Chapter 3

Kashton Wallace appeared hell-bent on complicating my life, frequently splashing across tabloids with Priscilla George. One day, they’re posing for the perfect shot, the next, he’s bidding on diamonds at an auction, and soon, he’s escorting her through glitzy high-society events. The rumor mill was in overdrive, with our entire circle buzzing about how pitiable I must seem, silently enduring this spectacle. Yet, I couldn’t care less about their whispers. My focus was laser-sharp on the preparations for my impending engagement to Eren Cook.

Though Eren was overseas in Europe, he ensured I never felt isolated. We were glued to video calls daily, meticulously planning every detail of our wedding.

'I’m sorry, I’ll make it back before the engagement,' he apologized.

I smiled and shook my head, 'Your career matters. I’ll wait for you.'

'It’s an honor you’ve chosen me,' he said softly. 'I’ve arranged a gown for you. I hope it’s to your liking.'

By coincidence, I was at a boutique, trying on dresses during our call. After hanging up, I gazed at the exquisite gown before me, filled with eager anticipation. Its fabric sparkled like a constellation, shifting from a gentle lavender at the hem to the hue of the morning sea at the bodice.

Just as I prepared to slip into it, an unwelcome voice cut through the air.

'Kashton, this one’s stunning—I must have it,' Priscilla announced. I hadn’t even noticed her enter the shop. She pushed past me, reaching for my gown.

Fury ignited within me. 'This dress is already claimed.'

She feigned surprise, turning to me, 'Oh, sis, is that you? Shopping for a dress too?'

I met her with a frosty glare, 'I’m not shopping. I’m here to pick up a dress my fiancé commissioned for me.'

For a fleeting moment, Priscilla’s confidence wavered, but she quickly recovered her smugness, 'Sis, are you still in denial? Kashton’s been with me all this time. Why would he get you a dress?'

Just then, Kashton walked in. His expression shifted momentarily upon seeing me, a mix of emotions flickering across his face.

'Reagan, what are you doing here?' he asked.

I stared at them coldly. 'Your little companion here is attempting to steal my gown.'

Priscilla instantly adopted a wounded look, pointing at me, 'I merely thought the dress was beautiful and wanted to try it on, but sis…'

'Never mind, the dress was intended for Reagan. I’m unworthy,' she finally conceded.

Kashton frowned, turning to me, 'Reagan, you’re being absurd. When did I ever promise you a gown?'

Suddenly, a realization seemed to hit him. 'Since Priscilla adores it, why not let her take it? I’ll find you another. Don’t make a fuss over nothing!'

I scoffed, cutting him off, 'Kashton Wallace, drop the act. This dress was custom-ordered by my fiancé, and I won’t relinquish it.'

Kashton’s brow furrowed deeply, irritation flashing in his eyes. 'Am I not your fiancé? I said let her have it, so drop it. Don’t provoke me.'

As soon as he spoke, Priscilla eagerly grabbed the dress. I moved to intervene but was shoved aside by Kashton. In the chaos, I knocked over a coffee cup, and the shattering glass grazed my cheek.

The store staff rushed over, alarmed, to tend to my bleeding.

Kashton instinctively stepped toward me, but Priscilla clung to his arm. 'Kashton, I can’t bear the sight of blood.'

He instantly turned away, shielding Priscilla’s eyes with his hand, whispering gently, 'Let’s go, don’t look at this.'

With that, they exited, taking my dress with them.

I stood there, seething and exhausted. That gown, crafted specifically for me by Eren, had been snatched away so effortlessly. But I was too drained to pursue it. Anything Priscilla touched, I no longer desired.