Even with Chris on the case, I still had a knot in my stomach. Mom was hooked up to a bunch of machines just to survive, and if they pulled the plug, she wouldn’t last long. 

The idea that Chris might not make it in time was killing me. I was so antsy I couldn’t sit still. I asked the crew when we could get off, and they told me I needed the green light from Owen or Monica. 

I made my way back to their cabin, but as I got closer, I heard a loud moan through the door. “Owen, take it easy…” 

Then came his heavy breathing. “Babe, you’re all wet. Damn, you look so hot like that…” 

I stood there, frozen and feeling utterly absurd. So, this was what Owen meant when he said he only saw Monica as his sister? Who the hell hooked up with their own sister? 

I felt a rush of disgust. Who knew how many times they’d been sneaking around in the ten years Owen and I were together? 

I was so pissed off, I hammered on the door. Everything went silent inside. 

A second later, Owen yanked the door open, looking furious. “I told you not to bother me—” 

He froze the second he saw my face. The collar of his shirt was gaping open, and his neck was covered in bright red hickeys. 

“Mia… do you still need something?” 

I stared at him, deadpan. “I need to get off this ship.” 

It was as if he finally realized what was happening. A flash of panic crossed his face, and he grabbed my wrist. “Let me explain. This is just a misunderstanding—” 

“I need to get off this ship. I’m going to see my mom at the hospital,” I cut in, repeating my demand. 

He must’ve felt a pang of guilt, because he finally gave in, but he still wouldn’t let go of my wrist. “Okay, don’t be mad. We’ll have another wedding next month. No more screw-ups this time, I promise.” 

I just wanted to make a quick escape, so I nodded and went with it. He finally looked relieved and said he’d take me off the ship personally. 

But then Monica’s voice rang out from the cabin. “Owen, my back is killing me. Come and give me a rub.” 

His eyes darted to me for a split second before going back to Monica. “I have something else to deal with, Mia. I’ll have the bodyguard take you.” 

I was so over it. I just wanted out of this disgusting place. 

As soon as I hit the dock, I flagged a cab and went straight to the hospital. 

Chris was already there in Mom’s ward. Seeing her lying there, safe and sound, was a huge relief. It felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. 

Chris’ expression went all serious the second he saw me. “What happened to you? You look like you’ve been through a war.” 

That was when I realized how bad I looked. I was soaked from head to toe, with tear tracks all over my face, a bloody lip, and scraped knees. I was a disaster. 

I figured he’d be grossed out, but he took off his suit jacket and put it on me. “You should get changed before you get sick.” 

I felt like I was going to cry again. 

He took me to his villa, drew me a hot bath, and left a clean dress out. When I was finally ready, he sat me down and started patching up my cuts and scrapes. 

“There’s a banquet the day after tomorrow. My dad’s making it official that I’m the new CEO of Anderson Group.” 

My jaw dropped for a second. “You mean he picked you over Owen?” 

A small smirk played on Chris’ face, and he gave a little nod. 

It wasn’t even a contest. Everyone in the business world knew Chris was in a whole different league from Owen. He was more handsome, more competent, and a much better person. 

“I want you to be there with me as my wife.” 

… 

The night of the banquet, I walked in with my arm around Chris’. His father, Hank, pulled him away, probably to talk business, leaving me to hang out in the ballroom by myself. 

Suddenly, a gasp went through the room. I turned around and saw Owen, with a giant bouquet of roses, heading straight for me. His bodyguards set off confetti blasts, and he got down on one knee. 

“Mia, I screwed up. But now, for the 100th time, I, Owen Anderson, am asking you to marry me. I swear I’ll give you a wedding that’ll blow all the others out of the water. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?” 

He whipped out a diamond ring that was more beautiful and refined than the last one. 

The crowd went nuts, screaming, “Say yes!” 

But without even thinking, I backed up a few steps. 

Owen scowled, looking annoyed. “What’s the deal? You’re still jealous? I told you it was a misunderstanding—” 

He cut himself off. 

I felt a solid arm wrap around my waist from behind. It was Chris. He held me tight, acting like he owned me, with a look in his eyes that was all hostility and possession. “Sorry, Owen. She’s your sister-in-law now.”