From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 24

Chapter 6

Seeing how serious I looked, Hades laughed.

I don’t actually care about any of that. The whole ‘curvy girls thing was just to keep people from throwing women at me.”

‘And Natalie… she and Sebastian have been a thing for a while. You were about to marry him. I didn’t like it.”

So I wanted to see what he’d do if I said I was taking her. Figured he’d show his hand.”

Didn’t expect him to go full car–swap. But hey–worked in my favor. He basically handed you to me.”

My jaw dropped.

So that’s why you weren’t even surprised when you saw me.”

You weren’t either.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “I knew who I was really marrying. You knew too. Perfect.”

Ve shared a look and both smiled. No other words needed.

When Sebastian finally dragged himself to the Hawk estate, the place was already packed. Word had gotten out fast. The Chase family owed up too.)

he kicker? They didn’t give a damn about the switch.

ure, Hades had more power now, but they were still brothers. Same bloodline.

o the Chases, getting into the Hawk family was the whole point. Which son? Didn’t matter.

1r. Chase wouldn’t stop kissing ass.

Our Natalie marrying you, Mr. Hawk? It’s meant to be! What a blessing!”

You’re young, powerful–she’s so lucky! Of course we approve!”

ebastian barely smiled, clearly somewhere else in his head.

latalie noticed and started to speak, but Old Man Hawk cut her off cold.

We were supposed to marry Miss Rivers. But since you two already screwed, fine. Whatever. Sebastian, you can keep her on the side. Quietly.”

latalie jumped to her feet. “Excuse me?!”

fer father’s hand slammed down on the table. “Know your place! Shut up!”

Then he turned back to Old Man Hawk, all smiles again. “She’s young, doesn’t get how things work. We’re totally fine with this arrangement, sir. A family like ours deserves someone like Miss Rivers as the legitimate wife.”

Old Man Hawk’s face relaxed just a bit.

But Natalie wasn’t having it. She tugged on Sebastian’s sleeve, desperate for him to step up for her,

The movement made the jade bracelet slide into full view on her wrist.

Old Man Hawk spotted it instantly. His expression went stone cold.

He slammed his fist on the table. “Someone get that bracelet off her right now.

Natalie’s lip trembled. She pulled on Sebastian again. “You promised me this was-”

“Just take it off.” Sebastian wouldn’t even look at her. “I’ll buy you something nicer.”

Before she could argue, a guard stepped forward, smoothly removed the bracelet, wiped it down, and placed it in Old Man Hawk’s outstretched hand.

Once the Chases left, the story exploded through every social circle in the city.

At the charity gala a few nights later, both couples became the main attraction.

Sebastian’s eyes stayed glued to me all night. Didn’t even try to be subtle. I kept dodging him.

Then a waiter accidentally splashed wine across my dress. I ducked into a side room to clean up.

Sebastian followed.

He blocked the doorway and held out a diamond bracelet.

‘Gianna…”

didn’t let him finish. “You seriously think I want that now?”

His face drained of color, but he kept holding it out like some kind of peace offering.

I know I screwed up. But you can’t stay with him. Hades doesn’t deserve you.”

Just come back. Let me fix this. Please.”

le reached for my wrist, trying to snap the bracelet on.

smacked his hand away. The bracelet hit the marble floor and exploded into pieces–just like Natalie’s at the store that day.

le just stood there, eyes going red.

gave him a cold smile.

Save it for Natalie. It’ll look better on her anyway.”