Chapter 5

The next morning, I watched as my mom picked up a beautifully wrapped gift box from my room. She was on her way to the hotel, following the address on the invitation.

The photographer was busy capturing the soon-to-be-engaged couple. Gabriel Holmes looked exceptionally dashing in his white suit. Beside him stood a girl in a Victorian-style dress, her arm wrapped around Gabriel’s, smiling warmly. They whispered to each other intimately, just like Gabriel and I used to do.

My mom tried to approach them but was stopped by Brendan Bryant, the security guard. Gabriel frowned as he noticed her. "The invitation says the engagement party is the day after tomorrow. Why are you here today?"

She offered the box to Gabriel with hope in her eyes, like she was presenting something precious. "Gabriel, this is a gift from Tiana."

Gabriel's face twisted into a scowl. "What? Tiana doesn't even have the courage to come see me?"

For a moment, my mom seemed at a loss, but then she collected herself. She shook her head firmly, "No, Tiana is just unwell and couldn’t come, but she'll get better."

Gabriel sneered, his indifference clear. He casually opened the box, revealing a red traditional coat. He unfolded it only to discover it was unfinished—the left sleeve dangled, incomplete.

He tossed the coat on the floor disdainfully. "What kind of cheap junk is this? Tiana truly has no shame."

My mom picked up the coat gently. "No, Gabriel, this coat isn’t cheap..."

Before she could finish, Gabriel seized the coat again. "If this is Tiana’s gift to me, then I’ll do with it as I please."

With a cruel smile, Gabriel threw the coat back onto the ground. His polished shoes stomped on it mercilessly, grinding it into the floor until it was dirty and tattered. He laughed sharply, without warmth.

"Tiana's gift and her affection are as worthless and pathetic as she is."

I watched him with a blank expression. It's strange; even as a soul, the pain in my heart was palpable.