## Chapter 3: A Watch Worth Millions The room was awash with whispers and curious glances, all directed towards a man whose mere presence commanded attention. He stood there, radiating a magnetic allure that drew the eyes of everyone present—like moths drawn to a flame. Jocelyn's heart raced as she took in the sight of him. She could only assume he was one of Ethan's elder brothers. The Lester family held a prominent place in the city’s elite—a fact she had learned over time. In contrast, Ethan, cast as the illegitimate child, had always seemed ensnared in a web of family turmoil. This man, however, possessed a regal demeanor and breathtaking charm that left her breathless. He could only be the genuine heir to the Lester legacy. As Jocelyn compared him to Steve, her former flame, the latter felt like a faded memory, a shadow eclipsed by this dazzling figure. With a sudden surge of boldness, she took a step forward, managing to muster her confidence despite her racing pulse. "Are you Ethan’s brother?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The very sight of him made her cheeks flush. “The groom’s family hasn't arrived yet. Please, take a seat. The wedding won't begin for a while." She yearned to ask for his phone number, envisioning the thrill of reconnecting later, yet the formal ambiance stifled her daring spirit. But to her dismay, the man did not even glance in her direction. Oblivious to her presence, he strode past her and directly to Janet, a stunned Jocelyn's enthusiasm quelled in an instant. Burning embarrassment crept into her cheeks as she returned to her seat, battling a mix of anger and confusion. Her eyes widened in disbelief as realization struck. The handsome man was none other than Ethan himself. “No way!” Jocelyn thought, shaking her head in utter shock. “Ethan can’t look this good!” Leaning towards her mother, Fiona, she hissed, “Mom, why didn’t you bring a photo of Ethan? If I'd known he looked like this, I wouldn't have sent Janet to marry him instead of me!” Fiona let out a frustrated sigh, exhaling as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. With a disapproving shake of her head, she shot her daughter a disapproving glare. “You’re still too young to understand. When you grow up, you will realize that appearance is the least significant trait in a man. Ethan is nothing but a failure—no career, no prospects, just a worthless life. He’s a perfect match for Janet, and together they will always remain social pariahs.” Though Jocelyn let her mother’s words pass without retort, a fire ignited within her. How could Janet be marrying a man so undeniably charming? A man who looked like he had walked out from the silver screen. Meanwhile, Ethan approached Janet with an air of nonchalance, studying her enchanting features as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m late because I had to take care of some personal matters,” he stated flatly, as if the world around him was just an amusing backdrop. “It’s alright,” Janet replied, visibly unperturbed. The fact that Ethan was handsome offered her a glimmer of joy—at least there was something redeeming about him. But as she turned slightly, the light caught the Patek Philippe watch adorning his wrist, making it glimmer brilliantly in the sunshine. Even though Janet wasn’t wealthy, she had been around enough to recognize luxury. The watch was unmistakably valuable, worth no less than a million dollars. Her eyes widened in astonishment. Everyone had said Ethan was a poor, insignificant man, the very reason they had wanted Janet to marry him. But how could someone like him afford such an extravagant luxury? Confusion swirled in her mind, battling with her preconceived notions. The wedding was about to embark on a journey that no one could have anticipated.