Chapter 2
That kind of threat might've crushed me in my previous life. Now? It didn't even register.
It hadn't been long since I got back to Northbridge from Lioren when my father asked me to attend a birthday party for one of his business partners on his behalf.
After dropping off my gift and heading over to grab some food, I spotted Alexander handing some pills to Rosalind.
He was saying something, his serious look tinged with a touch of tenderness.
Rosalind leaned against him, looking all sweet and content.
Everyone nearby spotted me and instantly got that gossipy, excited look on their faces.
Alexander saw me too, but just pretended I wasn't there.
Seeing Rosalind grimace after taking her pills, he bit into a grape and leaned over to offer it to her.
Rosalind took the grape, all shy and blushing, her eyes practically sparkling with tears.
Alexander stood up straighter, sneaking a quick glance my way like it was nothing.
Everyone's eyes landed on me.
Yeah, right. I rolled my eyes inside.
Did he still think I was that girl who'd freak out at the drop of a hat, worried my tears would piss him off?
I just kept my eyes down, eating. I couldn't care less about them.
Alexander paused, then narrowed his eyes. "So you finally figured out that playing the dignified lady is how to get on my good side, huh? Not bad."
He took out a small box, popped it open, and asked Rosalind, "Pretty, isn't it?"
"Whoa, isn't that the diamond ring the Grant family was going to give Evelyn for her birthday?" someone said.
"It's so beautiful." Rosalind's eyes sparkled for a moment, then faded as she forced a smile.
"Alex, you are so good to Evelyn," she said, sounding a bit envious.
"If you like it, it's yours," Alexander said, not caring at all about the shocked faces around him as he slid the diamond ring onto Rosalind's ring finger.
Rosalind pretended to hesitate. "Is this really okay? After all, it was meant for Evelyn."
"It's just a ring. If she wants one, I'll just buy her another," Alexander said, his voice cold.
His eyes swept over me with icy disdain as he called over a waiter. "Go, just order a ring online and have it delivered."
"Make it quick. Wouldn't want Princess Evelyn to get upset," he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
There were snickers and snide laughter all around.
I just kept chewing, my face deadpan and emotionless.
This was the guy I used to chase after, pouring my heart out, begging for his love. Yet he treated me like I meant nothing.
Once, I told him I missed him, and he just tossed me an address.
I hurried over, totally thrilled, only to walk in on a crowd cheering, shouting, "We won the bet!"
I called him, crying my eyes out, and he just tossed out a casual line. "I just threw out some random address. I never said I'd actually be there."
He was always like this—crushing my feelings and my pride every single time, every single chance he got.
I was just so tired. I couldn't take it anymore.
The waiter looked awkwardly at me, but I just waved him off.
"It's fine. Just get back to work," I said, my tone flat.
Alexander noticed I wasn't reacting at all. His frown deepened.
He went right back to his usual game. He leaned close to Rosalind, whispering sweet things, making sure I could see.
People around them kept egging them on, laughing and throwing out rowdy teasing.
After Alexander fed champagne to Rosalind mouth-to-mouth for the third time, he shot me a provocative look.
Finally, he watched as I pushed my chair back and headed for the door.
He shoved Rosalind aside and chased after me.
He caught my arm and sneered, "Too much for you? I wouldn't want someone this petty to be my wife."
I shoved his hand off and shot back, "Alexander, what makes you think I'd ever choose you?"
He just stared at me, like that was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
He said, "Who else would you choose? The Todd family just got wiped out by a massive investment failure, and the Shaw heir is basically an invalid."
He curled his lip in a cutting sneer. "The Payne family? They're nothing. Not even worth mentioning."
He shot me a smug look. "Evelyn, face it. I'm the only real option you've got."
Everything would be settled on my birthday anyway. I wasn't about to stick around and give them any more material for their little after-dinner show.
Just as I was about to get in my car and head home, Rosalind came running out.
"Evelyn," she called out.
With my dad and Alexander gone, she dropped the act completely.
"Don't kid yourself. Marrying him doesn't mean you actually get him. Being his wife means nothing. The only one who matters is the one in his bed," she said, her tone sharp.
She was so direct, but I just ran my fingers over the antique ring and gave her a calm, indifferent smile.
"Funny, isn't that 'meaningless' title the one you actually crave the most?" I said, my voice cool.
Rosalind's smile faltered, so furious that she could barely stand still.
She knew exactly what I was getting at.
My dad had been supporting her financially since grade school. After she graduated, he even got her a job at Hart Corporation.
He thought he was giving her opportunities, setting her up for a better life. But he had no idea what he was actually bringing into our family.
In my previous life, I never figured out why she disappeared.
This time, I decided to stay out of it and just watch. Let the two lovebirds burn it all down themselves.