Chapter 2
Before I knew it, I found myself wandering down to that familiar stretch of beach.
Everything here was just like it had been seven years ago. One night, Colin wrapped his arms around me from behind and whispered, "Once I've made my mark at Moore Group, I'll give you the biggest, most unforgettable wedding.
"Everyone will know you're my wife."
Back then, I was so naive—I actually believed every word. I even started picturing how he'd propose to me.
The salty sea breeze stung my face, mixing with the taste of my own tears.
Seven years had gone by. He'd long since secured his place, but he still couldn't bring himself to acknowledge me in front of everyone.
As I turned to leave, I spotted the giant screen outside the mall.
Colin and Vivian were standing side by side, and the emcee was practically bursting with excitement as he announced their engagement.
The camera zoomed in on Colin—he was actually smiling for once.
"When you meet the right person, you just want the whole world to know," he said.
I couldn't help but let out a wry, self-deprecating chuckle.
Seven years I waited to be officially his—and in the end, he made someone else his wife without even blinking.
I pulled out my phone and called my assistant.
"Book me a flight to Paricer for Friday. And put the partnership with the Rose family on hold," I said.
After hanging up, I let out a long, slow breath.
By the time I got home, night had already fallen, and the place was shrouded in darkness.
Just as I stepped inside, my phone buzzed. It was the florist calling.
"Ms. White, Mr. Moore's order for blue irises is one short. What would you like us to do?" the voice on the other end asked.
Blue irises? The name lingered in my mind.
He used to say those flowers were just like me—elegant, but resilient.
Back then, every time I got those flowers, I'd feel touched that he remembered me, even with his crazy schedule.
Now, I just found it laughable.
"Just cancel it," I said.
Just then, I got a text from Lucas: [They're engaged now. How about letting someone else have a chance with you?]
I glanced at the message, that little beauty mark by his eye popping into my head for a split second, then shut off my phone.
The next morning, I came downstairs and saw Colin sitting on the couch, buried in paperwork.
He didn't even look up, acting like last night's drama never happened.
"Where are the flowers?" he asked, flipping to the next page without missing a beat.
"I canceled them," I replied.
His pen paused for a moment before he finally looked up at me.
"So, this is all because I'm working with the Rose family?" he asked.
"I've already called off the partnership with the Rose family," I replied.
To my surprise, Colin didn't get angry. Instead, he let out an amused chuckle.
"Evelyn, are you really using business to vent your feelings? That partnership means a lot to me. You shouldn't act out like this," he said.
The way he took everything for granted just made me feel so tired of it all.
"Colin, let's break up," I said, my voice calm but utterly exhausted.
Everything froze for a second.
He shot to his feet and grabbed my wrist in a flash.
"There's a limit to how jealous you can get! When did I ever treat you badly all these years?" he snapped.
The pain made me suck in a sharp breath, and I struggled to break free.
"I don't want to always come after Vivian," I said, my voice shaking with frustration.
Colin let out a cold, mocking laugh, "You're comparing yourself to her?
"At least she knows how to be considerate. You're always causing trouble for me!"
Just then, the doorbell rang.
It was Vivian.
Her eyes landed on me, and her expression immediately shifted to one of concern.
"Evelyn, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Colin gave me a frosty glare.
"Since she's here, Evelyn, why don't you apologize to Vivian for your little stunt at the party yesterday?" he said, his voice cold and commanding.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
Seriously? He wanted me to apologize to Vivian?
Vivian quickly waved it off with a sweet smile. "No need, Colin. Evelyn's probably just in a bad mood."
But as she said it, she shot me a smug, self-satisfied glance.
I looked at the man I'd loved for seven years.
The cold indifference in his eyes was like a knife, cutting away any lingering attachment I had left.
"I'm sorry," I said.
But that apology wasn't for Vivian. It was for the girl I used to be—the one who gave everything away without a second thought.
Colin took it the wrong way, his face finally relaxing a bit. "That's more like it."
Vivian pouted, tugging on Colin's hand in a playful, coquettish way.
"Colin, come with me to see my dad, okay? He said you're planning to cut ties with us," she whined, her voice sugary sweet.
I watched as Colin casually took the briefcase from Vivian's hand.
Back then, he really did care about me.
He remembered all my favorite things, would stay up all night taking care of me when I was sick, and always found ways to surprise me.
Everything changed when Vivian showed up.
I glanced at my ticket to Paricer on my phone.
Only three days until Friday.
This time, I was done waiting.