Chapter 5

My parents had already left for the party.

After organizing the gifts I'd prepared for Sullivan, I finally arrived at the banquet hall.

Lucas and Melody stood side by side at the entrance.

Seeing me, their faces showed contempt. "Claire, I thought you could hold out longer. Melody just sent you one message, and not only did you block her, but you got your parents involved to pressure me into marriage."

With that, he suddenly stuck out his foot and kicked hard at my knee.

Caught off guard, my knees buckled and I fell heavily to the ground.

"Kowtow and apologize to Melody! Otherwise, don't blame me for ruining today's event!"

Melody bent down to stare at me, feigning reluctance. "Don't blame Lucas. He's just standing up for me."

I clenched my teeth, glaring fiercely at Melody.

She timely displayed a pitiful expression.

Seeing this, Lucas's heart ached even more.

He stepped forward two paces and backhanded me across the face.

Five clear finger marks instantly appeared on my face.

My eyes filled with blood as I shot to my feet and shouted, "Lucas, Melody, have you both lost your minds?"

"I told you—I'm not marrying you!"

Lucas's contemptuous gaze swept over me as he sneered.

"Claire, stop pretending. Today both sets of parents will announce our engagement. Be smart and apologize."

"Otherwise, forget about entering the Montgomery family!"

My chest heaved with anger.

Not wanting to argue with them anymore, I was about to step forward.

But the elders from all the families appeared at the corner.

Lucas's father, Richard Montgomery, looked at his son with furrowed brows. "Lucas, what are you causing a scene about at the entrance now?"

Sullivan followed slowly behind them.

He wasn't in his wheelchair. His complexion was rosier than a few days ago, wearing a well-tailored suit. Though thin, he stood straight.

Seeing my disheveled state, his eyes filled with concern. "What happened?"

Meeting his concerned gaze, warmth filled my heart. "Nothing. What are you doing out here?"

A smile appeared on his face. "I noticed you hadn't come in yet."

Lucas laughed coldly.

"What does it have to do with you whether she came in or not? Sullivan, why are you trying to find a sense of existence at this moment? You're acting so concerned about your future 'brother-in-law'?"

Everyone was somewhat taken aback by those words.

But Lucas remained oblivious. He quickly moved closer, squeezing between Sullivan and me.

He put on a fake smile for Sullivan.

Then turned and threatened me in a low voice.

"Let it go for today. But if after we're engaged I find out you're bullying Melody again, I'll make you pay!"

At this moment, Lucas inexplicably displayed unprecedented possessiveness.

But I knew he was only protecting the massive resources about to fall into his hands.

Richard sighed and spoke solemnly. "The person who gets engaged to Claire will gain priority leadership over our families' joint project. Today is the day to formalize the engagement."

Lucas lowered his head to straighten his clothes, then raised the corners of his mouth, preparing to take my arm.

But the next instant, his confident expression froze on his face.

My father took my hand and Sullivan's, placing them together.

Sullivan's smile was radiant, his spirits high, showing no trace of his former frailty.

"Claire, are you ready to spend a lifetime with me?"