Chapter 3

I shook my head.

I said, "Mom, even without this incident, Alan and I would still part ways because of something else later. He and I are never meant to be."

Lucia sighed, "If that's how it is, then so be it. Lea, get some rest."

*****

The next day, everyone went about their business after breakfast. Only Alan was left at the dining table with me.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward. I lowered my gaze, pretending to be calm, and ate my breakfast slowly.

Alan's gaze was so intense it felt like it could pierce right through me.

After I finished eating, I headed upstairs.

Alan finally couldn't hold back anymore. He slammed his fork on the table, making a loud clatter as the fork hit the plate.

I paused, sighed, and looked at him in confusion.

Alan sneered, "Lea, what new tricks are you trying to pull now? You actually got my parents to pressure me."

I didn't know what Melvin and Lucia said to Alan that made him misunderstand.

I thought about explaining clearly to him so we could part ways amicably. Our relationship shouldn't be so strained, as I would still return to visit Melvin and Lucia even after I left the Dudleys' residence.

Just as I was about to explain, his phone rang.

Alan answered the call, his brows gradually furrowing as anxiety grew in him.

Immediately after, he hurriedly grabbed his jacket and headed out.

When he reached the door, he turned back and found me still standing alone at the dining table.

His hand paused on the doorknob. Seeing my indifferent expression, he subconsciously explained, "Something happened to Zoria. I'll tell you when I get back."

I smiled at him, nodded, and said gently, "Go on then."

Alan didn't expect me to be so indifferent, even letting him go to Zoria. Embarrassed, he became angry.

He said, "You better not talk nonsense in front of Mom and Dad. I won't change my mind."

I watched him hurry away.

Like him, I won't change my mind either.

*****

By evening, my stuff was almost tidied up. I called the servants to pack them.

Some stuff would go with me abroad, while some would be discarded.

All the discarded items were stuff that had been bought after I started dating Alan.

The maid, Judith Rowland looked at the discarded items.

She said, "Miss, do you really want to throw these away?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I don't want them anymore."

"Don't want what?" Alan's voice came from the doorway.

I replied calmly, "Just some old things. There's no point in keeping them at home."

He said, "That's good. Out with the old, and in with the new, right? We'll acquire new things for the engagement anyway."

Alan suddenly fell silent, and I turned to look at him.

He didn't look good. He seemed annoyed as if he had said the wrong thing. He glanced sideways at me and went upstairs.

As Alan passed one of the discarded boxes, a plain women's ring dropped to the floor.

He did not stop.

I bent down, picked the ring up, and rubbed it between my fingers.

This was something Alan and I made together on our first anniversary.

We went to a craft store specifically to make a pair for each other. The inner bands were engraved with "A&L".

I couldn't quite recall what Alan had promised me back then.

I tucked it into the corner of the box.

Even if Alan wanted to get engaged, I didn't anymore.

Judith sighed. While I wasn't looking, she took out the plain ring again.‍

*****

Time passed quickly. Soon it was the day before my departure.

I had dinner with Melvin and Lucia as usual.

Lucia advised me on various matters for my trip abroad, and Melvin occasionally added a few words.

I cherished these warm moments, but unfortunately, we were still disrupted.

The sound of car brakes came through the door, and through the window, I could see Alan leading Zoria into the house.

I didn't want to confront them at the last minute, so I returned to my room first.

Various voices came from downstairs.

I drifted to sleep. When I woke up, it was only 11 PM. My throat was parched.

I tiptoed downstairs. When I came up the stairs with a cup of water, I saw Zoria standing pitifully at the stairwell.

When she saw me, she walked towards me.

I pursed my lips, wondering what she was up to again.

Zoria stopped beside me and whispered viciously into my ear, "It's all your fault, Lea. Why aren't you dead yet? Alan still refuses to break off the engagement."

With that, she grabbed my hand, made it look like I'd push her in the stomach, and then rolled down the stairs.

"Zoria!" Alan cried out in alarm. He quickly ran downstairs, and held Zoria.

He was shaken and picked up Zoria straight away. As he walked towards the door, he declared to me, "I'm breaking our engagement."

I was so bored. Zoria had falsely accused me too many times.

Initially, I would painstakingly explain myself. But with a few words from Zoria, Alan would believe her, and I would be reprimanded.

If only Alan had checked the surveillance, or trusted me a little more.‍

I instructed the servants to retrieve the surveillance footage, which clearly recorded everything that had just happened.

Melvin and Lucia also watched it.

Lucia flew into a rage, saying, "I can't believe it. Lea looks so gentle and fragile, but is so manipulative. Our family cannot accept someone like her.

"Lea, I was reluctant about letting you go abroad before, but now I think it's the right choice.

"Don't worry about things here. I'll take care of them."

*****

The next day, Melvin and Lucia took time off work and sent me off at the airport.

I caught up on my sleep on the plane, dreaming about freedom in my future. I felt very happy.

A few days later, Lucia sent a video to me. It was about Alan.

Alan had just returned home when he burst into my room, his face filled with shock as he took in everything.