Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 2

Jenson responded with a cold and mocking laugh.

"I thought you had finally come to your senses and reflected on your behavior. Turns out you're just playing games, trying to force me into marriage!"

No one knew better than Jenson how much Suzanne needed him, how much she fawned over him.

Every argument they'd ever had ended with Suzanne backing down. She would always apologize and beg to make up. He didn't believe for a second that Suzanne truly wanted to leave him.

Looking down at her, Jenson said with disdain, "Suzanne, my patience has limits. I won't tolerate your unreasonable behavior any longer. This time, unless you fully reflect on your mistakes and admit you're wrong, don't bother showing up in front of me again."

With that, Jenson turned and walked away without hesitation.

Suzanne watched as his figure disappeared into the darkness. Her expression remained calm, but deep inside, a dull ache settled in. After all, this was the man she had loved for ten years. Thinking about all the memories they had shared and the reality of finally, truly parting from him left her feeling hollow.

She barely slept that night.

When dawn finally approached, she dozed off for a brief moment before her alarm jolted her awake. She checked the time groggily and hurried to get ready. Then, she grabbed her documents and headed to the city clerk's office.

When she arrived, there were still ten minutes left before the time she and Austin Hall had agreed on.

Austin hadn't arrived yet, so she waited by the entrance.

Maybe it was the lack of sleep or the stress catching up with her, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness swept over her, and she felt herself collapsing. Before she hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Her eyes widened. "Austin?"

The man standing before her was sharp in his tailored suit, his features chiseled and flawless. His dark eyes watched her intently, and he said flatly, "This is the second time I've caught you fainting. People might think you're trying to scam me for my money."

Suzanne flushed with embarrassment.

also met Austin

and the heartbreak nearly caused her to faint. Austin had been the

by some reckless impulse, she had

knew Austin's family had been pressuring him to settle

stared at her, stunned. He didn't say anything for some time and just looked at her with

Suzanne couldn't believe she'd

Hall family. He was the most powerful figure in the Hall family. He alone controlled the Hall empire and single-handedly cemented their dominance in

by women everywhere. With just a flick

His mother, Felicia Pickett, made no secret of her wish for Austin to give her a grandchild. She'd been pushing him harder than ever lately to the point of publicly announcing to the

immediately regretted her impulsive words. She had been about to tell him she was joking when, to her shock,

"Sure," he'd said.

don't have my documents with me.

that,

now, Suzanne still found it hard to believe she was really about to marry Austin

in closer without warning, his strong arm slipping around her waist. His thin lips curled

and with his handsome face suddenly so close, Suzanne

...

a marriage certificate. Even with the tangible proof of their marriage

met at any events, they would merely

always talking about the

deep breath, Suzanne forced herself to regain composure. She turned

the car," he

her to the parking lot and opened the door. Once inside, they were

you want

"I... I had a boyfriend before this. I loved him for

remained steady, but his voice was icy. "And

heart raced. "I won't betray you. We're married now, and I'll do my part. But I thought it was important to be honest with you