Chapter 3

Ever since I took over the textile factory, my days were swallowed whole by management and production schedules. I was constantly swamped, barely coming up for air.

In all that chaos, I hardly ever saw Charles. Without either of us realizing it, a quiet distance had grown between us.

Then, the town threw a grand party, the biggest, most vibrant event of the year. It was a gathering for everyone in the town and a showcase for local talent.

Normally, I'd skip the crowds, but the factory needed visibility, so I decided to lead our team there myself.

The party was in full swing, packed with people and buzzing with conversation.

As I wove through the crowd, I spotted Charles. And right next to him, looking sweet and demure, was Jenny.

While Charles was parted from the crowd, Jenny sauntered over with a sly, provocative smile on her lips. "Leona, even if you and Charles were childhood friends, what does it matter? He still chose me in the end."

Then she deliberately stumbled into me, sending her wine glass crashing to the floor. Crimson liquid splashed all down her pristine dress.

Charles showed up just in time, tenderly brushing the glass shards away from Jenny's clothes.

Jenny gave me a glance, acting all hurt. "Charlie, please don't blame Leona. She really didn't mean it."

Charles shot me a fierce glare. "Leona, that's enough. Even after everything, you're still playing these childish games?"

"Do you actually think pulling stunts like this will get me back?

"Listen, if you ever mess with Jenny again, I won't care about our families' history anymore."

I just gave him an amused smirk. Then I strode straight up to Jenny, my gaze frosty.

"'Mess with her'?" I said, my voice low. "You haven't seen anything yet." I lifted my hand and slapped her squarely across the face.

I sneered, "And this is how I mess with her.

"Consider that my gift. May you two be happily stuck together forever."

Charles was completely floored, standing there utterly shell-shocked. He was still frozen in place long after I'd already turned and walked away.

*****

The very next day, I marched straight over to the biggest custom wedding boutique in town.

Charles had been "too busy" to ever help with the planning, so I'd taken charge of everything myself.

Wanting to honor his family's reputation, I went all out and ordered the bracelets that every local girl coveted for her wedding day. I also commissioned a beautiful, traditional wedding dress, just like I'd always wanted.

I also commissioned a beautiful, traditional wedding dress, just like I'd always wanted.

With the wedding canceled, my first order of business was to retrieve it all.

The boutique owner looked like a deer in headlights when she saw me. "I'm so sorry," she stammered, "but Mr. Grant came by earlier.

"He had the receipt, and we thought it was fine... so we gave him the bracelets and the dress."

He picked now to take those? Clearly, he wanted to give them to Jenny.

He could have the dress, but those bracelets were different.

They weren't just jewelry; they were a cherished family heirloom. And I was determined to get them back.

I called Charles immediately, but he just came back with a thinly-veiled threat. "You want the bracelets? Fine. But remind me, how's that new project going for your parents? The one with my family? I've been hearing there are some... issues."

As if I was scared. I let out a cold laugh right into the receiver.

His tone suddenly softened, turning placating. "Leona, be reasonable. You don't really need those old things. When we get married, I'll have a brand new pair made for you. Let Jenny have these ones, alright? She just wants to feel a little respected; that's all."

This time, I was so infuriated that I could only let out a cold, mocking laugh.

When I didn't answer, he kept talking, "Leona, Jenny and I are setting a date. You're welcome to come, if you—"

I shot back, cold as ice, "Don't bother inviting me. I really doubt I'll have the time."

Charles blinked, looking confused. "What are you so busy with?"

I said evenly, "My parents are arranging my wedding."

"Oh, so that's it. Well, fine," Charles said, sounding almost casual. "Always so thoughtful, Leona. Alright, I'll tweak the wedding arrangements then."

Before I could even respond, Charles hung up on me.

I didn't bother explaining myself. At that moment, only one thing mattered: getting those bracelets back. But this time, I wasn't going to fight him myself. I knew exactly who to send.