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.

had also met Austin at the

being affectionate together, and the heartbreak nearly caused her to faint. Austin had been

Instead, as if possessed by some reckless impulse, she had blurted out, "Mr. Hall, are

knew Austin's family had been pressuring him

stared at her, stunned. He didn't say anything for some time

Suzanne couldn't believe she'd been

family. He was the most powerful figure in the Hall family. He alone

everywhere. With just a flick of

give her a grandchild. She'd been pushing him harder than ever lately to the point of publicly announcing to the media

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

"Sure," he'd said.

have my documents with me. Let's meet again tomorrow at

that, they made the

found it hard to believe she was really about to marry Austin Hall. Austin's punctual arrival left

staring at him blankly, a rare flicker of amusement softened his usually cold eyes. He leaned in closer without warning, his strong arm slipping around her waist. His thin lips curled into a teasing smirk as he murmured, "You're the

intoxicating scent and with his handsome face suddenly so close, Suzanne felt her cheeks

...

Austin walked out of the city clerk's office, holding a marriage certificate. Even with the tangible proof of their marriage in her hand, Suzanne was

to the Hall family. Even if they met at any events, they would merely greet

Jenson and her father had frequently mentioned Austin, always talking about the unimaginable benefits of forging a connection with

herself to regain composure. She

in the car," he

opened the door. Once inside, they were alone in

you want

boyfriend before this. I loved him for ten years. We broke up

gaze remained steady, but his voice was icy. "And your point

won't betray you. We're married now, and I'll do my part. But I thought it was