Chapter 7
This was Julian’s engagement venue.
On stage, Julian was at the ring exchange ceremony.
Facing him was the same girl I’d seen at the bar.
She gazed at him adoringly while Julian kept glancing anxiously at the entrance.
When our eyes met, he paused, then his expression softened into a smirk.
The officiant asked, “Will you, as the groom–to–be, promise to stand by your bride–to–be in every important moment of your future?”
Julian caught my eye again, his smile widening: “Of course.”
He slipped the ring onto Claire’s finger as the guests cheered. “Kiss! Kiss!” they chanted.
Claire blushed deeper but rose on her tiptoes toward Julian.
He didn’t hesitate, pulling her close for a passionate kiss amid the applause.
I turned to Sophie, who avoided my gaze but urged, “Olivia, go up there and claim him back! Julian’s your man!”
I stayed silent, just watching her. Sophie and I had been close since college – sharing classes, meals, and vacations. I’d genuinely considered her a friend.
The hotel doors were now blocked by Julian’s friends.
Their intention was clear.
“Olivia, I just couldn’t stand seeing you treated this way! I had to trick you here so you could stand up for yourself! I’ll go up there right now and make a scene for you!”
Sophie started toward the stage, but I stopped her with my calm words: “Sophie, Claire is… your cousin, isn’t she?” I remembered her mentioning a cousin in college. “What, did your cousin ask you to bring me here? To make a scene? To make her look better?”
Caught out, Sophie froze.
I laughed bitterly: “Just because your cousin treasures that disgusting man doesn’t mean everyone else does.”
I glanced around at the elaborate setup – expensive champagne, gourmet desserts. They’d gone all out. Since they were so keen to have me here, I might as well enjoy myself.
I sat down and helped myself to a pastry, observing the scene. Ash was away on business today.
Sophie stormed up to me, furious: “How dare you talk like that! You’re just jealous because you can’t have him! My
poé Fake Death I Married His Best Frien
Chapter 7
cousin and future brother–in–law are perfect together!”
I scoffed, but before I could respond, a tearful voice interrupted.
The ceremony had ended, and Claire had appeared beside me.
The moment our eyes met, she grabbed my hands: “Miss Montgomery, please don’t blame Julian! He has amnesia, he doesn’t remember you, he only loves me now! If you’re angry, take it out on me! Hit me, yell at me! I’ll… I’ll even kneel before you! Just don’t blame Julian!”
Claire’s grip was vice–like, her nails digging into my wrists. The pain made me instinctively pull away.
Though I barely moved, she screamed and fell. Suddenly, someone shoved me hard.
Wearing heels, I lost my balance and twisted my ankle. The pain was so intense, tears welled up in my eyes.
Julian glared at me furiously: “Olivia, you’ve gone too far! How dare you hurt Claire at our engagement party! Do you think I don’t exist? Apologize to her!”
The guests, who’d been watching me since I arrived, gathered around for the drama.
Someone spoke up: “Miss Montgomery, your history with Mr. Winters is over. Making a scene at his engagement party is inappropriate.”
“Exactly! You need to know when to let go. He doesn’t love you anymore- forcing it won’t help. You can’t force
love!”
Claire sobbed in Julian’s arms, tugging at his sleeve with feigned understanding: “Julian, it’s okay… I don’t blame Miss Montgomery… It’s natural for her to be upset seeing us together. It’s normal for her to hate me… as long as she doesn’t blame you…”
“It’s not your fault,” Julian assured Claire before turning coldly to me: “Olivia, whatever we had ended two years ago. Claire is who I love now, and I won’t let you hurt her! Apologize to her now!”
Where others couldn’t see, Claire shot me a triumphant smirk.
I smiled slightly. “Fine. I’ll apologize.”
Then I slapped her across the face. Considering symmetry, I gave her other cheek a matching strike.
As Claire screamed in tears, Julian raised his hand to strike me.
His friends quickly held him back, whispering urgently: “Don’t take this too far – you’ll regret it when your memory returns! Claire can’t compare to Olivia – don’t lose your head!”
As Julian tried to respond, one of his friends suddenly called out: “Ash, you’re back! Quick – Olivia’s twisted her ankle. Take her home!”
I turned to see Ash approaching from across the room.
His Best Frien
Chapter 8
