Chapter 3

The bracelet was a family heirloom of the Hensley family, passed down only to the wives of each generation.

Mandy flashed me a sly, knowing smile as soon as she saw me, but out loud she said, "Mrs. Hensley, this is way too precious. I really shouldn't accept it."

She added, "Peter brought his girlfriend today. She's your future daughter-in-law. She might even give you five grandsons. You should give it to her."

Tara looked over at me. She scanned me from head to toe, her gaze filled with disdain when she saw my plain dress.

Tara said, "Girlfriend? She's just that little assistant at Peter's company. So young, and already got herself a mess. She had kids with some wild men before getting married, and all five ended up as stillbirths. Talk about karma."

She continued, "Back in my day, no one would even entertain sluts like her. She's nothing like a well-raised, clean girl like you, Mandy. Peter isn't young anymore. I'll make the decision today. He'll marry you, Mandy."

This wasn't the first time I'd shown up at a Hensley family party as Peter's assistant.

Back then, Peter told me he was worried Tara wouldn't accept me because of where I came from, and wouldn't want me in the family.

But he was so sure about us, he went ahead and got the marriage license first, hoping he'd convince his mom later.

I was really touched by his determination, so I went along with it without protest.

Little did I know I'd end up waiting seven whole years.

Eventually, Tara heard somewhere that I'd had five stillborn babies.

After that, she just decided I was nothing but a tramp, throwing that word at me every chance she got, and constantly telling Peter to get rid of me.

Back then, Peter would at least defend me a little. But now, with Mandy shining bright beside him, I barely even registered in his eyes.

Hearing Tara's words, Peter pretended to be hesitant and said, "Alright then. I've got a business trip abroad the day after tomorrow. Mandy can tag along, and we'll just have the wedding over there."

He didn't pause for even a moment.

Mandy blushed and looked bashful.

"But I haven't even tried on a wedding dress or picked out a ring yet," she said, her voice soft and sweet.

The very next moment, Peter had people roll in twenty-three luxurious, intricately crafted wedding dresses. They were all private masterpieces from a world-famous designer, and every single one would normally require a three-year wait to even touch.

Each dress was paired with a diamond ring boasting a massive stone the size of a pigeon egg.

One pink diamond ring caught my eye. Just last month, I'd seen it broadcast live at a jewelry auction. It went for nearly 60 million dollars, more than I'd ever dared to imagine.

Anyone could see, these things had been prepared ages ago.

Mandy bounced with excitement, then gave Peter a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Wow, they're all my size! And twenty-three. It's exactly how many years we've known each other. Peter, you really do think of everything. Tell me, did you plan to marry me ever since we were kids?" Mandy teased, putting on a coy little pout.

Peter just gave a soft smile, saying nothing, but the warmth and tender affection in his eyes said everything.

I looked down at the simple ring on my finger, the same one Peter gave me when he proposed.

The size was too small, digging painfully into my skin. But somehow, I could never bear to take it off.

Now, seeing every single diamond ring he'd prepared for Mandy, all in that exact same size... just like mine. I finally understood.

It wasn't carelessness or a slip of memory. Deep down, the only person he ever truly kept in his heart was Mandy.

Standing next to them, I just looked like a joke.

I quietly slipped into the bathroom, letting icy water splash over my tear-streaked face again and again.

I'd barely stepped out of the bathroom when I stumbled straight into a pair of warm arms.

Peter handed me an elegantly designed bottle of perfume and gently coaxed me.

He said, "Jealous? Today is my mother's birthday. I couldn't go against her. Saying I'd marry Mandy is just for show. Those dresses and rings are just to placate her. Once we're abroad, I'll explain everything to her. We're the ones who are legally married."

He continued, "Bella, I swear, after this busy month, I'll come clean to Mom and let everyone know about us. You'll get the huge, beautiful wedding you always dreamed of. Just hang in there for me, okay?"

He added, "You love perfume so much, right? I went all over to get this. The world's best perfumer just launched it, took ages to find. I only do it because I love you! See?"

Bitterness filled my chest. This fancy perfume was just one of the wedding freebies for his and Mandy's wedding.

Peter invited more than a thousand guests, and every single one of them got the same bottle. The one truly being placated… was me.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a reminder for my surgery this afternoon. Peter noticed the message and looked at me in surprise, clearly confused.

"Bella, what kind of surgery are you getting?" he asked.

I slipped my phone into my bag and forced a smile. "It's nothing, just some junk message. I understand everything you said, so don't worry about me."

Peter pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

He murmured, "You're always so considerate. I need to go entertain the guests for a bit. But tonight, I'll come home and be with you."

I quietly followed him, only to see that he didn't head to the main hall. Instead, he made his way upstairs to one of the guest rooms.

The door was left slightly ajar, and inside, Mandy was standing there in nothing but a sexy lingerie set, her voice dripping with seduction. "Peter, what took you so long? I've been waiting for you forever."