He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 782

Before their father had taken Zachary away, the three of them had been a happy, loving family. What could have possibly happened to make her brother harbor such deep resentment?

Scarlett racked her brain but came up empty. With a soft sigh, she pushed the thought to the back of her mind for now.

—

Zachary must have filled Julian in on the plan as well. Just as Scarlett finished getting ready, Julian knocked on her door.

They grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant, and shortly after, the car Zachary promised pulled up to the entrance. It wasn't until they climbed inside that Scarlett realized her brother wasn't there.

She had been looking forward to seeing him again, and the empty backseat sent a pang of disappointment through her.

Noticing her shifting mood, Julian spoke up softly, "There are too many eyes on your brother here in Country A. If we were seen riding in the same car, it would give his enemies exactly what they want."

"Don't worry. Once we secure his assets and pave the way for his return, you'll have all the time in the world to catch up."

Scarlett pressed her lips together, her mood instantly lifting. "You're right."

"Which means," Julian added smoothly, "we should expedite our wedding. The sooner we're married, the sooner he can come home safely."

"I spoke to my mother last night. She was thrilled. She's already reached out to your mom to set up a formal dinner so our families can finalize the engagement and pick a date for the wedding."

Scarlett's heart skipped a beat. Her eye twitched. "Engagement and a wedding?"

She waved her hands frantically, completely caught off guard. "We don't need to go through all of that, do we? We're just going through the motions. We both know this is a marriage of convenience."

"Your first marriage was rushed and careless. You had no ceremony, no romance, no respect. For a woman, that's a regret that lasts a lifetime."

"I am not going to let you have that regret again. Even if this only lasts three years, even if it's just on paper, I will give you everything a husband should give his wife."

"But—" Scarlett started, trying to interrupt.

Julian gently flicked her forehead. "No buts."

"Even if we're putting on a show, it's going to be a masterpiece. That's just how I do things."

"I'm going to make sure everyone in Bay City sees that you deserve the absolute best, and that you demand respect. Especially from the Flynn family."