Chapter 3

He used to be ruthless and decisive, never showed any of that cocky attitude. He'd been calm and collected, and he handled everything like it was no big deal.

That was why I was impressed by him and fell for him.

Even though I told him how I felt many times and always got turned down, I never once thought about giving up.

When the Shaw family fell on hard times, I immediately begged my father to step in and help him. I even endured the pain of missing him, letting him go abroad so he could chase his dreams.

While he was growing, I wasn't enjoying my leisurely life and standing still.

Thanks to the Sinclair family's influence, I thrived in Arindale.

Just my net worth alone put the Shaw family to shame.

But at some point, Edward lost his edge and started thinking small.

My "Prince Charming" was no more.

He was nothing more than a heartless backstabber who threw away all my love.

His usual gentlemanly façade was gone. In my eyes, Edward looked monstrous.

Daniel's bodyguards heard him trash-talking their boss and were itching for a brawl.

Edward stepped in front of Sophia, shielding her with his body. His attitude had somewhat softened.

"Miss Sinclair, breaking off the engagement was my fault. If there's anything you want, just say it. I'll do everything I can to make up for it," he said.

Daniel clamped a hand on my shoulder, worried I might go soft.

My breath caught for a split second, and I asked slowly, "Are you sure you want to call off the engagement?"

Edward looked into my eyes, unwavering. "Yes."

When a promise lost its point, I refused to let myself make the same mistake.

"Do you remember what you said the day we got engaged?" I asked.

He kept quiet, so I spoke for him.

I added, "You said, 'In this life, Rachel is the only woman I love.'"

Such a promise couldn't be trusted. The moment I took it seriously, I already lost.

I slapped him hard across the face.

Through gritted teeth, I spat out two words. "Get lost!"

Edward threw his arm around his new girl and walked away, never even looking back.

Daniel gave me a hug. His voice was a bit husky. "Hey, don't be sad, I'm still here for you."

My gaze turned cold, and I threw a punch at him, finally putting some distance between us. "You get lost, too," I spat.

Daniel rubbed his nose.

"Guess I was just being delusional," he said, like he didn't care.

Left alone, I kept pouring one drink after another, trying to numb the pain but only getting more drunk.

In my drunken daze, something purple flashed across my blurry vision.

Someone scooped me up, like I was weightless, floating.

Then, right by my ear, a gentle voice murmured, "Why can't it be me?"

I didn't know who it was.

Everything was fuzzy, and I couldn't open my eyes.

Soon, it was the Shaw family's celebration, and Daniel bugged me nonstop, asking me to bring him along as my partner.

"I need to be there to have your back," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Just try not to embarrass me, okay?"

With a flick of my skirt, I felt like I owned the room.

The grand ballroom was packed, but my gaze zeroed in on Edward in an instant.

Just like years ago. People filled the place.

But I marched through the crowds, dead set on getting to know him.

"Hey, I'm Rachel. Want to be friends?" I asked.

Edward's ears instantly turned red, and he nodded, looking a bit nervous.

"Yeah. I'm Edward. Just come find me whenever you want to hang out," he replied.

After that first glance, I secretly liked him for ten years and waited for five more years, supporting him without hoping he'd repay me.

Should I blame myself for loving him so desperately, or curse Edward for being so ruthless?

I had no answers at all.

"Want something to drink? I'll get it for you," Daniel said.

His words pulled me out of my daze. I gave a quick cough, trying to play off how spaced out I'd just been.

"Anything's fine," I said.

As soon as Daniel stepped away, Edward came straight over.

He took my arm and led me out to an empty balcony, closing the door behind us.

"I'm going to announce to everyone that the engagement is off. Whatever you want as payback, just name it," he said.

He wasn't asking for my opinion. He was laying down the law.

Lifting my gaze, I stared at him with a cold expression.

"I'm always the one calling the shots. No one's ever told me what to do," I said.

I grabbed his tie and yanked him closer.

"Go ahead and see what happens when you insist on doing things your way," I added.

Before I could get another word out, Sophia strolled in, carrying a slice of cake.

She flashed me a warm smile and held out the plate. "Rachel, do you want some dessert?"

She was no knockout, just a girl with innocent charm.

I couldn't help but feel bitter about losing to someone like her.

I closed my eyes, keeping that gentle smile on my face.

"Could you bring me a drink, Edward?" I asked.

Edward threw a worried look at Sophia, but he still turned away and left reluctantly.

Once he left, I lounged lazily against the balcony rail, surveying the pool below from my position on the second floor.

I accepted the slice of cake from Sophia, catching sight of Daniel closing in from across the room.

Suddenly, my body tipped backward. The cake slipped from both my and Sophia's hands.

Sophia's startled cry echoed as I fell down like a weightless feather.

My red skirt flared out around me, looking gorgeous.

With a splash, water sprayed everywhere as I hit the surface.

"Rachel!" Daniel screamed.

His shout thundered from above.

It was gut-wrenching, echoing with pure agony.

If I choose the path of darkness, no one could hold me back.