet hall door, my eyes were flooded with roses and candlelight-
It was a proposal scene!
All
eyes turned to me. Clay took my hand, led me to the center of the room, then knelt on one knee, pulling a diamond ring from his pocket.
“Maya,” he looked up at me, his voice deep and serious, “Marry me, okay?”
I stared at him blankly, my heart feeling like it was clenched by an invisible hand.
I’d longed for this moment so much.
But now, looking at the exquisite ring, I felt an overwhelming sense of irony.
This long–awaited proposal was bought with my bone marrow.
Just as I was about to speak and refuse, the hall’s door suddenly swung open- “Sorry I’m late.”
A soft, trembling voice cut through the air, tinged with a choked sob.
I turned my head and saw Riley in a white dress, pale–faced, standing at the door, swaying unsteadily.
“Clay, Maya,” Riley slowly approached, tears shimmering in her eyes, “What happened back then was my fault. I shouldn’t have been bothering Clay all this time… I’ve disturbed you both… so I came to send my blessings when I heard about your engagement.”
As she spoke, she pulled out two elegant gift boxes from her purse, handing them to Clay and me.
“Wishing you…happiness.”
After saying that, she turned to leave, but just two steps out, her body suddenly wavered, and she collapsed onto the ground.
“Riley!”
Clay’s face turned ashen instantly.
1541
< Chapter 2
He stood up abruptly, rushing over without hesitation, scooping Riley into his arms.
He even forgot he was still kneeling before me, the ring still clutched in his hand.
The guests erupted into whispers, murmuring among themselves-
“Ugh, here we go again…Mr. Sterling’s eyes are only for Ms. Ford.”
“Ms. Moore has been with him for years, but she still can’t even compare to a glance from Riley.”
“He’s always only loved Riley.”
I stood there, my nails digging into my palms.
Watching Clay hurriedly leave with Riley, I saw her silently mouth to me-
“You’ll never beat me.”
Such clumsy acting..
But Clay didn’t doubt for a second–he believed it completely.
