Leaving Me Alone at the Altar

When I called my biological parents, they were pleasantly surprised.My mother shrewdly noticed the disappointment in my voice and comforted me. "Joy, I'll say it again. If you're unhappy, don't forget that you have another home. Your father and I will always be waiting for you at home. Always.""I know. I still need another five days to sort out my resignation and complete the handover. Then, I'll return home!""Alright. We'll book your plane tickets for you then. Take the next few days to properly bid farewell to your brother. No matter what, your father and I will always be behind you, protecting and supporting you."Tears streamed out of the corners of my eyes. Alvin and Theodore had said that they'd always protect me and would always be my safe harbor.Theodore had even said that he would take me as his wife when he grew older and spend the rest of his life with me. He couldn't imagine being apart from me, not even for a second.So when my biological parents came looking, I

After packing my things, I went to the orphanage where I grew up to say goodbye to the director, Madam Jones, whose hair had gotten grayer over the years.I had bought her several years' worth of gifts in advance, then gave her a big farewell hug."My dearest Madam Jones, I'm leaving this place and going somewhere far, far away. I won't come back here for a long while."Madam Jones pinched my cheeks and asked, "Did someone bully you and make you unhappy, Joy? Where's your brother and Theodore? Why haven't those two looked after you? You don't look well at all."I gave a small laugh. "No one bullied me. I've simply found my real family, so please give me your well wishes."When I left the orphanage, my biological parents called to wish me a happy birthday. Along with their blessings, I received a notification that a million dollars had been transferred into my bank account.In the description that asked the reason for the transfer, "Happy birthday to our daughter!" was written.M

Theodore glanced at the invitation and frowned. He said, "It's just someone with the same name. The Forrester heiress has been studying abroad all this time. Moreover, Forrester Group is now a Fortune Global 500 company. If they were Joy's birth parents, then they would've come looking for her." Alvin thought that Theodore's explanation was reasonable. However, he felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness somewhere deep down, as if something important was slipping away from him.Meanwhile, I was having dinner with my biological parents at the Forrester residence."You really don't have to go through all this trouble, Mrs. Forrester," I said, feeling both moved and helpless as I stared at all the food that had been heaped onto my plate."You're still calling me Mrs. Forrester?" my mom asked, pouting.My face flushed pink at her comment. "Mom…""That's better! You're too thin. Come, eat more," she said while beaming at me. She even grabbed a spoonful of food and said, "Here, Joy.