Chapter 1
“Miss Ellery, you’ve successfully purchase the private island. It’s completely off the grid–once you’re there, nobody will be able to track you do w requested, your custom designed family has been prepared. Each member has been professionally trained to give you pemiles eare and strection as
The staff member’s voice came through her phone speaker with professional courtesy, Sylvia responded with a simple “Mmm”
*Il move in after I wrap things up here in thirty days.”
She hung up and looked at herself in the mirror. The white wedding gown was stunning, the diamonds catching the light with every move–a flashy reminder of how much it cost.
“Miss Ellery, may I ask if you’re ready? Your fiancé has been waiting outside–he’s very much looking forward to seeing you in the gown.”
The bridal assistant asked, snapping Sylvia back to reality. After a brief pause, she replied,
“Yeah, I’m done.”
The assistant pulled back the curtain, and Sylvia turned around, locking eyes with Edwin. A flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes.
“Sylvia, you’re… amazing,” he managed, crossing the room to embrace her. His voice cracked with emotion as he tried not to tear up. “Seven years. I can’t believe I’m finally making you my wife.”
How much must you love someone to get choked up just at the thought of marrying her?
The saleswoman jumped in enthusiastically as Sylvia was lost in thought. “Miss Ellery, Mr. Wexford helped design this gown himself! He personally selected all ninety–nine diamonds. Each one’s worth a fortune on its own!”
“Most gentlemen get impatient after a while, but Mr. Wexford has been involved in every single detail without complaining once. It’s clear how much Mr. Wexford cares for you.”
As the assistant rattled off all of Edwin’s efforts, Sylvia found herself staring at him.
The way he looked at her–always full of love and tenderness–completely different from the untouchable Washington elite portrayed in the media.
So, not just the whole world, but even she was fooled into believing he truly loved her.
After trying on her wedding dress, they left the boutique together.
Edwin held the car door open for her, positioning his hand on the roof with gentlemanly form, then carefully closed door before walking around to his
side.
As the car pulled away, his assistant began briefing him.
“Mr. Wexford, we’ve dealt with that woman who tried to get into your bed. She won’t be showing up in D.C. again.”
Edwin cut him off with a sharp glare. “Handle these matters privately. Don’t upset Sylvia with this nonsense.”
He immediately took her hand with soften voice.
“Sylvía, don’t worry. That woman never touched me. Her perfume got on my clothes, and I showered ten times before coming home. Not a trace of her left. You know you’ve been the only one in my heart all there years.”
Sylvia knew he wasn’t lying. With his wealth, countless women had thrown themselves at him, but he’d always maintained his boundaries perfectly.
But she couldn’t feel happy now. She just managed a strained smile. “I know.”
Edwin missed her discomfort completely. He squeezed her hand affectionately before pulling out his phone to handle some work emails.
Suddenly, his expressión changed as he looked at the screen.
“Stop the car!”
The tires screeched against the pavement. Before Sylvia could ask what was happening, Edwin had already thrown the door open.
0.0%
Sylvia ther’s something urgent how My assistant will take you home, oloty?
Though framed as a question, he clearly wasn’t giving her a choice.
He abandoned her and hurried away.
Sylvia silently watched him leave before pulling out her phone and opening Tiffany’s ins.
One minute ago, her sister had posted an update.
A photo of a swollen ankle with the caption: “Twisted my ankle. So Hurts!”
Seeing the post and remembering Edwin’s panic, Sylvia’s eyes filled with tears.
Why did everyone in her life prefer her sister Tiffany?
She’d had two fiancés.
The first was Matt, heir to the Kingsley fortune. Their families had arranged their engagement since childhood. She’d fallen for him instantly, following him around from a young age. But Matt only had eyes for Tiffany and couldn’t hide his contempt for his fiancée.
She endured seven full years of his coldness until finally gave up. And she finally noticed Edwin who had been quietly waiting in the wings all along
All those years while she chased after Matt and collected heartbreaks, it was always Edwin who wiped away her tears.
He appeared so devoted, caring for her without expecting anything in return, always there whenever she looked back.
So she emptied her heart and let Edwin move in.
She thought, this time, she’d finally chosen the right man.
But right before the wedding, she accidentally overheard Edwin talking with his friend.
“You don’t even like Sylvia. You’re seriously going through with this marriage?”
Edwin’s voice was husky with alcohol. “Yeah. It’s the only way Tiffany can be happy.”
His friend sighed heavily. “You… bro, you’re such a hopeless fool for her. Carrying a torch for Tiffany all these years wasn’t enough? You actually went after Matt’s fiancée just because found out Tiffany had feelings for him–just to make sure she could become Mrs. Kingsley?”
“Sure, your plan worked. Sylvia finally gave up her spot for your true love. But do you realize what you’re doing? You’re throwing your entire life away on this.”
Edwin’s voice dropped low, but was filled with unmistakable devotion. “I’d do anything to make Tiffany happy. Anything.”
Sylvia froze outside the door, like she’d just been struck by lightning.
Edwin’s seven years of pursuit and tenderness had all been fake! His true love was Tiffany Ellery all along.
How noble of him! Willing to sacrifice his entire life! Just for Tiffany Ellery’s happiness!
He’d hidden it so well that she never once suspected his devotion was all an act. She never imagined he was only pursuing her to clear the path for
Tiffany.
That night, she stood in the pouring rain for hours, sobbing uncontrollably.
Since childhood, her parents had always favored her sister Tiffany. She barely got any love from them.
As she grew up, her fiancé had also preferred Tiffany, never reciprocating Sylvia’s feelings.
And now, even Edwin–the one person she thought truly cared for her–had Tiffany Ellery
Everyone loved Tiffany.
as his true love.
No one loved Sylvía.
— Doctroys
0.2%
Chapter 1
That same day, she made a decision.
Since no one loved her here, she would escape to an isolated island, pay for custom–made parents and a boyfriend designed specifically for her, legun this place forever, and live out her life in peace,
Even if these purchased relationships were artificial, they would be enough to accompany her for the rest of her life.
From now on, her parents. Matt Kingsley, and Edwin Wexford would have nothing to do with her ever again!
