Chapter 2

2.

The girl who asked the question was the first to react, letting out a sharp laugh.

"Caleb, is there any point in acting tough now?"

"Everyone here knows exactly why you decorated that venue today."

Seraphina reached out and pulled at the girl's hand, but I could see the smug satisfaction she was trying to hide.

I had always known she used my devotion as a way to boost her own ego.

"Seraphina, why are you stopping me? He's just lying through his teeth."

I glanced at Seraphina. Her expression was filled with even more disdain than before.

I couldn't help but let out a cold chuckle.

"Are you a mind reader now? You seem to know who I love better than I do."

"Since you're so sure, why don't you tell me? Who is it?"

The girl was about to shout Seraphina's name when Seraphina jerked her arm.

"Chloe, that's enough!"

Chloe glanced at Dominic sitting nearby and realized she had almost caused a scene.

I leaned back against my chair and stared directly at Seraphina.

She seemed uncomfortable and avoided my gaze.

I laughed quietly, stood up, and told them I had things to do before walking out.

Once I got home, the mask I had been wearing crumbled.

I collapsed onto the sofa, my eyes stinging as the weight of the day finally hit me.

A while later, my mom sent another reminder about the bracelet.

I sighed and dialed Seraphina's number.

She didn't pick up.

Finally, I sent a text telling her to return the heirloom.

By the time I finished work the next day, I still hadn't received a reply.

Then, I saw Seraphina post a location pin in our group chat, saying she was heading there for dinner.

It was obvious. She was ignoring my messages on purpose.

I packed my things and headed to the restaurant.

As I approached their private room, I heard Seraphina's mocking voice drifting through the door.

"How could Caleb ever leave me? He's been my lapdog for eight years. Could any of you be that loyal?"

Her words were followed by an explosion of laughter.

Someone asked her what she was going to do about the heirloom bracelet.

Through the crack in the door, I saw Seraphina wave her wrist dismissively.

"It's just a shiny toy to play with. If he wants it back, he can have it. Besides, this thing isn't even worth as much as the bag Dominic just bought me."

The group erupted into murmurs of envy.

Listening to her contemptuous tone, I felt a surge of cold irony. I pushed the door open.

The atmosphere in the room turned to ice instantly.

Normally, I only showed up to their gatherings when Seraphina summoned me.

That was why they felt so comfortable talking trash behind my back.

Seraphina was the first to break the silence, putting on a sweet, fake smile.

"Caleb? What are you doing here? Do you need something?"

In the past, that smile would have blinded me.

Now, it just looked pathetic.

I looked at her with a blank expression.

"Nothing much. I just wanted to ask when you're planning to give my bracelet back."

The smile on Seraphina's face vanished.

Her brow furrowed, and she looked at me with pure disbelief.

"Didn't you give this to me as a gift?"

I let out a dry laugh. "That bracelet is reserved for my wife."

Seraphina's eyes filled with scorn.

"Caleb, I didn't think you were the type to use moral kidnapping to force me to be your girlfriend."

"I know you love me, but this is low, even for you."

I laughed out loud at her delusional accusations, but I also felt a deep sense of grief for myself.

For eight years, I had loved a person I didn't even truly know until this moment.

I stared her down, my voice flat.

"Just give it back, Seraphina."

The entire room stared at me in shock.

Seraphina's face twisted. "Caleb, are you really that triggered by my engagement?"

"We can still be best friends. Don't worry about it."

I was genuinely amused. How could she think I still wanted to be near her?

"Seraphina, the only thing I'm interested in right now is that bracelet."

Feeling like she was losing face in front of her friends, Seraphina exploded in rage.

"Fine! Take your stupid bracelet! I only accepted it because I felt sorry for you! You actually thought I'd want you? You were pathetic, begging me to marry you the very next day!"

I took a deep breath, suppressing the sharp pain in my chest, and held out my hand.

Seraphina looked around at the judging eyes of the crowd and aggressively shoved the bracelet into my palm.

I took it and walked out without looking back.