Chapter 2The Black Gold Princess

I spent that night wide awake, unmistakable sounds continuously drifting from the adjacent room—the rhythmic creaking of a bedframe mixed with a woman's seductive moans. Through the haze of sleeplessness, I heard Skylar, wrapped around Aiden, cooing, "Aren't you afraid Willow will find out about us? You'd lose your heir status completely then!"

Aiden's voice, lazy with post-coital satisfaction, drifted back. "So what? She's just a spoiled heiress. If it weren't for Mr. Hayes, none of us would even give her a second thought. Even if I marry her, she'll just be a trophy wife, a pretty face. You're my true love."

Their crude words grated on my eardrums, a relentless assault, until the sounds slowly subsided with the approach of dawn. I pushed open my door, just in time to see Skylar, wearing Aiden's white shirt, gingerly waddle out of his room, hand pressed to her lower back. When she bumped into me, her eyes flashed with panic, and she immediately stammered, "Willow, I-I drank too much last night and got sick. Aiden just lent me his shirt. I swear I don't have any other intentions with him!" "Absolutely not!"

My gaze fell upon the undisguised hickeys blooming on her neck, then dropped to her legs, still trembling visibly. A cold smile touched my lips. "Oh? Why the sudden panic?" For years, whenever Aiden was involved, Skylar was always more eager than me. Every time I discussed the candidates for fiancé, she'd subtly steer me towards choosing Aiden. Turns out, they had been involved in secret all along, treating me like a complete fool! A surge of pure fury erupted within me. I lifted my hand and slapped Skylar across the face.

Skylar clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief. Just then, Aiden suddenly pushed open his door, the powerful rebound sending me crashing against the wall. Skylar, seizing the moment, collapsed into Aiden's arms, weeping. "I don't know what I did to upset Willow. She actually hit me." Aiden instantly pulled Skylar close, his face etched with feigned concern. "Willow, don't bring your pampered princess act here to bully Skylar! She's your friend!" His voice hardened. "If you keep acting so irrational, don't blame me if I publicly reject you as my fiancé at the gala!" My eyes narrowed. He'd truly been spoiled rotten all these years. A manipulative viper and a spineless fool—they truly deserved each other!

Still seething, I instinctively raised my hand for another slap, but Caleb suddenly appeared, grabbing my arm with surprising force. Jax positioned himself in front of them both. Their gazes, sharp as poisoned daggers, chilled me to the bone. Caleb spoke, his voice equally cold. "If you continue this irrational behavior, and you choose me, I won't agree." Jax quickly followed. "And me, I absolutely won't agree either!"