CHAPTER 12 

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I spotted Alex and tried to move toward him, but Griffin yanked me back. “What do you think you’re doing, Tessa?” he hissed, his face tense. “There’s a time and place for your dramatics.” 

This stranger was clearly wealthy and powerful–undoubtedly from an elite family. While Griffin was worth millions, in a city like New York, he was hardly top–tier. He was worried I might offend someone important. 

Having grown up together, I immediately understood his concerns. But I didn’t care 

anymore. 

“That’s my fiancé,” I said simply. “Shouldn’t I be going to him?” 

“Your fiancé? Since when do you know someone like that?” Griffin laughed dismissively. “Don’t be ridiculous, Tessa. You’re just an assistant at Hayes Enterprises. Someone like him wouldn’t look twice at you. If you’re going to put on an act, at least make it believable.” 

I followed Griffin’s gaze as he assessed Alex. The luxury motorcade, the consecutive license plates with official insignia, the unmistakable signs of power. Then there was Alex’s watch–a one–of–a–kind Vacheron Constantin custom piece. 

Even with Griffin’s inflated ego, he had to admit he couldn’t compare to Alex. A man of that caliber could have any woman he wanted. In Griffin’s mind, why would he choose me? 

With this logic, Griffin felt reassured. My “fiancé” must be fictional–another desperate attempt to make him jealous. 

After all, I’d loved him for twelve years. How could I possibly marry anyone else? Chloe, watching Alex with obvious interest, suddenly had an idea to humiliate me. “Tessa, since you claim this important man is your fiancé, why don’t you go introduce him to us?” 

Griffin started to intervene, but Chloe stopped him. “Griffin, if Tessa says she’s marrying someone else, don’t hold her back.” 

His friends joined in, snickering. “Yeah, let’s see if Mr. Important is really her fiancé!” “Ten bucks says his security team kicks her to the curb before she gets within ten feet of him.” 

“This is the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Tessa follows Griffin around for twelve years and gets nowhere, then claims she’s marrying a billionaire? Please.” 

I knew they were all waiting for my humiliation, eager to see me rejected and mocked. 

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Unfortunately for them, they were about to be disappointed. I really was Alex’s fiancée. 

As I walked toward Alex, I could feel their smirks behind me. They were anticipating the moment he’d push me away and call me delusional. 

Instead, when I reached out my hand to Alex, this handsome, powerful man took it immediately and pulled me into his embrace. 

A few minutes later, Alex walked me back toward the group, his voice calm and confident: “I understand you wanted to meet me. Allow me to introduce myself— I’m Alexander Kingsley, Tessa’s fiancé.” 

Alex didn’t extend his hand in greeting, maintaining a subtle air of superiority that came from years in positions of power. Nobody thought it strange–he had every right to that confidence. 

The group that had been enjoying my anticipated embarrassment now stood frozen in shock. 

None of them could believe that I, the woman Griffin had rejected, had found someone far more impressive. 

Griffin’s easy smile hardened on his face, panic rising in his eyes. Wasn’t I supposed to love him forever? How could I suddenly stop loving him and marry someone else? When had I even met someone of Alex’s caliber? 

The joy he’d felt about marrying Chloe vanished instantly. He felt a strange 

tightness in his chest. 

I had been like his shadow for so long; he’d never imagined I would marry anyone else. Even when I told him directly, he’d dismissed it as a transparent ploy. Meanwhile, Chloe wasn’t troubled by these deeper thoughts. She was simply stunned that Alex was not only handsome but incredibly wealthy. How had I managed to snag someone so impressive? 

Jealousy flickered in her eyes as she extended her hand to Alex. “Hi, I’m Chloe. It’s so nice to finally meet Tessa’s fiancé in person.” 

Up close, Chloe found Alex even more attractive. Beyond his wealth and power, he had natural good looks—almond–shaped eyes that tilted slightly upward, sharp features, flawless skin, and an air of refined elegance. 

Even Griffin, who was considered handsome by many, paled in comparison. 

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