Chapter 2

Sean rushed over, immediately pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the wine from Selena's face.

"I'm fine, Sean," she said, eyes red as she fought back tears. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have said those things and embarrassed Ms. Rowley."

Hearing her choked voice, Sean's eyes filled with concern. His breathing grew heavier, anger beginning to show. "It's not your fault. You didn't say anything wrong."

He then looked up at me coldly. "Louise, are you done causing a scene? This is an engagement party, not a place for your tantrums. Ms. White is a guest I invited, not someone for you to vent on. Apologize to her."

Apologize? I almost laughed from exasperation. The pain I'd just suppressed began to rise again.

"Sean." I forced myself to stay calm, though my voice still trembled slightly. "I didn't touch her at all. So, I will not apologize. And since she deliberately framed me, she should be the one apologizing to me."

Sean froze for a moment at my stubbornness, as if he had never seen this side of me before.

Just then, Selena suddenly pushed him aside and struggled to her feet. "Sean, don't argue with Ms. Rowley because of me. I was being insensitive and ruined your engagement party."

As she spoke, she took off his coat and placed it into my hands. "Louise, don't misunderstand. I've always been frail since I was young. That's why Sean takes extra care of me."

At that moment, Sean seemed to realize something. His expression darkened completely as he said, "It's just a coat. You went so far because of that? Louise, I don't even know who you are anymore."

With that, he tossed the coat onto me in front of everyone. "Since you want it so badly, take it. Wear it as long as you like." Then, he pulled Selena into his arms and strode away, ignoring the crowd.

All the guests turned to look at me. Some expressions were curious, some were mocking. But I felt nothing anymore. I simply took the coat in my arms and casually tossed it into a nearby trash can.

The night wind was cold, cutting straight through my skin. But I didn't want to shed another tear over him. For the sake of my child, who hadn't even been born yet and didn't deserve to feel this pain with me, I would be strong.

After the party ended, chaos broke out in the Benson family. The day's incident quickly reached the ears of Sean's father, George Benson.

George called Sean into his study and gave him an earful. "If Louise's father hadn't gone to prison in my place back then, do you think you would still be the respectable Mr. Benson that you are today?"

Sean's eyes were bloodshot as he yelled back, "That was your debt! Why should I be the one to repay it? Do you know how heartbroken Selena was the day we broke up? At that moment, I wished Louise would just die in an accident so all of this could end…"

Bang!

George grabbed a cup and hurled it at Sean. "Say that again if you dare! When you were kids, you followed Louise around everywhere like a lost puppy. And now, you're cursing her to die because of another woman?

"I'm warning you one last time. Go make things right with Louise. Otherwise, I can have you replaced as the Benson family heir at any time."

I stood outside, leaning against the wall. When Sean came out, blood was trickling from his head, and his eyes were red. There was a hatred in his gaze that I had never seen before.

So, all this time, being close to me was so painful for him. I let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Don't worry, Sean. It won't be long before I give you back your freedom.

Not long after I returned to my room, Sean knocked on the door and handed me a gift box. "I was impulsive today," he said in a flat tone, not even looking at me.

I gave a soft "Mmm" in response and took the box.

Seeing my indifference, he hesitated, then asked, "Have you changed the wedding invitations?"

I nodded. Only then did his expression ease slightly. He told me to get some rest before turning to leave.

I opened the box. Inside was a one-of-a-kind necklace—extremely valuable. Beneath it was a card that read, "Happy birthday, Selena."

I tossed the box aside. Then, I began drafting new wedding invitations. I changed the date and also the groom's name.