When I shook my head firmly, Lucas didn't push any further. He gave me one last look before leaving with a heavy heart.As soon as I let out a breath of relief, a freezing cold knife was suddenly pressed against my neck. "Stay back, or I'll kill her!"Everyone in the bridal boutique froze, stunned by the sudden turn of events.Charles was the first to snap out of it. "You're Emily, right?""That's right!""Let go of Jessica. We can talk this through," he said cautiously, taking a slow step forward.I glanced at the person holding me hostage in the mirror. It really was Emily, but she looked nothing like I remembered. Her hair was all messy, and she looked bloated.Emily noticed me studying her and sneered. "I know—I look awful. I'm five months pregnant with Lucas' child. But he won't even acknowledge it. He said the only woman who deserves to be his wife is you. And just like that, I was cast aside—with no money and no one to take care of me!"Just then, Lucas, who had just l
Even though Mr. Ashton sent Lucas away to manage the company's branch office in another city, the latter's drinking problem led to a series of mistakes, causing heavy losses for the Ashton family. Eventually, he was summoned back, but there was no longer a position for him at the company.By now, it was clear to everyone that Charles was the heir to the Ashton family.Unsurprisingly, as soon as Lucas returned, he started pestering me again, sending me flowers and letters to express his remorse.He even sent me that ring with a note that read, "You are the true owner of this ring, and I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."Charles was furious. He hurled the ring straight into the drain. "He still thinks he can compete with me?" I hurriedly reassured him I wouldn't fall for Lucas again. Only then did he finally relax.Our bond grew stronger, and before long, we were already making plans for our wedding. The day I went to try on wedding dresses at the bridal boutique,
Lucas' behavior at the engagement party became the talk of the town, and he became a laughingstock in high society. Mr. Ashton was beyond disappointed. He sent Lucas to another city, and he was now holding on to his once-solid position as the heir of the Ashton family by a thread.After Charles and I got engaged, he took charge of his family business. He handled everything with such ease and confidence that people began to speculate whether he was making a bid for the Ashton family's inheritance.I couldn't help but ask, "You used to be such a playboy. What changed?"Charles pondered for a moment, as if wondering how much to share. Then, he laid it all bare. "Years ago, my father had an affair, and his mistress gave birth to Lucas. When my mother found out, she filed for divorce. But the thing was, they had built the company together. If they divorced, she would take a huge chunk of the assets. But before anything could be finalized, she died in a car accident."After that, I b
Lucas ignored Charles and snatched the emcee's microphone. "Since all our family, friends, and business partners are here today, I want to use this opportunity to expose Charles for who he really is! My older brother, Charles, shamelessly snatched my girlfriend, Jessica, from me!"Gasps rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned toward us, and the room buzzed with murmurs.Ignoring the darkening expression on Mr. Ashton's face, Lucas continued, "I bought this ring to propose to Jessica! We were deeply in love, but Charles used dirty tricks to tear us apart!"I marched forward, snatched the mic from Lucas' hand, and threw it to the ground. "Lucas, we've been broken up for a while now. Why are you making a scene like this?"He looked at me cautiously, like a wounded bird. "I can't lose you. Please come back to me. Let's get married!"Charles snapped, "Lucas, if you keep harassing my fiancée, I won't hold back anymore!" "Who are you calling your fiancée? Who are you trying to foo
Everyone exchanged puzzled looks."Charles…" Mr. Ashton glanced between me and Charles, attempting to figure out what was going on between us.Charles stepped forward and gently pulled me into his arms. "We've actually been seeing each other in secret for a while now. We didn't make it public because we didn't want to hurt Lucas. But I never imagined he would pressure Jessica into marrying him."I hurriedly nodded. After hearing Charles' explanation, Mom and Dad let out a collective sigh of relief."That's wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Mr. Ashton clapped his hands enthusiastically. "I never imagined our families would unite in such a... unique way!"Cheers and congratulations filled the room, but Lucas was in utter disbelief. "How could you be with Charles, Jessica? You're my girlfriend! You said you'd love me forever!"I replied, "There was a time when I begged for your love, but I've come to realize that begging doesn't lead to love—it only leads to you trampling all over
"You're willing to get back together?" Our parents echoed in unison, shocked. Only Charles remained stone-faced, his expression unreadable.Lucas seemed pleased with their reactions. He boasted, "Jessica and I have been together for five years. I only announced that Emily was my girlfriend because we had a fight. That's all.""So that's what happened…" Mr. Ashton nodded. "Now that you're back together, you should start planning your engagement ceremony."Mom had tears of joy in her eyes as she hugged me tightly. "Why didn't you tell me you've been with Lucas for five years? And now you're jumping straight into marriage? It's so sudden; I can barely keep up!"Guilt twisted in my chest. I couldn't bear to ruin their happiness, but I couldn't lie either. It took everything in me to speak up. "Lucas and I were together, but we have broken up. I have no intention of getting back together."The room fell quiet as everyone froze.The silence was swiftly broken when Lucas slammed his h