Chapter 5

I responded with a slap to his face. Dumbstruck for a moment, he flew off the handle soon after. He raised his hand to hit me, scolding, "Riley Seafield, don't be so ungrateful when I'm trying to be kind!"

There, his pride wouldn't allow him to go further than that.

If it weren't for the pressure from the Caldwell family and his own image, he wouldn't even have come to me.

In the wedding he promised, I was sure he'd straight out get Yvette to be the bride instead.

I raised my hand to shield myself. Just then, Ruby opened the door and pulled me in.

When I remained silent, Chester inhaled deeply and said, "Riley, think carefully. It was my fault for leaving you alone on the streets. But although you were assaulted, you weren't actually harmed."

He continued loud and clear, "I'm already showing your family enough respect by coming here to offer you this solution. If you refuse to take it, I won't save you from further humiliation."

I was trembling with anger.

It once crossed my mi