Three days later…

As Claire styled her hair while looking in the mirror, her mind went back to Abraham and his new mistress. They had continuously flooded social media with loved-up photos of themselves. Each picture was a fresh stab, a constant reminder of the life she'd lost and the betrayal she endured.

She still didn't believe Abraham would behave like that towards her.

At the beginning of their relationship, Abraham had been so caring and loving. He literally worshiped the ground Claire walked on. But the moment he started making waves in the business world, he changed towards her.

The success began to get to his head and he suddenly found fault in all Claire did. He began coming home very late in the night, most times drunk.

He found fault in everything Claire did and began calling her ugly. Despite Claire's efforts to make things work, they had drifted apart.

Claire's phone dinged, bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Everything is ready, ma'am,” the voice from the other end said immediately after Claire received the call.

“Okay. Await further instructions from me,” Claire said, then clicked the end button.

Claire was about to step out of the room when her phone rang once again.

She cursed under her breath as she picked the call. “Any other thing?”

“I'm waiting outside,” she heard a calm voice say, and she quickly looked into the phone screen.

Claire blinked when she saw it was John on the line. She had thought it was Andrew calling back.

She quickly finished applying her makeup, then stepped out of the room.

She had secured the apartment years ago when she had decided to go against her family's wish to marry Abraham. It was her sanctuary.

Even after marrying Abraham, she had continued paying, and now the room had become useful to her.

She looked around, trying to locate John, but a honk from a red, flashy car caught her attention.

“Here,” Claire heard John's voice from inside the car, and she strolled to meet him.

She observed the car well; it was a Bugatti Centodieci. The other day she had seen him driving a Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail.

“Hi, John. I hope you haven't been waiting for long,” Claire said with a smile on her face.

John shook his head and opened the passenger door.

“After today, you will be Mrs. Rhodes. How do you feel about that?” John asked as he eased the car into motion.

Claire sucked in a breath. Honestly, she hadn't really thought of that. Was she ready for this? To become the wife of the city's most successful bachelor? It was a far cry from the life she'd planned with Abraham, a life that had shattered into a million pieces. But John… John was different. His quiet confidence and the genuine respect in his eyes when he looked at her were a balm to her wounded spirit. On one hand, she was concerned about what the world would think about her. On the other hand, she was glad Abraham finally showed his true colors.

“I guess we will see,” Claire finally responded, looking straight at the man beside her.

Two days ago, she had asked Andrew to look him up. She wanted to know if he was genuine. It turned out he was indeed John Rhodes, the CEO of Rhodes enterprises.

Claire was impressed by how John had single-handedly built back the family business; her respect for the man beside her had tripled.

Claire's thoughts were interrupted when John opened the car door. She didn't notice they had reached the registry.

“Shall we?” John stretched his hand forward after opening the car door for Claire.

Claire took a minute to survey the surroundings, and her mind went back to three years ago. It had been just like today when Abraham had brought her here, promising forever with her. She remembered the way the sunlight had caught his eyes, the sincerity in his voice as he'd spoken of their future. She'd believed every word, every touch, every kiss. A naive fool. She had completely believed him.

She let her mind wander away from the thoughts of Abraham. It didn't take long for the marriage registration to be over.

Claire and John were on their way out when a voice made them stop in their tracks. “I can see you losers really mean business,” Claire heard the unmistakable voice of Abraham.

Her heart sank. Of course, he would be here. He wouldn't miss an opportunity to gloat. A fresh wave of anger washed over her, but this time, it was accompanied by a deep, weary resignation.

Claire closed her eyes for a moment, then turned to face Abraham, “I can say the same for you.” She paused briefly, her eyes scanning Rebecca. “And I can see your wife was dressed for the occasion.”

John held Claire's hand softly, “You don't have to trade words with them, they aren't worth your time.” John whispered to Claire, so they could leave.

“And what's your mystery man whispering, he's too shy to say it out?” Rebecca mocked, her eyes moving from John to Claire.

John ignored her and instead held Claire who had an expressionless look on her face.

Claire turned to John then said, “You are right, these assholes ain't worth our time.”

As they turned to leave, the entrance door opened and a tall, dark, huge man in black suit and dark sunshades entered.

“I'm sorry to disturb your time here, but Mr. Rhodes, this is quite important,” the man said, facing John and bowing slightly.

Abraham flinched slightly. Was this guy really Mr. Rhodes? The CEO of Rhodes enterprises? The biggest company in the city? It can't be. He must have planned it out. Abraham scoffed inwardly.

“You are trying too hard to be who you are not. What if I call the cops on you, man?” Abraham laughed, hitting John's shoulder slightly.

The black man sneered, sizing Abraham up but John held out a hand. “Leave him be perry, I'd deal with this myself.”

Perry handed a file to John then said, “I will be waiting outside sir,” he said, then turned to leave.

Rebecca clapped her hands dramatically, her eyes scanning both Claire and John. “That was quite impressive, you even hired a fake bodyguard to call you Mr. Rhodes,” she paused, looking at Abraham who had his eyes glued to the file in John's hand. “Isn't that so wonderful darling?”

Abraham's mind was already far away, he wasn't listening to Rebecca's rant anymore. The name he saw on the seal John was holding got him confused.

How did this man here have the invitation to the special banquet of the Jenkins in his hand? Was this still a ploy or was he indeed John Rhodes?

No, it can't be. Abraham shook his head. John Rhodes had offered to enter a contract with his company and he'd be meeting with him soon.

“I hope you both can keep up with this arrogance in the near future.” John exhaled then turned to leave, his hands intertwined with that of Claire.

“Would you believe he even had a fake invitation to the Jenkins banquet?”

Claire heard Abraham's voice but didn't bother to turn. She was too exhausted to give a damn about the dimwits.