Chapter 2

Hearing that voice, I couldn't hold back my tears.

Standing at the entrance was a middle-aged woman with silver strands in her hair. Her face was a mask of disbelief as she protested, "Don't spread falsehoods; my Tiana isn't married," she declared, peering at Gabriel with a glimmer of hope. "Gabriel, you're finally back. Tiana's been waiting for you."

The restaurant fell into a stunned silence as all eyes turned to Gabriel, eyes wide with surprise. After a pause, Gabriel seemed to recognize my mother. His expression became cruelly amused.

"Ma'am, you shouldn't speak carelessly. Tiana and I broke up a long time ago," he responded coldly.

My mother seemed utterly confused, her tone shifting to one of pleading. "Broke up? What breakup, Gabriel? Weren't you supposed to marry Tiana?"

Gabriel remained unfazed. "Marriage? Is Tiana really deserving?" He looked at my mother with disdain. "Now that I've made a name for myself, does she expect to come crawling back?" He sneered. "I'm not interested in leftovers."

Laughter erupted throughout the room.

"Maybe Tiana got dumped by a rich guy and thinks Gabriel will be her backup plan?"

"Tiana is shameless, getting her mother to say such embarrassing things."

I watched helplessly as my mother shook her head repeatedly, earnestly trying to defend me. But the crowd's judgment was merciless, and every attempt she made was dismissed as an excuse. Finally, she succumbed to defeat and sank to the floor, as if her strength had deserted her.

"How can you all be so heartless? My Tiana isn't that kind of person," she cried out, knowing her words wouldn't change their minds, yet still standing up for her daughter with unwavering loyalty.

Tears flowed as I moved forward, wanting to help her, but my soul reached out to empty air. The sight of her gray hair felt like a knife in my heart.

Gabriel strolled over and helped my mother to her feet. She clung to his hand eagerly. "Gabriel, you have to believe me. Tiana's really not like that."

With a smile, Gabriel replied, "Ma'am, Tiana was the one who said she couldn't have a good life with me because I didn't have money."

My mother looked at him in shock, her lips quivering, her face a canvas of sorrow as she tried to justify herself. But Gabriel coolly let go of her hand and withdrew a bright red envelope from his suit pocket.

The envelope was embellished with gold, displaying elegant swans and the phrases "Celebrate the Union" and "A Hundred Years of Harmony."

Gabriel smiled slightly. "I don't know what Tiana's strategy is by sending you here, but I've got my reasons for being here." He handed the ornate envelope to my mother.

"After all, we were old classmates. Tiana is welcome to come to my engagement party at the hotel next Monday."