Chapter 6
After getting home that night, my phone blew up with messages and calls.
Most were screenshots from Viola’s Instagram.
Front and center was the engagement ring she was flaunting.
I exited the app without responding. Didn’t answer any calls either.
My face was still swollen. I grabbed some ice and held it against my cheek.
When I returned, my phone showed a new bank notification. I was confused until I opened it and saw all those zeros. Before 1 could even count them, my phone rang.
The caller ID displayed what I’d saved myself: “Mr. Thorne.”
This was the first time Asher had called since our marriage was arranged.
My heart raced. I took a few deep breaths before answering.
“Miss Bennett, did you receive the money?”
“Yes, but… Mr. Thorne, you already paid the wedding expenses…” I reminded him softly, thinking someone on his staff might have made a mistake.
“That’s for the Bennett. This money is for you.”
I gripped my phone, stunned silent for a moment. “Mr. Thorne, you didn’t have to do that. I was engaged before. My reputation… it’s not good…”
“That doesn’t matter,” Asher interrupted.
His voice was unexpectedly deep and soothing with comfort.
I thought of the rumors about him–ruthless businessman, cruel tactics and unpredictable temper. But I couldn’t hear any of that in his voice.
“As you said, that was before. The past is the past, Miss Bennett. Don’t dwell on it.”
“You’re about to move to Los Angeles. Buy what you like. Bring whatever makes you feel at home.”
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I managed a small smile. “Thank you, Mr. Thorne.”
The marriage arrangement was kept completely secret–Asher’s request.
His people had already arrived in New York, making sure the Bennetts behaved themselves.
No one in New York knew I was about to leave forever.
— of Vour Enemey
16.7%
20:10 Fri, 16 May A.
Three days before my departure, I had finished packing.
On my vanity sat an exquisite Jewelry Box and a yellowed blank wish card.
59%
The Jewelry Box was from Lawrence when he was pursuing me. It had nine compartments filled with various jewelry pieces.
The blank wish card was a thank you gift he’d given me when he was twelve. Of course, he’d forgotten all about it.
I had once considered using that wish card to beg him to marry me.
But now, I refused to waste my life on someone like him.
The jewelry was too valuable to keep. And the wish card with his personal seal couldn’t fall into the wrong hands.
I carefully packaged both items and called Lawrence’s personal assistant Corey Adams.
“These are valuable. Please make sure they reach him personally,” I insisted.
The assistant remained polite but was clearly annoyed.
“Miss Bennett, some friendly advice–stop trying. Mr. Castro is getting engaged. Move on.”
He thought I was scheming to win Lawrence back.
I tried to explain, but he couldn’t be bothered. He tossed the box into his trunk and drove away.
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