Chapter 2

1、

Seeing that I had no intention of taking the flowers, Jason shoved them forcefully into my arms.

"Still throwing a tantrum? I was only trying to teach you a lesson that day. Those bums wouldn't dare lay a finger on my woman."

"Besides, you brought this on yourself. Why do you always have to pick on Mindy? Learn your lesson and don't do it again."

I kept my mouth shut and stared down at the roses in my lap.

The heavy, suffocating floral scent hit my nose, instantly triggering my sensitive airways.

I immediately pushed the bouquet onto the coffee table and moved to the farthest corner of the couch.

Jason exploded in rage.

"Moira, what the hell is that supposed to mean? Don't push your luck!"

"You only got touched on the arm a couple of times. I don't even care, so what are you being dramatic about? Countless women are begging to become Mrs. Vance. You'd better know when to stop."

His heartless words felt like an invisible hand crushing my chest, making it impossible to breathe.

I bit my lower lip, fighting back the storm inside me, and spoke in a monotone voice.

"I'm allergic to pollen."

Jason froze for a second, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.

Seeing his eyes dart away, I let out a silent, self-mocking sneer.

Perhaps out of brief embarrassment, his tone softened slightly.

"Moira, I…"

I cut him off before he could finish.

"Mindy went shopping with me and helped me pick that dress. I had no idea she bought the exact same one."

Hearing this, Jason's expression hardened instantly.

He shot up from the couch and pointed a finger right at my face.

"You really are vile. Even now, you're still trying to twist the truth!"

"Mindy already told me everything. She mentioned early on that she loved that dress and wanted to wear it to witness our engagement."

"I treat Mindy like a sister. If I actually had feelings for her, do you honestly think you'd ever have a chance with me?"

Tears finally broke past my defenses, spilling silently down my cheeks.

Watching me tremble on the sofa, Jason's gaze filled with utter disgust.

"Cut the innocent act. I'm staying at the office for the next few days. Think about what you did."

He grabbed his suit jacket and marched toward the door without looking back.

As the heavy door swung shut, his final words echoed clearly through the quiet apartment.

"Even though Mindy is too kind to hold a grudge, I won't let her suffer. I gave your diamond engagement ring to her as compensation!"

The slam of the door vibrated through the empty room, making the bright petals on the coffee table tremble.

I couldn't comprehend what kind of monstrous crime I had supposedly committed against Mindy that required my wedding ring as an apology.

I had designed that ring myself, pouring months of love and bright hopes for our future into every curve of the band.

Jason knew exactly what that ring meant to me and to our five-year relationship.

Yet he handed it to Mindy as if it were a piece of worthless junk.

Did that mean our five years together were just as cheap in his eyes?

In that quiet living room, the last pieces of my heart shattered into dust.