Chapter 2

2

The atmosphere in the room turned icy.

The groomsmen's teasing smiles vanished. They tried to play peacemaker.

"Stop joking around. We're just happy you guys are so in love. Hurry up and change!"

"I'm not joking!"

Caleb's voice rose. He walked to the bed and took Serena's hand with pride.

"Serena is right here. I saved her. Last night, we…"

"Shut up!"

The lead groomsman pinched him hard, cutting him off.

"I'm not wrong! Mark, you know I've loved Serena since we were kids. Saving a life is a great deed!"

"Enough!"

Watching Caleb's complete lack of remorse, I felt an overwhelming exhaustion. I turned to leave.

"Elena, have you had enough?"

Caleb rushed over to block my path.

"The groomsmen are here. You can't just walk out!"

The group of friends huddled around me, trying to talk me out of it.

"Elena, don't be like this. You're getting married tomorrow. Five years of history isn't easy to throw away!"

"Exactly! Caleb was just saving a life. It's not like he was out there cheating for fun. Don't be so sensitive!"

"Yeah! Caleb and Serena are childhood friends. You'll all be friends in the future. Be the bigger person!"

I sneered. "Wearing a crown of betrayal makes me look pretty small, don't you think?"

I wanted to say more, but Serena's condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. The doctors rushed her to the hospital.

Caleb's eyes were full of worry. As soon as she was out of sight, he turned and barked at me.

"Elena, are you happy now?"

"Because of your nonsense, all my hard work last night was for nothing! If anything happens to her, you're a murderer!"

He actually had the nerve to mention his 'hard work' from last night?

Looking at the hatred in his eyes, I felt a sharp pang of grief. Five years of my devotion couldn't even stand up to one appearance by Serena.

Caleb didn't even bother putting on shoes. He wanted to chase after the ambulance. He left me with one final command.

"Delay the wedding. Serena needs someone to take care of her."

"What do you think you're doing?"

The groomsmen blocked his way this time.

"Caleb, you're getting married. Don't ruin your future over an impulse!"

"Yeah, we can hire the best nurses for her. Just focus on the wedding!"

Caleb wouldn't listen. He struggled to break free.

I watched the chaos with cold eyes. "Let him go. The wedding is canceled."

Caleb froze. He looked at me in disbelief.

"Elena, are you threatening me?"

Threatening him? No. I was just done.

Five years ago, Caleb said it was love at first sight. He pursued me relentlessly.

I was unmoved for months.

Then, during a massive storm, he risked his life to drive to where I was working just to see if I was safe.

Back then, his eyes sparkled. He was a soaking wet mess, but he smiled at me.

"I'm just glad you're okay."

In that moment, my heart skipped a beat. I fell into the trap of love.

After we started dating, I used my family's influence to secure a billion-dollar deal for him. I spent money to help him expand overseas.

In just a few years, his small company grew into a global brand because of my resources.

I gave him everything. Sometimes I felt I hadn't done enough.

I never thought Serena's return would make me lose everything so quickly.

"Fine! Cancel it! Serena is back anyway. I can finally chase my own happiness!"

"Elena, you brought this on yourself!"