Chapter 5
Dex stood frozen in place, unable to process what had just happened.[]
Meanwhile, Kieran shot up from his seat.[]
He rushed to the front of the stage, staring at Dad in disbelief.[]
“Dad! Did you get the wrong person? How could it be Dex?“[]
The ballroom was dead silent, everyone’s attention focused on this unexpected turn of events.]]
My father glanced at him coolly, his expression calm but carrying a bone–chilling coldness.[]
“Since you’re so eager to cut ties with the Cortez family, you should move out as soon as possible. The Cortez family door isn’t something you can waltz in and out of whenever you please.“[]
I could feel that Dad was truly angry–not the mild irritation of everyday discipline, but a deep, bone–deep disappointment.[]
He wasn’t just mad; he was using his actions to show Kieran that the Cortez family had completely given up on him.[]
A flash of barely concealed glee crossed Mara’s face.[]
She probably hadn’t expected things to escalate this far either.[]
She carefully tugged at Kieran’s arm, her voice soft and gentle.[]
“Kieran, this is wonderful. Now we can be together openly.“]]
She snuggled into his embrace, looking up at him with pitiful, sparkling eyes.[]
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a Cortez son anymore. We can be an ordinary married couple, and I’ll always be by your
But Kieran jerked away from her touch as if he’d been burned.[]
The smile froze on Mara’s face as she stared at him in confusion.]]
He ignored her completely and walked straight toward me, his bloodshot eyes locked on ntine.[]
“Riley!” He practically snarled my name through gritted teeth.[]
“Are you still throwing a tantrum? Tell me–did you plan all this to get back at me?“]
“Even if you’re mad at me, you can’t just randomly marry some guy! You don’t even love him!“[]
Dex had somehow moved to within a few steps of us.[]
He heard Kieran’s “You don’t even love him!” and his steps faltered slightly.]
He looked up at me, those clear eyes filled with questioning and barely perceptible hurt.[]
side.”
Not to Billionaire’s Wife Surte Day Different Groom
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Chapter 5
As if silently asking whether what Kieran said was true.[]
Had I only chosen him as revenge against Kieran?]]
I met Kieran’s blazing stare and let an icy smile curve my lips.[]
“Kieran, you think way too highly of yourself.“[]
“When did Riley Cortez need your permission to decide who she marries?“]
“I gave you exactly what you wanted–I chose someone else. What you should be doing now is taking your precious Mara and getting the hell out of here before you make me sick.“[]
“Riley!” Kieran roared and suddenly grabbed my wrist.[]
“We grew up together–how could I just stand by and watch you jump into a pit of fire! You don’t love him at all, and you won’t be happy marrying him!“]
“You love me! You’re doing all this just to get my attention, to make me regret it, to make me come back and beg you, aren’t you?“]
I couldn’t help but laugh coldly inside.[]
This guy was absolutely ridiculous.[]
I ignored Kieran’s ranting and turned my gaze to Dex instead.]]
He stood there quietly, his eyes somewhat dim.]
