He Made Me His Mistress, I Married His Rival

Chapter 4

15 days passed. Ethan didn't show up again. But he sent expensive gifts to the apartment every single day.

One day, a set of high-grade ruby jewelry. The next, a Parisian haute couture gown from the latest season. And even a letter of recommendation from a renowned Vienna orchestra.

He was trying to break down my defenses with material things. He was sure that seeing the recommendation letter would make me realize one thing. Only he could give me the future I wanted.

I returned every single item unopened.

Half a month later, the Grant family matriarch's 80th birthday arrived. Ethan sent a driver with a gilded invitation.

On it, my title was clearly printed: Adopted Daughter of the Grant Family.

A card was tucked inside with a handwritten line: This is your last chance to admit you were wrong. Show up, and I'll pretend none of this ever happened.

I sat on the sofa and looked at the invitation. Spencer came up behind me and rested his hand on my shoulder.

"Do you want to go?"

I closed the invitation. "It's time to put an end to all of it."

On the night of the banquet, the Grant family estate was ablaze with lights. Almost every influential figure in the city was in attendance. Ethan, in a dark patterned suit, stood beside Vivian, greeting guests. Vivian wore a white gown, her expression filled with pride.

When Ethan saw Spencer and me walking in together, his hand tightened around his wine glass. A flash of obvious anger crossed his eyes.

He quickly regained his composure and strode over to me. "You shouldn't have brought an outsider to stir up trouble here."

He spoke to me like an elder lecturing a child. "Take Spencer and leave. Don't let outsiders see the Grant family's embarrassment."

He was still trying to frame my relationship with Spencer as childish play.

Halfway through the banquet, Ethan took the stage and picked up the microphone. The room fell silent.

He thanked the guests first. Then he turned and gazed tenderly at Vivian in the audience.

"Today, besides celebrating Grandmother's birthday, I have another announcement. Next month, Vivian and I will hold our formal engagement ceremony."

The room burst into applause.

Ethan's gaze cut through the crowd and landed squarely on me. He was waiting for me to break down. Waiting for me to cry. Waiting for me to rush the stage and confront him, like I used to.

He thought this would be the final blow that shattered my resolve. If I cried, he would win this half-month-long tug-of-war.

Vivian walked over to me with a glass of champagne. A victorious smile played on her lips.

"Lila, would you be my bridesmaid next month?"

All the guests turned to look. Ethan came down from the stage and stood beside Vivian. He spoke to me in that unbearably gentle, condescending tone.

"Be good. Don't make a scene. Just say yes to Vivian."

I looked at the two of them. And laughed.

I unzipped my clutch and pulled out a marriage certificate.

It was my marriage certificate with Spencer.

I looked at Ethan's frozen face.

"Sorry, I'm already married. Can't be a bridesmaid."