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Chapter 16
Marissa really didn’t hold a grudge. She never had.
Because the truth was, without the Hawthorne family, there wouldn’t even be a Marissa Wynn
today.
Had they not stepped in, she would’ve been dragged back to her hometown by her parents right after middle school, likely pushing her into a marriage with some stranger just to secure their
future.
The Hawthornes had saved her. Everything she did for them afterward–taking care of Declan, giving up her future–was just her way of repaying a debt.
Sure, she’d once had feelings for Declan.
When Mrs. Hawthorne mentioned wanting her as a daughter–in–law, she’d secretly been happy.
Even when Declan said he only saw her as a little sister, she’d felt that gut–punch of heartbreak.
But all of that… she buried the moment he drew that line between them.
“I only ever saw them as the people who gave me a chance,” she said simply.
She and Adrian were walking side by side, deep in conversation. Neither noticed the figure trailing behind them, or how he froze in place the moment he overheard those words.
So that was it–after everything, he was nothing more than a closed chapter in her past.
Declan suddenly remembered a party from three years ago, a celebration his friends threw after he fully recovered.
Someone had said, “Man, Marissa’s been there for you through it all. Now that you’re back on your feet, I guess it’s time she gets her happy ending too.”
“Declan, when are you planning to marry her?” someone had joked.
He’d shut it down instantly, face turning cold. “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s like a sister to me.”
Not long after, Marissa had walked into the room. At the time, he thought she hadn’t heard.
But now, it all made sense.
Back then, he’d been so wrapped up in his pride.
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All he could see was the shadow of his past–those years in a wheelchair, stripped of everything
that made him feel powerful.
He thought he had to be the golden boy again, flawless and untouchable. And Marissa reminded him too much of the time he felt like nothing.
So he pushed her away.
He told himself he’d repay her in other ways–money, respect, status. That she should be grateful.
He never stopped to think what his words sounded like in her ears. Never imagined how deep they’d
cut.
Now he was the one hearing it. “I only ever saw them as the people who gave me a chance.”
If that wasn’t karma, he didn’t know what was.
Declan let out a bitter laugh, reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a small velvet box.
It popped open with a soft click, revealing the engagement ring he’d custom–designed.
A five–carat pink diamond sat in the center, flanked by two tiny initials inlaid in diamonds:
“D & M.”
Declan & Marissa.
He gently traced the letters with his thumb, the grooves worn smooth from how often he touched it.
Ever since he realized what she meant to him, he’d carried it everywhere, hoping–praying–he’d
get the chance to slip it onto her finger himself.
He finally got his second chance.
And he never even got the chance to open the box.
Three days later, Marissa and Adrian’s wedding invitation arrived at Hawthorne Group.
Tristan and the guys happened to be there when the assistant came upstairs with the envelope.
She paused, confused by the unfamiliar gathering of men, then handed it over.
“They asked me to pass this along,” she said.
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Tristan raised an eyebrow and took the envelope. The others leaned in curiously.
It was just a wedding invite–nothing confidential.
Still, they hesitated a beat… before someone finally opened it.
The moment they saw the name inside, the entire room seemed to suck in a breath.
Marissa Wynn.
Wait–was it the same Marissa?
Before anyone could say anything, a voice cut through the room:
“What’s everyone standing around for?”
