Chapter 4: My Girlfriend Is Getting Married

"What are you doing?" Josephine jumped between Jared and her father, but Jared had already finished. William felt his breathing ease, and color returned to his face.

"I've temporarily stabilized your injury. Given its age, you'll need extensive treatment for a full recovery," Jared explained.

"Thank you for saving me! I can't thank you enough," William exclaimed, grasping Jared's hand.

Josephine was astonished by her father's improved condition.

"I saved you because of your philanthropy. Having built over ten schools, I felt obligated," Jared said. He had acted because of William's good heart; he wouldn't have helped a stranger, especially after Josephine's rudeness and near-fatal attack. He wasn't a saint.

William was embarrassed. "What I've done is insignificant. Since you saved me, tell me what you want. It's almost noon; let me treat you to lunch at the Glamor Hotel."

"I'm fine. I have something to attend to," Jared replied, declining the invitation. He needed to confront Sandy.

William was surprised. As Horington's richest man, many sought his company, but only the powerful dined with him. He hadn't expected Jared to refuse.

"Young man, I insist on showing my gratitude," William said, holding Jared's arm.

Jared understood William wanted information about his treatment, but he was touched by his sincerity. "All right, I'll deal with my problem first and meet you at the hotel afterward?"

William released his grip. "Fine. Call me when you arrive!"

Jared hurried to the Gibson residence. "Where's Sandy? I want to see her!" he shouted to a middle-aged woman outside an old mansion—Sandy's mother, Melinda Connor. He would never have spoken to her this way before, but his mother's words had enraged him.

Melinda, in a gown, stood haughtily, arms crossed. "Get lost! My daughter is getting married today. An ex-convict like you isn't welcome."

"Getting married?" Jared frowned, realizing Baldy had been truthful. "Where's Sandy? Who is she marrying? Tell her to come out and explain."

He stormed into the mansion.

"Hey! Are you mad? How dare you barge in?" Melinda tried to stop him, but her efforts were futile against Jared's strength. He dragged her across the yard.

A woman in a wedding gown appeared, looking sullen. Jared stopped.

"Sandy, what's going on? Explain!" he demanded.

"Jared, leave and don't contact me again. I'm marrying Leyton," Sandy said indifferently.

Jared clenched his fists. The pain of hearing her say it aloud, after he'd gone to prison because of Leyton, was excruciating. His girlfriend marrying the man who'd put him there felt like a cruel joke. He laughed wryly at his own pathetic situation.

"Is this what you really want?" he asked.

His fury subsided. "Yes!" Sandy nodded. "I want to be rich, something you can never provide. As an ex-convict, you can barely care for yourself, let alone me. Here's a few hundred for old times' sake. Don't sleep on the streets!" She threw money at his face.

In that moment, she was dead to him. "You'll regret this!" he roared, leaving the money behind.

"Pfft, only if I married a broke bastard like you!" Sandy sneered.

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