Chapter 3

When I arrived at the Carter residence, most of the guests were already there.

Monica spotted me and waved with a smile. "Emily, come here. I thought you weren't coming today."

I handed her the gift box. "It's your birthday. Of course I'd come."

Monica pulled me down to sit beside her, grinning. "You're always the most thoughtful."

I didn't say anything.

Then, I spotted Sophia. She was standing next to Alex, wearing a light pink dress, the limited edition I'd wanted last month. Alex said it was too expensive and not worth it, so I never got it.

To make things worse, she had a delicate diamond necklace around her neck.

It wasn't my emerald necklace. But it was something I'd left in the drawer of our wedding room.

Midway through dinner, someone at the table started teasing. "Alex, when are you and Emily finally tying the knot? We're all waiting for the wedding."

Monica chimed in with a smile, "Very soon, just let them get through this busy period first."

As I was about to say something, Sophia suddenly stood up to offer a toast to the elders. She got nervous, her hand trembled, and the wine splashed onto her dress.

Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy."

Alex immediately got up, grabbed some tissues, and crouched down to help her dab at the hem of her dress.

One of Alex's aunts at the table let out a knowing laugh. "Well, Alex sure is attentive to this girl."

Another person glanced at me and said on purpose, "Emily's always had a bit of a temper. Don't let it get to you."

Before I could say anything, Sophia quickly waved her hands. "No, no, Emily's always been really nice to me. Last time I borrowed her pajamas, she didn't mind at all."

That line was way more cunning than her teary eyes or her shaky act. By saying "she didn't mind," she put me right in the hot seat.

If I made a fuss, I'd look petty.

If I let it slide, she'd keep playing the innocent card while taking my things.

Alex glanced at me and said quietly, "Emily, it's my mom's birthday today."

There it was again. As if every time he said that, I was supposed to swallow it all and keep quiet.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and marched straight upstairs.

Alex's voice came from behind me, low and quiet. "Emily, where are you going?"

"To get the gift," I replied, not bothering to look back.

I knew the Carter family's study like the back of my hand. Whenever Alex's father, Frank Carter, was away on business, I was the one who knew exactly where the files were kept and where the spare keys were.

Alex always said that once we got married, with me around, he wouldn't have to worry about a thing.

Looking back now, I really did make things way too easy for him. So easy that he assumed I'd never leave.

Once I got into the study, I pulled a folder out of the drawer. It was the supplementary agreement my dad asked me to give Frank last month. I hadn't really looked at it back then.

It wasn't until last night, while I was packing up to move out, that my mom reminded me about it. The agreement spelled it out that the Stone family lent the Carter family 9 million dollars, but only because of the engagement.

If the engagement was called off, the money had to be paid back within seven days.

As I came downstairs with the folder, Alex was already waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He was barely keeping his cool. "What exactly are you trying to do tonight?"

"I'm here to deliver a big present," I replied.

"Don't make a scene."

"Am I? Since I walked in, have I thrown a fit or flipped the table?"

I brushed past him and made my way back to the dining room.

Everyone at the table turned to look at me.

I set the folder down on the table and slid it over to Frank. "Frank, Monica, I know it's your birthday, and I really didn't want to bring this up today. But if I don't say it now, it'll make me seem clueless."

Monica's smile faltered. "Emily, what's wrong?"

I pulled a ring out of my bag and set it gently on the table. Alex gave it to me last year, saying he'd officially propose on my birthday this year.

Alex's expression instantly darkened. "Emily!"

I didn't look at him. My eyes were only on Frank and Monica. "I'm not going through with this engagement. And as for the money the Stone family lent the Carter family, as per the agreement, please have it repaid by next week."

Monica's fork dropped onto the table with a sharp clatter.

Alex was the first to react. He seized my wrist. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Alex," I said, slowly pulling my hand free. "I'm not the crazy one here. You're the one who still thinks I'll stand here forever, waiting for you."