Chapter 3
Back then, I’d already told Jasper how I felt–that he was the only one I’d ever marry.]
He used that against me, leveraging my feelings to make me bow down to Doria.[]
I was too young then, too scared of losing the guy I was crazy about to stand up for myself.[]
So I choked back my tears and apologized.
That one apology turned into five years of the same BS.[]
Ever since, Doria acted like a scared rabbit whenever I walked into a room–either falling to her knees dramatically or turning on the waterworks.[]
Yet I hadn’t done a single thing to her…
I looked Jasper dead in the eye, my voice cooling. “If you’re so worried I’ll mess with your precious Doria, maybe you should keep her on a leash.”
Despite my obvious sarcasm, Jasper frowned like I’d just threatened murder. “Was that a threat? What are you planning to do to her?“]]
Griffin pointed an accusatory finger in my face. “Hold up. Is this about us showing Doria the Celestial Depths? You’re seriously going to use that as an excuse to
make her life miserable?”
Finn glared at me. “You’ve had everything handed to you since birth. Doria’s never even had someone remember her birthday. It’s just one stupid aquarium visit–why are you being such a bitch about it?”
My eyes narrowed. “Celestial Depths?”
Celestial Depths was this incredible underground aquarium that had been under construction literally since the day I was born. The southeast section had this amazing imperial jade wall that, when lit through the water, created this effect like you were floating in space.[]
Six months ago, as they were wrapping up construction, Dad put Jasper in charge of the final touches. He was supposed to present it to me as my gift at my birthday gala next month.
Now, apparently, my gift had somehow become Doria’s.
I stared straight at Jasper. He was running the final phase. Nobody could get into that aquarium without his say–so.
Jasper squirmed under my gaze before snapping:[]
“Doria grew up in the middle of nowhere, busting her ass just to eat. She’s never even seen a decent night sky. I was just doing something nice for her. Besides, your name’s still on the deed, isn’t it?“]
“Stop making such a big deal out of nothing. I’ll announce our engagement at your birthday party next month if that’ll get you off my back. Happy now?“[]
The way Jasper talked to me–like he was doing me some massive favor–made me feel like I was the one who’d grown up on charity, not him.[]
Yet nobody else seemed to notice how messed up this was. Instead, they all acted like Jasper was falling on his sword.[]
“Why throw your life away?” Griffin muttered. “Charlotte’s a spoiled, vindictive brat. Marrying her is worse than a life sentence.”
“Charlotte’s gonna be bouncing off the walls now,” Finn smirked. “Her years of stalking finally paid off.“[]
“No, Jasper!” Doria wailed, tears flowing on cue. “Don’t sacrifice your happiness for me! I’ll do anything–I’ll beg on my knees, I’ll be her personal slave, whatever she wants…
ts…”
u.”
My throat felt like I’d swallowed sand as I forced out the words: “I won’t be marrying you.”
