Chapter 5 Dex stood frozen in place , unable to process what had just happened . [ ] Meanwhile , Kieran shot up from his seat . [ ] He rushed to the front of the stage , staring at Dad in disbelief . " Dad ! Did you get the wrong person ? How could it be Dex ? " The ballroom was dead silent , everyone's attention focused on this unexpected turn of events . [ ] My father glanced at him coolly , his expression calm but carrying a bone - chilling coldness . [] " Since you're so eager to cut ties with the Cortez family , you should move out as soon as possible . The Cortez family door isn't something you can waltz in and out of whenever you please . " I could feel that Dad was truly angry - not the mild irritation of everyday discipline , but a deep , bone - deep disappointment . [ ] He wasn't just mad ; he was using his actions to show Kieran that the Cortez family had completely given up on him . ] A flash of barely concealed glee crossed Mara's face . She probably hadn't expected things to escalate this far either . She carefully tugged at Kieran's arm , her voice soft and gentle . " Kieran , this is wonderful . Now we can be together openly . " ] She snuggled into his embrace , looking up at him with pitiful , sparkling eyes . [ ] " It doesn't matter if you're not a Cortez son anymore . We can be an ordinary married couple , and I'll always be by your side . " [ ] But Kieran jerked away from her touch as if he'd been burned . The smile froze on Mara's face as she stared at him in confusion . [ ] He ignored her completely and walked straight toward me , his bloodshot eyes locked on mine . " Riley ! " He practically snarled my name through gritted teeth . [ ] " Are you still throwing a tantrum ? Tell me - did you plan all this to get back at me ? " [ ] " Even if you're mad at me , you can't just randomly marry some guy ! You don't even love him ! " [ ] Dex had somehow moved to within a few steps of us . [ ] He heard Kieran's " You don't even love him ! " and his steps faltered slightly . ] He looked up at me , those clear eyes filled with questioning and barely perceptible hurt . Chapter 5 As if silently asking whether what Kieran said was true . [] Had I only chosen him as revenge against Kieran ? I met Kieran's blazing stare and let an icy smile curve my lips . " Kieran , you think way too highly of yourself . " [ ] " When did Riley Cortez need your permission to decide who she marries ? " [ ] " I gave you exactly what you wanted - I chose someone else . What you should be doing now is taking your precious Mara and getting the hell out of here before you make me sick . " [ ] " Riley ! " Kieran roared and suddenly grabbed my wrist . [ ] " We grew up together - how could I just stand by and watch you jump into a pit of fire ! You don't love him at all , and you won't be happy marrying him ! " ] ] " You love me ! You're doing all this just to get my attention , to make me regret it , to make me come back and beg you , aren't you ? " I couldn't help but laugh coldly inside . [ ] This guy was absolutely ridiculous . ] I ignored Kieran's ranting and turned my gaze to Dex instead . He stood there quietly , his eyes somewhat dim . ♡ ( 0 )