C ( 0 ) Chapter 3 The next morning , feeling somewhat better , I arrived at the design firm right on time . Sarah , my creative director, held my resignation letter with mixed emotions when I told her about returning home for marriage . First my best jewelry designer leaves for marriage , she sighed , shaking her head . The studio wont be the same without you . Words failed me , so I hugged her instead , grateful for her mentorship over the years . News of my departure spread quickly through the office . My colleagues insisted on throwing me a farewell dinner . I suggested the Italian restaurant Castro and I frequented partly because I didnt know many others , but mostly because their seafood risotto was exceptional . During dinner , I excused myself to the wash my hand , only to find Oriana touching up her makeup at the marble vanity . What a coincidence ! She smiled warmly at my reflection . You know , Castro first brought me here during our college days . Weve had so many special moments in this place since then . I returned a polite smile and turned to leave , seeing no reason for small talk between us . But Oriana wasnt finished . She called after me , I noticed something the other night Castro always rinses the spicy sauce off your shrimp . Are you sensitive to spice too ? That single word too made me freeze . The truth was , I loved spicy food . But Castro always insisted on rinsing my shrimp , claiming spicy food wasnt ladylike . Id believed he was being protective . Now I realized he was simply acting on habit . Its Oriana , who couldnt handle spice . Seeing my silence , she tilted her head , studying my face with unsettling intensity . Chapter 3 You know , Ive been meaning to say this since I first saw you … Dont you think we look remarkably similar ? Id never felt more humiliated . Under her triumphant gaze , I fled the bathroom , the pieces finally falling into place I hadnt been his love , Id been her replacement . Back in the private dining room , my colleagues warmth slowly thawed my frozen state . Just as I was beginning to push aside the unpleasant encounter , the door swung open . Castro stood in the doorway , his Armani suit slightly disheveled , his eyes scanning the crowded room . before landing on me with laser focus . In that moment of eye contact , I saw barely contained rage in his expression , though I couldnt fathom why . His voice cut through the chatter like ice . A word ? Following him into the marble lined hallway , I was utterly unprepared for what happened next . His hand connected with my cheek in a sharp crack that echoed off the pristine walls . In seven years , he had never raised a hand to me . How dare you push Oriana ? Meeting my shocked gaze , he showed no remorse only fury . You knew her ankle was injured . I told you Id explain everything later is this your way of getting revenge ? My cheek burned where hed struck me . Oriana limped toward us from down the hallway . Her designer blouse was rumpled and stained with water . Before I could defend myself , she collapsed dramatically to the floor . Castro shoved past me , rushing to gather her in his arms . Why did you follow us ? I told you Id bring her to apologize , he said to Oriana , his harsh words belied by his tender tone . Oriana shook her head , tears glistening . Its nothing serious . She probably didnt mean it . Dont be so hard on her . If William finds out you struck his sister … she added softly . Chapter 3 At the mention of my brother , something flickered in Castros eyes . But looking at Oriana , his resolve hardened . William trusted me with her care , he said firmly . If she needs correction , thats my responsibility , I let out a bitter laugh . What exactly did 1 do ? Even criminals get due process . Youre condemning and striking me without any evidence doesnt that seem unjust to you ? Castros fists clenched as he glared at me . You knew there were no cameras in the restroom . Thats why you chose to attack her there . The absurdity of it all made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously . If there were no cameras , how can you be so sure it was me ? Because Oriana wouldnt lie ! He took a step toward me , his cologne the one shed given him years ago , I now realized overwhelming . What possible reason would she have ? Ive known her for years . Shes not capable of that kind of deception . I met his gaze , unflinching . So I must be the liar then ? Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...