Chapter 7

I did not intend to marry Timothy because I was not in love with him. I was only going through with the charade to give Brenda peace of mind. In exchange, Timothy had agreed to help me secure the shares my mother had left me in the Lambert family business.

"Olivia, I know I messed up. Why can't you forgive me?" Timothy pleaded. "Have you actually fallen for Ian?"

The truth was, I had not spoken to Ian since that day at the police station. Timothy had been right about one thing—Ian and I were of different worlds. A relationship with him would only complicate things.

Did I like Ian? Of course, I did. I adored his passion, his sincerity, and his outgoingness.

Sadly, simply liking him was not enough.

My history with Timothy was no secret in our social circles. The Bakers would never allow their precious son to be with someone they saw as damaged goods.

I stared at the trending news about the Baker heir's invitation to study abroad, then turned off my phone with a sigh. Whether