His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 2

The Caldwells originally wanted to keep both daughters—they figured they could just offer a hefty sum of money—but the other family firmly insisted on claiming their biological daughter. Overnight, Virginia's parents changed. Shortly after, she was handed an arranged fiancé: Archer.

The Caldwells and Vanderbilts were old family friends. They had decided on this alliance twenty years ago and had co-funded several massive projects. Aside from the deep financial ties, there was supposedly an old debt of gratitude between the elders. So, Virginia had no choice but to marry him.

But in Chloe's eyes, Virginia was an invader who had not only stolen her doting parents but also the fiancé she had grown up with.

After Virginia married Archer, Chloe was so heartbroken that she put her career on hold and went abroad to recklessly participate in extreme sports. Word had it she nearly shattered her arm, almost ruining her future. After Archer coaxed her into returning to the country, Chloe collapsed before Virginia in tears, claiming she was pregnant with Archer's baby and begging Virginia to let him go so they could be together.

Now that Chloe's life was finally back on track, it was perfectly normal for her to be wary of Virginia.

Unexpectedly, Chloe chased after her.

"Virginia, what a coincidence. Are you here to pray for a blessing too?"

The voice came from behind. Virginia paused, eventually bringing her steps to a halt. "Yeah."

Chloe had already returned to her usual self. Holding Toby's hand with one arm and clinging to Archer's with the other, she offered a radiantly happy smile. "Time flies so fast. It's been five years since we last saw each other, right? I didn't expect to run into you right after coming back. Before I went abroad, Archer made a wish here that I would safely deliver the baby. We came back today to give thanks."

Virginia's gaze landed on Archer's arm, where Chloe was clinging, and then trailed down to the rosary beads hanging from the man's wrist.

In her memory, Archer had never believed in any of this. He had always been rigid and rule-abiding, trusting only in himself. She couldn't even imagine what this intensely rational man looked like standing before the altar for hours, hands clasped in devout prayer for the woman he loved.

"Is that so?" Virginia snapped out of her daze and replied politely, "Congratulations, then."

Chloe was clearly satisfied with her reaction.

Then she looked curiously at the man standing beside Virginia. "Virginia, is this... your boyfriend?"

Archer's expression was like ice. Only when he heard this did his gaze lightly sweep over Virginia. After years apart, the woman's sculpted features still radiated the same aloof and stubborn aura as before. The sense of distance was even stronger than it had been five years ago. He paused for just a second before withdrawing his gaze.

Amidst the bustling crowd in the cathedral, the tension in their small circle was palpable. Even the blind date noticed it.

...

The freezing dampness of the Boston winter chilled her to the core. As a gust of cold wind swept past, Virginia instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself.

"Should we grab dinner? My mother wants to meet you on a video call."

Mr. Finch's family ran a medical equipment business. Seeing her stunning looks, elegant demeanor, and knowing she owned her own psychiatric clinic, he felt they were a perfect match.

She shook her head and took a step back. "Mr. Finch, the person who set this up might not have mentioned the details. I'm divorced, live alone, and raise a child by myself. I won't waste your time."

The man froze, his polite facade instantly stiffening.

A moment later, unable to maintain his composure, he stormed off with an ugly expression, cursing into his phone.