Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 1

"I've agreed to marry Austin."

In the dimly lit room, Suzanne Yates held her phone tightly. Her voice was soft as she shared the news with her best friend.

Her best friend froze, clearly stunned, but then she let out a breath of relief. "So, you're finally breaking up with Jenson? After all these years, that big star never once made your relationship public. He even let his fans tear you apart. I've been waiting for this day."

Suzanne's tone stayed calm. "You're right."

"But…" Her friend hesitated. "Why now? Does Jenson know about the engagement? Have you set a date to get your marriage certificate?"

"It's already decided," Suzanne said quietly. "We're getting the marriage certificate tomorrow."

"Suzanne!"

At that moment, the door flew open, and Jenson Lambert barged in. His figure was tall and imposing. His face was strikingly handsome, one of the reasons he was worshiped by countless fans.

"Marriage certificate? Suzanne, when did I ever agree to marry you tomorrow?"

Suzanne ended the call, muttering a quick, "I'll call you back," before turning to face him.

She didn't explain and only asked, "Why are you here?"

"You sent me that text. You obviously wanted me to come." Jenson held up his phone, his voice sharp and condescending. "Three months, Suzanne. Isn't this enough drama?"

On his screen was the message she sent him yesterday. "Jenson, if you're not at the city clerk's office by 10:00 am tomorrow, we're done."

Suzanne stared at her own words with a dull and distant gaze.

Before she could respond, Jenson's cold voice sliced through the air. "I'm at the peak of my career. I have projects lined up. Do you even realize what getting married now would do?"

"I do," Suzanne replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I was wrong. I won't bring it up again."

"You…" Jenson was caught off guard. He had been ready to argue, but her sudden compliance left him speechless.

Noticing her pale complexion, his tone softened slightly. For once, he said gently, "Good. I'm glad you understand. We'll get married someday, just not now. And stop being paranoid. There's nothing going on between Seline and me."

Suzanne let out a soft laugh.

If she hadn't seen it for herself, she wouldn't have believed that her ambitious boyfriend who was always dodging the paparazzi would risk getting cozy with Seline Yates.

She had loved Jenson for ten years, always standing quietly in his shadow, willing to be at his beck and call.

Her father cheated on her mother when she was young. Her already frail mother died from the trauma of the betrayal. Her father quickly remarried, bringing home a new wife and a new stepsister for Suzanne.

Seline became the Yates family's cherished princess, taking everything that should have been Suzanne's. Suzanne, on the other hand, was left to endure their cold treatment.

Then, Jenson appeared. He had been her warmth, her light. She clung to him, believing he was her salvation. She thought they would be together forever until Seline decided she wanted Jenson too.

At first, Jenson had rejected Seline outright, saying, "I know exactly how the Yates family has treated Suzanne. I'll always take her side. Stay away from me."