Chapter 3 My Unknown Fiancée Saves Me

After leaving Raven’s place, I wandered aimlessly because my mind was in chaos.

The movies were all romantic comedies, and the restaurants were packed with couples.

Everything sucked.

Taking a deep breath, I called to book a tattoo removal session.

The process was excruciating. It dragged on until evening before I returned home.

Just as I arrived, my brother emerged from his room and handed me an invitation.

In that instant, my wounds began to burn again.

My brother looked stern as he pressed the invitation into my chest. "This is for tomorrow's engagement banquet—Raven and Kai's. Since you claim to have let her go, prove it to me."

I nodded. "Okay."

After my brother left, I lay in the empty room and stared blankly at the ceiling.

An engagement banquet, huh? The outcome that I couldn't have in eight years, Kai got in just three days.

Yet, for some reason, my heart wasn't as pained as I'd expected.

Good. That means I have truly let her go, right?

The next day was the engagement banquet.

I arrived at the Blackwood residence impeccably dressed.

Stepping into the banquet hall, I saw Raven standing under the spotlight with her arm linked with Kai's.

They looked like a perfect match.

The moment I entered, whispers erupted among the guests.

"Raven and Elias dated for eight years, and it just ended like that?"

"That's the difference between true love and a fling. Eight years of feelings can't compare to three days of genuine connection. Maybe he should ask himself why."

"I agree. Raven was determined to have Kai marry into the family. To win her parents' approval, she cut ties with her ex and promised to take over the family business."

"Huh! I heard it was this Elias who led Raven astray!"

However, these twisted rumors left me only slightly amused.

Just as I lifted my wine glass, a butler leaned close and whispered, "Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Blackwood wants to see you."

I followed immediately—Mr. Blackwood had always treated me well.

Upon entering, I was surprised to find Raven there, too.

"Raven, you’re insane! Why did you reject that Elias and insist on this Kai?"

Mr. Blackwood tapped his cane angrily and turned to me.

"Elias, come here! I will settle this for you!"

I didn't respond. As I passed Raven, I caught a whisper-thin threat.

"Even if you scream, I won't take you back. Tattling at your age? Pathetic."

My feet faltered. I hadn't expected Raven to think that I had reported her.

I suppressed my anger and reminded myself that I was representing the Sinclair family here—I couldn't let my emotions rule.

I walked to the Mr. Blackwood's side. "Mr. Blackwood, I already have a betrothal. We're setting a date for the wedding soon."

The moment I spoke, the room fell silent.

Raven paused, and her cold laughter grew sharper. "Well, that's just great!"

My hand, which was holding the wine glass, trembled slightly. I took a deep breath and set the glass on the table. "To avoid any misunderstandings, it's best we keep our distance."

With that, I turned and left the room.

Raven's cousin asked, "Elias isn't actually getting married, is he?"

Raven snorted, "After what I did to him, what woman would want him? It's just about saving face."

My face turned pale as I dug my fingernails into my palm. The pain in my hand was nothing compared to the agony in my heart.

I wanted to leave, but when I reached the artificial lake in the garden, I was called back.

"Where are you going, Mr. Sinclair?"

I turned to see Kai.

He forced a fake smile.

I frowned slightly. "I have things to do. I'll be going.”

Suddenly, Kai stepped forward and grabbed me.

"Elias, you know what? Ever since college, I've wanted to be your best friend."

I stared at him. "Good thing it didn't happen. Otherwise, having my best friend hook up with my girlfriend would have made me look even more ridiculous."

Kai's face twisted, and he tightened his grip on my arm.

He leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous. "Ridiculous? Not nearly enough."

Before I could react, he pulled me into the artificial lake.

Water choked my nose and mouth. I struggled, but I realized the water wasn't deep.

Just as I stood up, a figure flashed before my eyes.

Raven dove in and scooped up the still-splashing Kai.

After hauling Kai ashore and confirming that he was okay, Raven turned to me with a dark expression.

"Elias, don't test my limits."

Several guests had gathered around.

I stood there, disheveled and soaked, my suit heavy and clinging to me. A cold wind blew, sending shivers through me.

Kai tugged at the coat that Raven had draped over him. Tears or lake water glistened on his lashes as his voice trembled. "Mr. Sinclair, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pull you in when I fell. You pushed me, and I just pushed back."

He shifted his tone. "It was an accident. I'm sorry for worrying everyone."

All eyes turned to me.

I twisted my lips into a sneer. "Dare to review the security footage?"

Panic flashed in Kai's eyes.

I turned to Raven. "Review the footage!"

Raven's voice was icy. "Enough. This is the Blackwood family, not the Sinclair family. You don't get to call the shots."

Raven gently brushed a strand of hair from Kai's face. "Go change your clothes."

The two of them left, clinging to each other.

Many pretended to offer comfort but were actually kicking me while I was down.

"Elias, forget it. Don't be so stubborn. They have been together for ages."

"Yeah, I caught them checking into a hotel three years ago. I thought it was just a fling."

Others teased, "Elias, there are plenty of women out there. If you don't get married, we could date. I don't mind your past with Raven..."

My fingers grew cold and stiff, and my heart sank.

Three years ago, Raven and I graduated college. Back then, Raven hadn’t been as clingy. I’d assumed it was work stress and never suspected she was cheating.

As it turns out, every last bit of happiness I clung to in my memories with Raven was just self-deception.

This truth made my wounds rot away.

Just then, a towel was draped over my shoulders.

A voice murmured from behind me: "Don't catch a chill."

That thread of warmth snapped me back to reality.

I looked up and saw a face that was soft yet undeniably spirited.

Staring at this unfamiliar woman, I stiffened. "Who are you?"

She raised a slight eyebrow. "Susie Whitman."

I froze.

She was my fiancée—a woman I'd never met!