After My Fiance Cheated With My Best Friend

Mr. Montgomery Senior still held a commanding presence in the upper echelons of Southern City's elite circles, and most people showed him the respect he deserved. Bo Montgomery was not only his grandson but also, by familial ties, regarded as Jayden Montgomery's nephew. Although the true ownership of the luxurious estate remained a mystery to outsiders, if Mr. Montgomery Senior were to investigate, he would surely discover that Jayden was indeed the mastermind behind the prestigious Seaview Gardens!

It was evident that Jayden didn't care much for his grandfather's reputation. Despite not getting along with his family for the past couple of years, he had never openly challenged them before. And now, he was doing all this for a woman?

"So what if it is?" Jayden's voice was calm yet carried a bold confidence that wasn't lost on Leo Reed.

"Understood!" Leo, although publicly recognized as the owner of Seaview Gardens, was also Jayden's right-hand man. Orders from the boss were to be followed without question.

"Oh, I also forgot to inform the lady of the residence she's staying in. Could you escort them home later?" Jayden added.

"Yes, sir," Leo replied, stepping out of the car in his sharp Victorian suit. Though he was in his forties, he had an intense charisma, reminiscent of a former special forces operative. His presence naturally drew the attention of those around, including Ellianna Moreno and Lilly Hicks, who had just picked herself up.

Ellianna, having previously visited Seaview Gardens with Bo, quickly recognized Leo as its manager. She approached him with poised grace. "Mr. Reed, good to see you."

"Miss Moreno, I presume?" Leo replied curtly, maintaining a professional distance.

Ellianna nodded, "Yes, that's me."

"Miss Moreno, I regret to inform you that the property you and Mr. Bo Montgomery intended to purchase at Seaview Gardens is off the market. I recommend visiting the sales office to arrange a refund," Leo stated, his tone courteous but detached.

Ellianna's expression fell. "What do you mean by that?"

"If you need further clarification, I can be more direct," Leo said formally. "The property you selected is no longer available. Please proceed to the sales office for your refund. We guarantee full compensation."

Even Ellianna, who always exuded elegance and grace, found it difficult to maintain her composure. "Mr. Reed, we've signed everything, and Mr. Montgomery Senior bought it for us. What gives you the authority to ask for it back?"

She thought invoking Mr. Montgomery Senior's name would make Leo more cautious. After all, his name carried significant weight in high society.

"Because you've offended the lady of the house," Leo replied coolly, unaffected by Ellianna's threats.

Ellianna blanched at this statement. Did Carmen marry the owner of Seaview Gardens? She glanced at the logo on Leo's suit, its prestigious Savile Row branding matching those of luxury international brands. Rumors were that Jayden Montgomery had acquired the brand for the domestic market. Could Jayden really be the true owner of Seaview Gardens?

No, that couldn't be! Mr. Montgomery Senior would never permit Jayden to marry Carmen. Plus, why would Jayden be interested in someone as insignificant as Carmen?

Lilly Hicks was equally shocked by the events unfolding. Why would the manager of Seaview Gardens call Carmen the lady of the house? The Moreno family was, after all, a notable name in elite circles. Not to mention, the property was intended to be Bo and Ellianna's marital home! This was a direct affront to both the Montgomery and Moreno families.

By now, Leo had reached Carmen's side and respectfully bowed. "Madam, the gentleman forgot to inform you of your residence. He asked me to escort you."

"Thank you," Carmen replied confidently, taking her sister Anne's hand. With all eyes on them, they walked into Seaview Gardens together.

Ellianna's face darkened as she saw Leo leading Carmen toward the most exclusive property in Seaview Gardens. The top floor of that estate offered unmatched views of the sea and a private breeze. But, unfortunately for her, it belonged solely to the mysterious owner and was never put up for sale.

So, Carmen's significant other was indeed the real owner of Seaview Gardens?

Leo led Carmen to the top floor of the estate—a garden apartment with decor as grand as a castle. From the open balcony, the ocean stretched endlessly, the sea breeze providing an unforgettable peace.

"Madam," Leo addressed Carmen with the utmost respect, "Mr. Montgomery has ensured all your needs are met. If anything is lacking, please let me know, and I'll make the arrangements."

Carmen nodded. "Thank you."

Leo soon departed, and Anne immediately turned to Carmen, grasping her hand with concern. "Carmen, did you really get married?"

Carmen nodded earnestly. "Yes, Anne. You were in the hospital a few days ago, so I didn't get a chance to tell you. But I have... I'm married now."

As she spoke, she retrieved her marriage certificate from her bag and handed it over.

Anne took the certificate, quickly opened it, and stared at the striking photo of the couple. After a moment, she looked at Carmen in disbelief. "Carmen, you married Jayden Montgomery? Are you crazy?"

In her eyes, Carmen's cool demeanor clashed with Jayden’s equally reserved nature. Two aloof personalities—what common ground could they possibly have?

Moreover, while Carmen appeared distant, she was really just slow to warm up to others. Given time, she would reveal a more innocent side. But ever since the troubles with the Pierce family, Carmen had hidden that innocence and avoided new connections.

Most of all, Carmen and Jayden's marriage was a whirlwind affair. How could such a relationship endure? How could Carmen possibly manage someone like Jayden?

Yet Carmen's expression was one of complete sincerity. "Anne, I'm not out of my mind. I've thought it through."

"Do you love him?" Anne asked softly.

Carmen hesitated. Once upon a time, she had opened her heart to Bo Montgomery after his persistent pursuit, believing it was love. But that relationship lasted only two years before unraveling in deceit and betrayal. Love was just a fleeting notion, a fleeting word.

After a brief pause, Carmen responded with a calm smile, "Love isn’t practical. I prefer things that are real."