Chapter 3

3

When I arrived at the Sterling estate, Layla was the center of attention.

"Willow, over here!"

She walked toward me in high heels. I noticed she was wearing a stunning red gown.

It was identical to the reception dress I had custom-ordered for myself.

I bit my lip. Ethan came down the stairs and his eyes lit up when he saw her.

"Layla, you look incredible!"

Layla blushed. "Ethan, stop. Willow is right here."

"Willow, please don't be mad. I felt so bad about our argument this morning."

Ethan couldn't take his eyes off her. It was pure adoration.

He didn't even acknowledge me. He just reached out to brush a stray eyelash from her cheek.

The guests started cheering and laughing. Ethan's father sighed.

"Honestly, Layla and Ethan always looked better together."

I looked down at my simple green dress.

I wasn't a supermodel, but Ethan used to tell me I was beautiful every single day.

On the other side of the room, Layla was acting shy.

"Mr. Sterling, don't say that in front of Willow. She'll get upset."

Ethan's parents laughed dismissively.

Ethan finally looked at me, but his expression was cold.

"My parents grew up with Layla. Don't be so sensitive about a joke."

"My mom is right about upbringing. You were raised by your grandmother in the country until you were eighteen. It shows."

My heart felt like it was being squeezed. I couldn't believe he said that.

"Ethan, you know how much Nana cared for you. How can you say that about her?"

He looked a bit guilty for a second, but then his face hardened again.

"Look, Layla and I are just friends. Don't let your jealousy make her uncomfortable."

It always came back to protecting Layla's feelings.

I felt exhausted. The last ten years felt like a mountain crushing me.

"I actually came here to say…" I started.

Layla interrupted me loudly. "Ethan! My best friend really wants to go to Spain. Is there an extra seat on the private jet?"

Ethan nodded immediately. "Of course. I'll fix it."

The assistant hesitated. "Sir, isn't the last seat reserved for Miss Quinn?"

"Oh… never mind then," Layla pouted. "I don't want to make Willow unhappy."

Ethan couldn't stand seeing her disappointed.

"Willow can take a commercial flight. Layla's friend doesn't know the area, so she has to fly with us."

Layla beamed and hugged his arm. "Ethan, you're the best!"

The guests around me began to whisper and mock me.

"He chartered two private jets for the guests, but the bride has to fly coach? That's hilarious."

"She's desperate to save her family. She'd probably walk to Spain if she had to."

Ethan didn't even hear them. He only had eyes for Layla.

I realized then that I truly was just a spectator in his life.

I turned to leave. I'd send the formal breakup text later.

But then, something caught my eye. Layla was wearing a gold necklace.

The pendant was a diamond shaped like a plum blossom.

My brain felt like it exploded.

"Where did you get that diamond?" I demanded.