Chapter 3

Word was, as soon as the Grant family got home, Edward's parents told him to deal with the whole Nina pregnancy mess ASAP.

But Edward wouldn't budge. After a massive blowout with his parents, he stormed out and didn't come home all night.

One of my friends bumped into Edward at a party, and his buddies were all grilling him about what he was thinking.

"Come on, Edward, what does Nina have that Stella doesn't? Family background, abilities—no one here can touch Stella. And if we're talking looks, Nina's not even in the same league," one of his buddies said.

Edward was totally smashed, eyes glazed over. "You guys just don't get it. Nina's so sweet and innocent. When I'm with her, I can finally get away from all the money games, the fights, and the stress..."

My friend sent me the video.

Then she went off in the group chat: [For real? A guy on the verge of thirty, acting as a character from that 'CEO falls for the innocent damsel' corny romance drama. Is he so hooked on those old-school soap dramas that he thinks he's the lead in one? Does he actually believe some innocent girl can be his savior?]

[I'm calling it now—Edward's gonna regret this, just wait.]

[How are you holding up? Honestly, don't let a fool like him get you down.]

Me? I was sprawled out on the couch in the lounge, snacking and watching TV. Honestly, I hadn't felt this relaxed in forever.

Now that I didn't have to squeeze into an engagement dress, I could finally eat whatever I wanted.

No contracts to worry about now.

Just thinking about it pissed me off.

Whatever, I needed some retail therapy.

I closed out of the chat with my friends and started buying up everything in sight.

Then I snapped a screenshot and posted it to my feed: [Guess these are my only companions now?]

Next, I shared another screenshot from an online auction, with another melodramatic caption: [Looks like all I can get are just things—stuff that doesn't really matter. Why is it that the things you care about most are always the easiest to lose?]

I was cracking up for a good half hour before I finally hit post. And then, straight into the online auction I went.

Ruby necklace, huh? Bought it.

An eighteenth-century ivory bedside table? Sure, why not?

I spent the whole night just buying whatever caught my eye. By the time I realized I might be going a little overboard, it was already the middle of the night, and I ended up texting Edward.

[If you come back to me right now, I'll send everything I bought right back.]

Edward was still awake, too, and he sent me a voice message. "That black card's yours to spend—use it however you want, I won't lose any sleep over it.

"Stella, I'm not coming back. Keep the card, swipe it as much as you like. As long as I can be with Nina, I'd give up everything I have for her."

That was exactly what I wanted to hear.

My parents weren't about to sit this one out. They made sure the story about Edward dumping me for some "sweet little thing" was everywhere—social media was absolutely blowing up.

[Weren't they about to get engaged? Talk about a plot twist.]

[No, seriously, I've seen Nina. She's not even half as pretty as Stella, and don't even get me started on her family—she's got nothing. What does Edward see in her, anyway?]

[If Nina can snag him, why can't I?]

No matter what people posted online, my parents just kept insisting it was all people making fun of me.

The very next day, they barged into the Grant family's place, raising hell. They went on and on about how I'd been sobbing my heart out in the hospital, up all night, totally falling apart.

"Our Stella has never suffered like this in her entire life!" Susan wailed.

"I don't care, Richard! You'd better give us a real explanation, or we're cutting you off for good!" Bruce snapped.

Business was booming between our families—no way the Grants would throw all that away just because of this drama.

Once my parents really lost it, Edwards' parents ended up coughing up a whole new project just to keep the peace.

I dragged my "pathetic" self over to find Edward, who was busy playing music for Nina's unborn child.

When he opened the door and saw me, he looked seriously annoyed. "Stella, why are you here again? Didn't I already tell you everything?"

Since I couldn't squeeze out any real tears, I used some eye drops, so now I looked like a total mess. "You gave me your black card, your parents handed my family a project—is this how you're trying to make things right?

"Edward, I just need to know, one last time—are we really done? Is there really no hope for us?"

Edward squeezed his eyes shut, his voice cold and impatient. "No! It's over! You got the black card, my parents gave you the project—just take it and go already!"

Nina waddled over, cradling her baby bump. "Edward, don't be so mean to Ms. Shaw."

Eyes brimming with "tears", I shot her a glare. "I'm talking to Edward—who asked you to butt in?"

"Ow!" Nina's face scrunched up, looking all pouty.

Edward hurried over and grabbed her arm. "Nina, are you alright?"

He pointed at me, face twisted with anger. "Stella, get out! If anything happens to our baby, don't blame me for what I do to you!"

I nodded, voice trembling. "Fine, Edward. Congratulations, you got what you wanted. Consider our engagement done!"

I covered my face, not letting anyone see my tears, and rushed straight into the elevator.

I didn't shed my sadness until I got into the car. I wiped my tears and called my parents, saying, "The last scene is over."

Bruce said, "Your flight's ready. You can leave anytime."

I packed quickly at home and headed for the airport.

Before leaving, I posted to my feed: [There's nothing left for me here. Goodbye.]