Chapter 2
Everett came back not long after.]
His expression was as soft as always–those eyes practically dripping with affection when they landed on m
- me.
He set the little cake box down on the table, then walked over and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin gently on my shoulder like we were the only two people on Earth.]
“God, I missed you,” he whispered. []
“I keep thinking—we’re getting married in just two weeks, and I can’t even handle how happy that makes me…“]
I just stood there, numb. Empty.[]
I hadn’t figured out how to even process the betrayal, let alone confront it.[]
I stepped out of his embrace.
“I’m tired. I think I’lle down for a bit.“[]
He kissed me lightly on the cheek. []
“Of course, baby. Go rest. I’m gonna shower real quick.“[]
Mind spinning, I walked toward the bedroom–only to realize I’d left my phone on the coffee table.
As I passed the bathroom, I heard his voice.[]
“System, where’s her affection level at?“[]
“Congratulations, Host. Target’s affection level has reached ninety–eight percent.“]
Everett let out a laugh–low, giddy, like he was finally winning something.
“Finally! God, these last three years have been pure hell.“[]
“Sloane Mercer is such a damn bore.”
“If it wasn’t for the mission, I wouldn’t even look at her!”
“Soon as I marry her and the mission’s done, I’m dumping her ass–no hesitation.“]]
Then that… whatever it was–the “System“-spoke again.
“Host, are you saying there’s not even a sliver of genuine feeling for her?”
Everett chuckled. Arrogant. Cruel.]
“For her? Are you kidding?”
“I’d have to be out of my damn mind. She’s dull as dry toast.“]
“Give me a girl like Noelle any day.“[]
I stood outside the door, frozen.[]
Four words echoed in my head.]
Dull as dry toast.[]
So that’s what I’d been to him all along.
On Our Wedding Eve, 1 Overheard My Flance Say He Only Propos
Chapter 2
All those quiet doubts I’d buried for years finally clawed their way to the surface.
I grew up without parents. Bounced between foster homes. Always felt like a stray.
So when someone like Everett came after me, I didn’t understand it.[]
A man like him? Smart. Charming. Accomplished.[]
me?
Why would he ever want… me?
Now I knew.
It wasn’t love. It was strategy.]
Some sick, twisted “mission.“[]
