Chapter 4

The class reunion was held at a luxury club. Leslie couldn't figure out why a simple get-together had to be so fancy, but she still went. She planned to drop by, say hello, and head out.

Inside the private room, her old friend's eyes lit up when she saw Leslie. She started chattering away, and then, lowering her voice, she shot a mocking look at the class president, who kept glancing toward the door.

"Come on, you think he's footing the bill just to be nice? I heard Edward Fleming is supposed to show up tonight. He's just trying to cozy up to someone important," her friend whispered.

Leslie set her glass down.

Her friend kept gossiping, "Honestly, who knows if he's just bluffing? He keeps saying Edward will definitely come, but Edward wouldn't even know he exists."

Leslie didn't want to hear any more. If she'd known Edward would be here, she wouldn't have come, even if it meant cutting off her old classmates for good.

Having a secret crush was humiliating enough. The last thing Leslie wanted was for Edward to find out they went to the same school, or for those innocent memories to be twisted into something with a hidden agenda.

But just as she stood up, the class president hurried over. "Hey, Leslie, we haven't seen each other in years. Why are you leaving so soon? Stay a little longer."

Leslie tried to make an excuse, saying she had something to do. But after a few polite refusals, the class president reached out and took her hand.

Just then, a soft cough broke the moment. Edward was leaning against the doorway, hands in his pockets, and who knew how long he'd been standing there. Joanne was still by his side.

"So, is this some kind of performance for me?" Edward said.

The class president quickly let go of Leslie's hand and rushed over to Edward, leaning in and mumbling something. Edward raised an eyebrow and shot Leslie a teasing look.

"He says your profile kind of reminds him of the girl I like, and wants me to take you home tonight. Is this your latest trick? Honey?" Edward mocked.

As soon as those words left his mouth, everyone in the room turned to stare at Leslie, their eyes wide with shock.

Those stares felt like hands, stripping Leslie bare and putting her on display for everyone to stare at.

Edward brought the woman he was seeing and called Leslie "honey" in front of her classmates. If that wasn't humiliation, what was?

Joanne's eyes welled up with tears as she clung to Edward's arm. "Edward, I'm scared," she whispered.

Even though she was frightened, she still mustered up the courage to step in front of Edward. "Leslie, please don't blame him. We love each other. Just blame me."

Edward let out a low laugh, pulled Joanne close, and ran his hand through her hair. "Don't be scared. Leslie is generous. Leslie gave the house to you. As long as you don't try to take her place, she won't hold anything against you.

"After all, who else would go to such lengths just for this position?"

Joanne looked serious, almost like she was swearing an oath. "Edward, you don't have to worry. I don't care about money or status. I just want to stay by your side."

"Alright." Edward laughed heartily, then bent down and kissed Joanne on the cheek, satisfied to see her cheeks flush just like he hoped.

Leslie kept her head down from the moment Edward spoke. She thought she was over him, but his words ripped open old scars, making her feel the pain all over again.

She remembered those years, circling the school building after class to steal a look at him. She remembered when Edward was struggling with his injury, and how they shared quiet, gentle moments together.

Back then, he'd taken her hand, his gaze soft and tender. "When I get better, I'll marry you." The oversized ring slid onto her finger, and she cried, believing her patience had finally paid off. She was actually blind to all the red flags.

It turned out she'd only woven her own cage.

"That's right, nobody else would go to such lengths for this spot. Edward, as far as I know, I never wronged you during those days. So why are you humiliating me like this?" Leslie finally spoke up.

Joanne bit her lip and said, "Leslie, that's not fair. I wasn't around when Edward was injured, but if I had been, I would have done everything I could to look after him."

"You really think you could?" Leslie scoffed.

Talk was cheap. Anyone could say they'd do it. Back then, the Fleming family hired more than twenty caregivers, and not one could handle Edward's temper.

"If you ever get the chance, just hire a professional," Leslie shot back.

Edward's face darkened. The class reunion fell apart, and the classmates, sensing the tension, quietly slipped out one by one, leaving behind a mess and an awkward silence.

Edward left with Joanne right away. Leslie was so worked up that she ended up with a high fever that night. Around midnight, her mom called, sounding anxious and worried.

"Leslie, your brother's been beaten up," her mom said.

Leslie jolted awake. She soothed her mom as best she could, then hurried to book a ride.