Chapter 4 

I had just gotten back to the hotel where I’d been crashing lately when my dad called. 

He said Mom got into it with someone at the mall and needed me there right away. 

I grabbed my coat and rushed out to catch a ride. 

But when I got there, it wasn’t the mall. 

It was a freaking bridal boutique. 

“Emily, what took you so long?” 

Mom beamed as she grabbed my arm and pulled me inside. 

“Alexander’s been waiting forever!” 

And just like that, I knew. 

My own parents had sold me out. 

Again. 

“Alexander, you’re such a good man,” my dad said, practically groveling as he poured him tea. 

“Emily’s been acting crazy, and you still forgave her.” 

“You really are the best son–in–law.” 

Alexander was lounging on the couch like a smug bastard, his expression somewhere between arrogant and victorious. 

“It’s just a wedding,” he said coolly. 

“We’ll just throw another one.” 

Before I could even respond, Chloe strutted out of the fitting room, grinning like she’d won the lottery. 

Chapter 4 

She was holding up a white dress. 

“Alexander, this gown is gorgeous! I’m obsessed!” 

“If you love it, it’s yours,” he said smoothly, still looking right at me. 

“I’ll buy you whatever 

you want.” 

I met his gaze head–on. 

“Congrats,” I said evenly. 

“You two deserve each other.” 

That wasn’t the reaction he was hoping for. 

His smile faltered. 

“Emily,” he said, his voice dropping cold. 

“Chloe’s willing to let the past go and be your maid of honor.” 

“Your parents are fine with it too.” 

Chloe slipped into his lap, resting her head on his shoulder. 

“Don’t worry, Emily,” she cooed. 

“I won’t let him act out again.” 

My parents nodded along like bobbleheads, clearly loving every word she said. 

I let out a bitter laugh and opened my mouth to speak, but Alexander cut me off again. 

“Just apologize to the guests at the wedding, admit you were wrong, and I’ll let the past go.” 

Before I could even say no, Mom jumped in. 

“Of course she will,” she said, smiling at Alexander. 

“She should.” 

Chapter 4 

My fingers curled into fists. 

The cut on my nail tore open again. 

I looked at my mother in disbelief. 

“Have you lost your mind?” I asked, my voice shaking. 

“Am I even your daughter?” 

“You’re seriously letting them humiliate me like this?” 

Her smile disappeared in a flash. 

Then–slap. 

Right across my face. 

“Emily, you think you’re still some twenty–something girl with options?” she snapped. 

“You’re thirty! No one wants you anymore!” 

“Alexander doesn’t care that you’re older or impossible to deal with, and he’s still willing to marry 

you. 

You should be grateful!” 

“If I’d known you’d turn out to be such a disappointment, I should’ve drowned you at birth!” 

Then she turned back to Alexander with an apologetic grin, like none of that had happened. 

“I’m so sorry, Alexander.” 

“Please don’t be upset. It’s my fault–I didn’t raise her right.” 

“I’ll make her apologize to you and Miss Chloe right now.” 

My cheek burned, and so did something deeper. 

Shame. Rage. Helplessness. 

But then Alexander suddenly snapped: 

Chapter 4 

“Emily’s mine. And she’s carrying my child.” 

He stood up, eyes locked on my mother. 

“Who the hell said you could lay a hand on her?” 

Mom froze, completely thrown off. 

She hadn’t expected that. 

Alexander shoved Chloe off his lap without even looking at her. 

He turned to me, all fake concern. 

“Are you okay? Is your stomach hurting?” 

“I’ll take you to the hospital.” 

I laughed. 

Right in his face. 

The same way you’d laugh at trash trying to pretend it was anything else. 

“Cut the crap,” I said coldly. 

“This is exactly what you wanted, isn’t it?” 

For the first time, Alexander looked… shaken. 

That usual smug confidence cracked a little. 

“Emily, I didn’t mean—” 

I yanked my arm away. 

And I made sure he heard every word. 

“Listen up, Alexander.” 

“I had the baby aborted.”