He Said He Loved Me, Then Gave Her Our Marriage Certificate Chapter 05

He Said He Loved Me, Then Gave Her Our Marriage Certificate Chapter 05

Grant clenched his hand so hard that a button tore from his shirt.

Hayes was the sole heir to the old-money Whitlock family, whose influence dwarfed everything the Whitmores had built.

Five years earlier, Hayes had visited Sterling Bay and fallen for me at first sight, although I was already Grant’s girlfriend.

The first time he came to the Monroe home, he brought a $3 billion waterfront redevelopment contract as a gesture of good faith.

When I refused him, he did not become angry.

“This is an ordinary business partnership. The contract and profit ‘split are transparent.

“Ms. Monroe should feel no obligation.”

My father was a businessman. He wanted to use the agreement as the foundation for a strategic match between our families.

Before I could object, Hayes spoke first.

“My feelings for Talia are mine to carry. Her feelings for someone else are her right.”

“I will never pressure her. I only want her to know one thing.”

“If she is happy, I’ll sincerely wish her well. If anyone hurts her, she can turn around at any time and find me

waiting.”

Five years later, Hayes was still waiting.

Grant told himself it did not matter. Talia loved him.

She had chosen him five years ago, and she could only choose him again today.

He changed into his tuxedo in a frantic rush and jumped into the car.

As they neared the hotel, Serena raised her phone in front of him.

“Stop rushing. Talia has already chosen Hayes.”

Grant stared at the video his friend had sent.

In the ceremony he had planned, Talia and Hayes exchanged vows, placed rings on each other’s hands, and kissed before the officiant and witnesses.

He had imagined that scene countless times. He had dreamed of standing there with Talia.

Now that the day had finally come, another man stood where he had always imagined himself. Grant could not accept the sight.

“Drive faster,” he ordered through clenched teeth. “If we miss this, you’re fired.”

The chauffeur pressed the accelerator. Serena was thrown sideways by the sudden motion and cried out.

Usually, Grant would have rushed to steady her. This time he did not even look.

Malice flickered through Serena’s eyes.

She had sacrificed too much to become his legal wife, yet he still could not let go of Talia.

Watching him lose control over Talia was unbearable.

She leaned closer and smoothed the tension between his brows.

“Grant, Talia made her choice. Maybe we should respect it.”

“Hayes loves her. He’ll treat her well after they marry.’

“Besides, you and I are already married. Talia can’t stay between us forever as the other woman, can she?”

Grant looked at Serena, his expression turning to ice.

“Talia is not the other woman.”

“I gave you a legal marriage because you needed the security more than she did. It was not because I loved

you.’

“Know your place. Don’t compare yourself to Talia.

“Between the two of you, she will always be my first choice. Do you understand?”

Serena’s nails dug into her palms. She took a slow breath, hid the hatred twisting inside her, and forced an obedient smile.

“I understand. I misspoke.

“Someone like me would never dare compare herself to Talia.”

“Don’t be angry. We’ll win her back together.”

“She always listens to me. If I beg her, she won’t marry anyone else.”

Grant gave her a warning glance. “When we get there, watch what you say.

“Don’t upset her.”

The car stopped at the hotel entrance. Grant sprinted toward the ballroom.

He burst inside just as Hayes and Talia were circulating through the reception and greeting guests, their hands linked.

“Hayes!” Grant roared.

“Let go of my wife!”