In the weeks that followed, I followed my parents' wishes and started learning how to run the family business.The incident between Anna and me at the wedding was also cleared up. Once the security footage was released, the truth came to light immediately.I heard that Anna begged Terrence for days, pleading with him not to kick her out. She said she was willing to do anything, as long as she could stay in the Fletcher family. After all, there was no way my family would take her back.As for the rumors about Tristan in Brisden, they were nothing more than claims about how ruthless and cold-blooded he was. He wouldn't spare anyone who betrayed him, including his own family.But I wasn't afraid. What mattered to me was the respect and kindness Tristan showed me, and I made sure to reciprocate that in kind. That was enough for me.I saw Terrence again one night. He was clearly drunk, gripping my wrist tightly, refusing to let me leave.Upon seeing the couple's bracelet with the lett
"Terrence's car is still outside, Mabel. Aren't you going down?" Mom asked.I shook my head. "Just ignore him."Sure enough, two hours later, Terrence drove away.After everything that had happened, my parents felt sad for me. They were even willing to cut business ties with the Fletcher family.The social circle in Newenport buzzed with speculation regarding the rift between our families. It wasn't just the abrupt cancellation of the wedding, but the entire business arrangement was scrapped as well.Some insiders claimed I had caused a scene out of jealousy, ruining everything. So, when I showed up at a party I was invited to, people looked at me with thinly veiled contempt."That's her. The bitch who ruined her own cousin's wedding."Someone even tried to spill red wine on me as I walked past. But just then, a familiar chest appeared before me, and a pair of arms wrapped around me in a protective embrace, shielding me from the impending splash. I glanced up and met Terrence'
Anna was clearly in a terrible mood. At first, Terrence still tried to soothe her patiently.He promised her he would make it up to her with an even more exquisite and flawless wedding. He even said he would whisk her away on a honeymoon around Elandra.But when she still wouldn't cheer up, Terrence narrowed his eyes. "Annie, since when did you become so hard to please?"Anna panicked instantly. Tears streamed down her face in a picture-perfect display of sorrow. "Terrence, you've got it wrong. I was really looking forward to the wedding today. Now that it's ruined, of course I'm upset."Terrence's heart softened slightly, and his tone eased. "I've punished Mabel for you."Anna felt it wasn't enough. She wished Mabel would just drop dead. They had come from similar backgrounds. However, she couldn't understand why Mabel enjoyed a comfortable life while she had to fight, scheme, and grovel just to get scraps.But she had to keep up appearances; she had to be the understanding
Recovering the surveillance footage would take some time. Tristan mentioned that he had majored in computer science and had even attended the same university as I did.I felt a little dazed. Back then, I had been completely focused on Terrence that I hadn't paid attention to any other guy. If I had, I would've remembered someone as outstanding as Tristan.Anna tugged nervously at Terrence's sleeve. "Terrence, I remember you bought me ten wedding dresses. If this one's ruined, I can just wear another. Let's go ahead and finish the ceremony."Terrence pulled his hand away, looking uneasy as he watched me leave with Tristan. He couldn't explain it, but it felt like everything was getting out of his control. "Next time. Be good," he said. Terrence ignored the longing in Anna's eyes and insisted on calling off the wedding.Sensing his foul mood, Anna didn't dare push him.When I heard the news, I was shocked too. It had only been a little over a month since the cruise party. Terr
My dress was cut to shreds that it was barely covering me.Tristan Brown removed his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders. Then, he gently used his tie to wipe the lipstick from my face.Only then did he spare a glance at Terrence. "Do you even have to ask? Isn't it obvious? I'm Mabel's boyfriend."Terrence clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on Tristan's hand at my waist. He had a bracelet that matched mine. It was a couple's set.Two seconds later, he relaxed, the tension fading from his body. A knowing look appeared on his face, as if he had seen through everything. "Not bad, Mabel. You even found someone to play along with your little act. Where'd you hire this actor? He's really committed to the role."Seeing that Terrence's attention had been diverted, Anna started sobbing again. "Mabel, you already have a boyfriend. All the more reason you should've let go of your feelings for Terrence sooner. "Why make a scene like this? What's the point? Are you trying to have i
"No, you're overthinking it." Even if last night didn't happen, I had already booked the haircut in advance.Terrence clearly didn't believe me. His eyes swept over me from head to toe. "You should know I don't like women with short hair. If this is some stunt to get my attention, it's a pretty stupid one."I ignored him and went back to my room and changed into a red dress I hadn't worn in ages. Its bold color was striking and attention-grabbing.When I walked out, Terrence was leaning against the railing. He cast me a glance that was neither welcoming nor dismissive. However, I noticed his grip tighten around the railing, the veins on the back of his hand bulging.Just then, Anna hugged him from behind. "Terrence, Mabel's changed so much lately. Do you think she's still upset? Maybe she hasn't forgiven us for getting engaged?"Terrence looked away. "Let her act out all she wants. Once she realizes her little trick doesn't work, she'll go back to her old self."I left without lo