Chapter 3

Soon, news of Brandon calling off our engagement spread like wildfire. The beating I had expected from Dad never arrived. Instead, he cut off my contact with my younger siblings, who were residing abroad. It was one of Dad's usual tactics to get back at me when he was angry. He and my stepmother, Vivian Coney, started to scout around Camden City for my future husband. They hoped to marry me into wealth and continue the legacy of the Rowland family. Unfortunately, terrible rumors about me started to spread. People were saying that I had done everything under the sun just to make Brandon happy in our relationship. They went as far as to hint that I was infertile from years of debauchery. No man in Camden City would accept a woman like me as his wife. As Dad's temper worsened, my life became more difficult. Two months after Brandon called off our engagement, I heard explosive news about him—he was engaged to Jenna now. To marry Jenna, Brandon went against his parents' wishes. Our acquaintances who thrived on gossip deliberately fed me the updates. I knew what they were expecting from me. Life was too boring for them, and they started to miss having a clown around. "Reegan, I think Brandon still has feelings for you." "You're struggling, aren't you? Why don't you beg him to get back with you?" "He's a softie. Cry in front of him, or tell him you'll kill yourself. He might change his mind." "Jenna is no match for you, Reegan. You're prettier than her." I scrolled through the texts and replied to none. Instead, I put my focus on my future marriage. A week ago, I had gotten on my knees for an entire day in front of Dad. He finally caved in and agreed to send me on an arranged marriage in Porthaven City in place of my little sister, who recently turned legal. Felix Fullman, whom I was to marry, was rumored to be a cruel and heartless man. Yet, he wielded endless power in Camden City—a de-facto king. His crippled legs turned him into a bad-tempered man, but I feared nothing. In fact, I welcomed it. After all, I could no longer stay in Camden City. Perhaps, I could start a new life in Porthaven City.