Chapter 3

My parents finally gave the green light for me to work at the Frenel branch. They just told me to sort out my visa and get going.

After I hung up, I let out a long breath. Man, it had been forever since I felt this relaxed.

I'd already booked an appointment at the Frenel consulate for my visa, so the next morning, I got up and got ready to head out.

When I opened the door, I saw Leonel setting out breakfast on the table, the kind I used to love.

Arthur had breakfast in front of him too, but he took a bite, made a face, and pushed it aside.

He'd only ever eaten breakfast I made for him growing up; he just couldn't get used to anything else.

I knew the reason, but I just looked away, keeping it cool.

Leonel heard me and turned around, his voice gentle.

"Anabella, you're up. Come have some breakfast. I picked up your favorites," he said.

Buying breakfast to make me feel better was Leonel's classic move.

Even now, he still thought I was just being dramatic about calling off the wedding.

I couldn't be bothered to say anything, so I just grabbed my bag and walked out.

Leonel texted me, asking where I was headed and if I wanted him to drive me.

I barely glanced at his message and, without a second thought, switched off my phone.

The whole Frenel visa process would take about a week. When I finally stepped out of the consulate that day, the sky had already turned dark.

The traffic was a total nightmare, so I just pulled over and parked by the side of the road. I figured I'd get out and take a walk to clear my head.

Up ahead, a crowd had gathered. As I got closer, I realized someone was putting on a molten iron fireworks show.

Brilliant sparks burst across the night sky, making everyone around gasp in awe.

And in the crowd, I spotted someone I could recognize anywhere.

Leonel was standing next to Scarlett, holding Arthur in his arms. The three of them were watching the fireworks, laughing and chatting, looking for all the world like a happy little family.

I'd seen this scene countless times in my previous life, and now I didn't feel a thing anymore.

I was about to turn and walk away, but barely took two steps before Leonel caught sight of me.

He looked a little stunned for a second, then quickly went back to his usual calm, calling out to me gently. "Anabella, you came to see the fireworks too? What a coincidence. Scarlett's here as well. Let me introduce you guys."

Seeing I didn't respond, he explained, "Hey, don't get the wrong idea. Scarlett just wanted to thank me for helping her out yesterday, so we grabbed dinner.

"After that, we noticed the fireworks show, and Arthur wanted to check it out, so here we are."

Arthur shot me a wary look. "I wanted to see the fireworks, alright? Don't bring up anything about Mom!"

He jumped down from Leonel's arms and stood protectively in front of Scarlett.

"Arthur," Scarlett said, tapping his forehead like a mom scolding her kid, "don't say things like that. It's not polite."

Arthur pouted but stayed quiet.

Scarlett glanced at me, looking a bit awkward. "Miss Fischer, I'm really sorry about yesterday. Leonel treasures you so much, he kept you under wraps, so I had no clue you two were getting married.

"If I'd known, I never would've just shown up out of nowhere. I heard you got upset with Leonel over it.

"I actually wanted to invite both you and Leonel to dinner today to explain everything. But since you weren't home, I just asked Leonel instead. Please don't overthink it, and don't get mad at Leonel again."

She was smooth as ever, acting super friendly.

But I caught the real meaning behind her words.

She was basically saying Leonel still cared about her, so he kept our wedding a secret from her.

She always liked to quietly flaunt her superiority in front of me in my previous life, too.

Back then, it used to drive me mad. I'd go hysterical and argue with Leonel, but all I ever got was, "Anabella, can't you be more like Scarlett and be sensible for once?"

It left me utterly devastated back then, but now, I couldn't care less.

"Are you done? If so, please move aside," I said coldly.

Leonel frowned. "Anabella, what's with your attitude? Scarlett is trying to apologize to you."

Arthur gave me a look of obvious distaste, as if I'd committed some terrible crime.

I said coldly, "So what? Just because she's apologizing, I have to accept it?"

Seeing this, Scarlett stepped forward and grabbed my hand, looking all apologetic.

"Miss Fischer, it's totally understandable if you don't want to accept my apology. Anyone would be upset if their wedding got interrupted. But if you want to be mad, take it out on me, not Leonel," she said softly.

Her gentle tone just grated on my nerves.

I yanked my hand back, not wanting to get dragged into this any longer, and started to walk away.

But the next second, Arthur suddenly shouted, "Fire!"

I looked over and saw a burst of sparks shooting out from the molten iron fireworks show, heading straight for Scarlett.

Just as it was about to hit her, Leonel moved fast, wrapping his arms around Scarlett to shield her.