Love Is but an Illusion

Sebastian didn't think too much of my explanation and nodded. "That's good. We're getting married, so it's time to buy some new furniture and decorations."

I felt a little guilty, but I didn't let it show. I quickly changed the topic. "Why are you back so soon this time?"

Sebastian didn't suspect anything and explained, "I finished dealing with things, so I came back earlier than expected."

He gave me a meaningful gaze, with a hint of guilt in his eyes. "Joan, I've been too busy with work and neglected you. I'll make it up to you this time."

Stunned, I didn't know how to respond to him. Sebastian grabbed my hand and said, "Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

I felt doubtful and confused, but I still followed him into the car. Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a massive estate.

I was surprised when I recognized that this was the exclusive private club in the city. Only the elite could access a place like this.

"Why are we here?" I asked in confusion. Sebastian gave me a slight smile. "There's a gathering tonight, and I wanted to bring you with me."

My heart was touched. I knew how busy he was. It was rare for him to take time off and accompany me to a banquet.

Throughout the event, Sebastian stayed by my side the entire time, introducing me to important figures of elite society.

Many women took the initiative to approach Sebastian, but he rejected them all. His eyes were only on me. Meanwhile, Cassandra also arrived at the banquet venue. She was dressed in designer clothes, looking beautiful and radiant.

"Mr. Ford, long time no see," she greeted him while throwing me a provocative glance. "Can I invite you to a dance? I'm sure Ms. Robinson wouldn't mind, would you?"

Before I could open my mouth to speak, Sebastian had already shook his head coldly. "I'm sorry, I only want to spend time with my girlfriend tonight."

An unpleasant feeling surfaced in my heart when I saw the firm expression on his face.

If I hadn't seen those photos or heard those conversations, I would've believed that he truly loved me. Unfortunately, I knew that everything he was doing now was an act. He was pretending to be a boyfriend who loved me dearly.

At the banquet, Sebastian officially announced our wedding to everyone. We initially didn't plan on inviting any business associates to the wedding ceremony since Emily disapproved of our relationship.

The guests were surprised with the sudden announcement, but they still congratulated us and said that they would attend the wedding.

I was also surprised. I had thought only a few friends would be at the wedding, but now he had invited so many people. It seemed like he was trying to do this to show his love and please me. In addition, he probably wanted to make up for the guilt he felt after spending time with Cassandra these past few days.

Unfortunately, I no longer needed it.

The love I wanted had to be exclusive. Since I was only worthy of a fake marriage certificate in his heart, then I didn't need his love at all.

We left the venue together.

As soon as we stepped out the entrance, we heard a loud commotion nearby. I looked up and saw Cassandra being surrounded by a group of thugs on the side of the road nearby.

"Hey, babe. You look so beautiful. Why don't you have a drink with us?" one said.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of you."

As they spoke, the thugs stretched out their hands toward Cassandra and tried to grab her. They clearly had ill intentions.

Seeing this, Sebastian immediately rushed forward. "Stop right now!"

He shoved one of the thugs aside and shielded Cassandra behind him.

The thugs were angered and turned to attack Sebastian instead.

However, Sebastian was more skilled than them. He knocked them to the ground with just a few punches. His expression was dark with fury as he glared at the defeated thugs on the ground.

Sebastian said through gritted teeth, "How dare you mess with her? If you touch her again, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your lives!"

Terrified, the thugs scattered and ran for their lives.

Sebastian turned around and wrapped his arms around Cassandra before hurrying off.

In the chaos, a thug had shoved me aside. My arm was scraped on a sharp stone on the ground. Blood instantly gushed from the wound. I gasped in pain, but Sebastian didn't seem to hear me. All his attention was on bringing Cassandra to safety.

I wanted to call out after Sebastian's retreating figure, but I swallowed my words in the end. A wave of bitterness surged in my heart. At this moment, I knew he would never choose me if he had to choose between both of us.

I went to a nearby clinic alone to get my wound treated.

I winced in pain as the doctor bandaged my wound, but what hurt more was seeing how Sebastian had cared for Cassandra so tenderly. I returned home after getting my wound treated.

Sebastian still wasn't home.

At that moment, Cassandra posted a picture on Facebook. It was a photo of Sebastian taking care of her in the emergency room.

Then, she sent me a private message. "Ms. Robinson, Sebastian will be spending the night with me. You should sleep alone tonight."

I threw my phone aside and sat on the couch alone, replaying everything that happened today. Sebastian had personally promised me before that he would protect me for a lifetime.

He had been so afraid of my getting hurt that he wouldn't let me do something as simple as cooking. But now, he was able to abandon everything for another woman.

I took a deep breath and held back the tears in my eyes. That night, I lay alone in the empty bed. I couldn't sleep until dawn.