Chapter 7

The morning of the engagement party.

Julian stood in front of the mirror adjusting his bow tie. It was a dark crimson, looking just like dried blood. His phone kept vibrating, the name "Seraphina" flashing on the screen.

"Answer it," I said. I was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of cold coffee, my tone as casual as if I were discussing the weather.

Julian glanced at me, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He seemed caught off guard that I wasn't throwing a tantrum or giving him the silent treatment like usual. He picked up the phone, his voice instantly turning tender. "Don't worry, Seraphina... I know you're nervous... Is your leg hurting again? Okay, I'm coming to pick you up right now."

He hung up and looked at me somewhat unnaturally, explaining with a tone of charitable patience, "Seraphina says her leg is hurting bad. She can't handle the ride to the castle alone. I'm going to pick her up and take her to get her makeup done."

It was always like this. Every time Seraphina cried pain, he would abandon me without hesitation. Even today, on what was nominally "our" big day.

"Go ahead," I said, putting down the coffee cup. I even gave him a faint smile. "Don't keep her waiting."

Julian froze. He seemed to be scrutinizing me, looking for even a trace of jealousy or resentment on my face. But he failed. I was as calm as a stagnant pond.

"Elara, you're finally being sensible." He walked over, intending to kiss my forehead, but I smoothly dodged him by pretending to reach for something.

His hand paused in mid-air, then he withdrew it indifferently and adjusted his cuffs. "Pack your things. The driver will take you to the castle. Remember to wear the outfit I prepared for you, and don't be late. After tonight, everything will be better."

"Okay, I won't be late," I looked him in the eye and said softly. "I'm sending you a huge gift."

Julian smiled with satisfaction. He thought I had finally submitted, finally willing to bow my head to Seraphina for the sake of that illusory "future."

"Good girl."

With the heavy *thud* of the front door closing, his tall figure disappeared from sight.

The room returned to a deathly silence.

I stood up. I didn't change into that humiliating waitress uniform, nor did I wait for the driver. I picked up the suitcase I had packed long ago, took one last look at this cage I had lived in for three years, and walked out without looking back.

---

10:00 AM, JFK International Airport.

Rain poured down outside, meandering down the massive floor-to-ceiling windows like the tears I had run out of over the last three years.

I gripped a velvet box tightly in my hand. Inside lay the pink diamond ring Julian had once used to propose to me.

On the way to the airport, I had originally planned to mail it back to him. But suddenly, I felt he wasn't worthy. Mailing it to him implied I still had some response to him, even if it was anger.

I walked over to a trash can in the corner, looking at the priceless ring in my hand. Under the cold airport lights, it glinted with mockery.

"Goodbye, Julian."

I opened my hand.

*Thud.*

With a soft sound, the ring fell into the dirty trash, landing among discarded fast-food containers.

In that moment, I felt the final weight lift from my heart.

I pulled out my SIM card, snapped it in half without hesitation, and tossed it into the bin.

The boarding announcement echoed over the intercom. I grabbed my suitcase and headed for security.

This time, I didn't look back.

---

At the same time, Oheka Castle.

The banquet hall was resplendent, the champagne tower refracting dazzling light. The elite of New York had gathered, everyone eagerly awaiting the night's main event—the engagement ceremony between the CEO of Thorne Group and Miss Blackwood.

Julian stood center stage, checking his watch frequently, a trace of irritation flashing in his eyes.

He wasn't worried that I wouldn't come. He was certain I would—for the money, to beg him to "show mercy" and unfreeze the accounts, to save the father he thought was still alive.

"Julian, it's time. Why isn't Elara here yet?" Seraphina sat in her wheelchair, feigning concern as she looked toward the entrance. "Is she throwing a tantrum again just because you came to pick me up this morning?"

"She'll be here," Julian said. "She has no choice."

Just then, the heavy doors of the banquet hall were pushed open.

A spotlight instantly hit the entrance.

A figure walked in against the light, wearing a black gown and a black veil. Her height, her figure, even the way she walked looked exactly like me.

Julian's eyes lit up. He let out a sigh of relief, the corner of his mouth curving into a smile of total control.

"Looks like she finally learned her lesson."

He strode down the steps to meet the figure, lowering his voice. "Elara, wearing this is incredibly immature, but since you showed up, I'll take it as you admitting you were wrong..."

However, when he reached out to lift the veil, the woman took a step back.

She slowly raised her hand and lifted the veil herself.

A completely unfamiliar face appeared before everyone.

The crowd went into an uproar.

"Who are you? Where is Elara?" Julian's smile froze on his face as he demanded sharply.

The model impersonating me wasn't intimidated by his aura.

"Mr. Thorne, Miss Vance said she couldn't make it. She asked me to stand in for her."

Julian's whole body shook, a massive wave of panic instantly gripping his heart.

"What the hell does this mean..."

"Miss Vance said that once you watch this, you'll understand everything."

The model finished speaking and turned to signal the control booth.

The massive LED screen in the banquet hall flickered suddenly. Immediately after, a grainy surveillance video jumped onto the screen.

---

At the same time, JFK International Airport.

I pulled my suitcase through the gate.

Through the massive window, I saw a plane piercing through the rain curtain, flying toward the dawn above the clouds.

Goodbye, New York.

This time, I was truly free.