Chapter 2

"Just what?" I took a step closer to Justin and sneered. "Were you ‘just’ afraid I would find out about your affair? Or did Callie give you the idea that I wouldn't have the energy to watch you if my health deteriorates, so you'd have more freedom to explore your passions in bed?"

Callie's head jerked up, and she said shrilly, "That's slander, Elise! Justin stops by my place occasionally because he was worried about me. You have a career and a happy family, while I have a terminal illness. Why can't you show me some sympathy?"

"Terminal illness?"

Everyone looked at her differently when they heard those words, and they started to show her sympathy. Justin noticed the change in the crowd and quickly took advantage of it.

"That's right! Stop being petty about this. Callie and I have been friends for years, and she just wanted to experience the occasional bout of happiness with me during her final days. What's wrong with that?"

"Occasional?" I muttered before bursting out with sardonic laughter. "Are you describing 18 boxes of birth control pills within three months as ‘occasional’? Elise, are you treating Justin as your personal vending machine, or do you have an endless craving for lust?"

"How dare you!" Elise was trembling with anger, and tears started streaming down her face. She staggered and looked like she was about to fall the next second.

"Did you hear what she said, Justin? How could she say that about our pure relationship?"

Justin reacted by shielding her behind him, but when he noticed my cold gaze and looks of disdain from the crowd, his hand froze midair. I ignored their 'best buddy' performance and picked up the microphone to face the guests.

I took a deep breath and tried to hold back any sobs, leaving only calmness in my voice. "My dear friends and family, you were invited today to witness Justin's and my engagement, but it looks like we have disappointed everyone.

"My relationship with Justin has always been obstructed by the pure, innocent 'friendship' he has with his so-called buddy, whom he has to comfort with his body. Therefore, this engagement is off."

I raised my hand and took off my engagement ring without hesitation.

"Elise!" Justin panicked and tried to stop me. "I can explain! It's not what you think. I really do love you!"

"Explain?" I raised an eyebrow and sniggered. I raised the diamond ring in the air and flicked it away, watching it fly into the distance. It landed at Celeste’s feet, and she picked up the ring to take a closer look at it.

"J loves C forever?"

My expression fell when I heard Celeste read the inscription out loud. I snatched the ring to confirm what I saw, and it was true that the initials J and C were inscribed on it as ‘J Loves C 4Eva’.

"Justin loves Callie forever? Is this what you mean when you say you love me, Justin?

"Do you love me so much that you inscribed your initials with Callie's on my ring so that she'll always be a part of our relationship for the rest of our lives?"

It made me feel nauseous to think about how many times Justin and Callie had slept together before he returned to me every night to hold me in his arms. I felt like throwing up right then, but I had to stop Justin from coming near me by yelling at him sternly.

"If this is your love for me, I think it's better if you keep it for your wonderful buddy, Callie. I can't afford to accept such great love from you.

"Also, I'd like to wish you all the best in your friendship. I hope you lead happy lives together and have a baby soon. Just a piece of advice: the birth control pills that you're taking aren't great for your well-being.

"If you want to continue having fun in bed without having to face the consequences of pregnancy, get a vasectomy instead."

With that, I turned to leave without giving them a second glance.

Celeste followed behind me and hugged my arms while saying in a whisper, "Good one! Don't worry. Let me handle the rest."

Justin's frustrated roar was heard behind me, while Callie started fake crying. Our parents started arguing violently amid the chaos, and the guests gossiped about what happened.

All the noise vanished behind me as I walked away.

My back was straight as I walked slowly out of the disgusting party venue.

When I exited the hotel doors, the night breeze blew on me, and I took a deep breath of the cold air. Suddenly, I could no longer hold back my nausea. I ran to the roadside and started retching.

That adulterous pair was nothing but disgusting to me!

Celeste patted my back gently and handed me a bottle of water. "It's not worth it to throw up over a jerk like him."

I took the water from Celeste and washed my mouth. After that, I stood up with a cold look in my eyes. "Now that I'm done throwing up, it's their turn."