Chapter 19
That evening, Claire and Jackson were discussing wedding details in the living room.
Zane listened for a while, his expression growing increasingly sour. Finally, he excused himself, saying he wanted to rest, and went to room.
Only then did Claire have a chance to ask Jackson:
“How is Zane your cousin?”
Jackson shrugged, looking somewhat helpless:
“He’s not really a cousin, strictly speaking. My mom just asked me to call him that.”
“My family and the Grays apparently had some marriage connection generations ago. But my family emigrated overseas years ago, and we haven’t really kept in touch with the Grays. I don’t know why he suddenly contacted my parents.”
Jackson didn’t understand, but Claire guessed Zane’s motives.
After hesitating, Claire began, “Jackson, about Zane and me…”
But Jackson interrupted her.
“Claire, I know what you want to say. I’ve known for a while.”
He gave her a mischievous smile: “Why do you think I agreed to let him stay with us? I
wanted him to see firsthand that you and I are together now, and he’s missed his chance.”
“As the saying goes: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Keeping the enemy
under my nose is the safest approach.”
“After what he did to you… I’ll make sure he regrets it.”
“Claire, in my heart, you’re my.greatest treasure. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Looking at Jackson’s sincere expression, Claire felt her eyes grow warm.
Chapter 19
She leaned against Jackson’s shoulder and said softly: “Aren’t you afraid I might… rekindle old feelings with him?”
Jackson burst out laughing. “Not a chance!” He kissed her temple. “I know you–once you make a decision, you never look back. And let’s be honest…” He smirked. “After being with me, how could you ever settle for someone like him?”
Claire’s heart swelled. In that moment, she knew–she’d found her true happiness.
The next day, while Jackson was out on business, Zane seized the opportunity to knock on Claire’s door.
When she opened it, his bloodshot eyes startled her–but she kept her voice flat. “What do
you want?”
Zane didn’t speak, just stared intensely at Claire.
Only when Claire grew impatient and tried to close the door did he finally say: “I surrender. Happy now?”
Claire blinked. “What?”
Zane scoffed. “You didn’t come to my wedding, or for my birthday, and you deliberately posted those misleading social media photos. Wasn’t it all to get revenge on me?”
He stepped closer, voice dripping with condescension. “You knew I wouldn’t stand by and let you throw your life away, so you hired some guy to play fiancé. You wanted to force me
to come crawling back to you, right?”
A bitter laugh escaped him. “I have to admit, after your year abroad, you’ve gotten much smarter. You even know how to play hard to get.”
“Well, I’m here now, humbling myself. Shouldn’t you be coming back with me?”
After hearing Zane’s words, Claire couldn’t help but roll her eyes dramatically.
Had he always been this delusional?
“Zane, don’t think too highly of yourself. My love for Jackson is real, and our marriage is real. Whether you came or not, we were destined to get married.”
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Chapter 19
She crossed her arms. “And for the record? I had no idea you were his cousin until
yesterday. But even if I had-” Her gaze never wavered. “Your cruelty doesn’t make him any less genuine.”
Zane’s face twisted. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.
In a flash, he grabbed her wrist. “You loved me!” he snarled. “You swore
you’d never change! How can you just–replace me?!”
Claire yanked free, fury sharpening her words. “I did love you–before I realized you saw
me as your lapdog.”
Her laugh was hollow. “Did you really think I’d keep groveling? That I’m that pathetic?”
Zane opened his mouth–but no excuses came.
