Love forever lost
I spent five years in a marriage with Cooper
Sinclair that was built on resentment.
He was forced to marry me because of our
families.
So, he got his revenge the only way he knew
how: fast cars, endless partying, and a
permanent place on every gossip blog in the
country. He made me a joke.
Tonight, at the Sinclair family dinner, he
brought another pretty, innocent–looking
starlet.
Just like always.
Waiting for me to crack, to fall apart.
But not this time.
This time, I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
I even complimented him on his “taste.”
1
I walked into the Sinclair mansion.
Cooper was standing rigid, his back to me.
Grandpa Sinclair was in front of him, his cane
hammering against the marble floor.
“You disrespectful idiot! Bringing your floozy
to a family dinner? Did you even consider
Penelope?”
The starlet, who I now knew as Janie, was
く
already tearing up.
“Cooper, maybe I should just go…”
Cooper pulled her close, a cold smirk on his
face.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re practically family
already.”
Grandpa Sinclair was furious. He raised his
cane, ready to strike.
I forced a smile and stepped forward,
grabbing his arm. “Grandpa, calm down.”
Cooper’s expression flickered, his eyes
studying me.
He was probably thrown by how composed I
Г
Normally, I would’ve been screaming, clawing,
doing everything to get Janie out of there.
His gaze lingered on my smile for a beat.
His jaw tightened. “Mrs. Sinclair, how
generous of you.”
The sarcasm dripped from his words.
But I refused to analyze it.
I acted like I didn’t hear it.
I helped Grandpa Sinclair into the dining
room.
At the table, Cooper and Janie were all over
each other.
Г
Ignoring Grandpa Sinclair’s dark looks.
Whatever dish I reached for, he’d snatch it
and give it to Janie.
I slammed my chopsticks down on the table.
Cooper didn’t even flinch. He just kept going.
Before Grandpa Sinclair could explode, I
jumped up.
“Grandpa, Grandma’s probably awake. She’s
waiting for you in the garden.”
Once the old man was gone, I returned to my
seat.
The other guests were still there.
As the eldest grandson’s wife, I had to
maintain appearances.
Cooper glanced at me, his eyes narrowed.
He toyed with his lighter, saying nothing.
But the air around him was heavy, tense.
I kept quiet too.
Janie batted her eyelashes and whined, “Do
you mind that I’m here, Penelope?”
“Ignore her,” Cooper said, not even looking at
- me.
My hands clenched. I looked at Janie.
く
“She’s prettier than the others you’ve
brought.”
Cooper’s eyes swept over my face, his voice
flat.
“She’s definitely prettier than Mrs. Sinclair.”
Janie giggled, trying to hide the triumph in
her eyes. “Penelope is known as a great
beauty in Hong Kong. I can’t compare.”
Cooper didn’t say anything. He just lit a
cigarette.
The smoke burned my nostrils.
I took a bite of my food, trying to soothe the
ache in my throat.
2
