Chapter 3

Bridget's POV

My submission and compromise instantly caused the tense looks on their faces to vanish.

Edmond's tone became relaxed. "By the way, remember to transfer more funds into the family account. We'll be spending a lot while we're away, so don't let it run short and mess up our plans."

I listened silently. Deep down, I was well aware that the Crosses didn't give a damn about the money I worked myself to the bone to earn. All they cared about was their own pleasure.

In their minds, any objection I raised would automatically be labeled as stinginess and a refusal to share my wealth.

In the days that followed, the Crosses began a bustling shopping spree for the trip. They hadn't even set off yet, but they kept relentlessly bleeding my bank account dry. Notification after notification popped up on my phone, each spending alert piercing my heart like a needle.

A seven-night, all-inclusive stay at a high-end luxury overwater pool villa, reservations for an exclusive, private beach venue, private yacht excursions, complete sets of luxury island resort gear... One massive expense after another was deducted from my account.

Combined, the expenses quickly stacked up to tens of thousands of dollars. I had worked day and night, pinched pennies, and slaved away for an entire year just to save that money.

Meanwhile, the Crosses lounged in the living room, cheerfully choosing room layouts, comparing activities, and browsing vacation outfits. With hearts full of joy, they were planning a lavish tropical getaway that belonged entirely to them.

For the past few days, Leonard had come to placate me. Since he knew I was upset, his tone was even gentler than usual. Evidently, it was a calculated attempt to soothe my ruffled feathers.

In the afternoon, while he was browsing a luxury boutique, he bought an exquisite moonstone necklace from the display window. He sent me a message and promised softly, "This piece really complements your elegance. I paid for it out of my own pocket. I can't wait to give it to you when I get home!"

I stared down at my phone and ignored him. I had never cared about expensive jewelry, and I was insulted by this attempt to smooth things over with it.

All I desired was genuine companionship, being a priority in his life, and feeling like I actually mattered to the people I called family. He'd known that all along. He just couldn't be bothered to give it to me.

He actually thought a few sweet words and a necklace would be enough to erase my pain. It was utterly laughable.

If he genuinely loved me, how could he, in good conscience, blow through my money, abandon me at home, and jet off on a carefree vacation with his entire family and his childhood sweetheart? My heart turned cold, bit by bit, until it was entirely numb.

Just then, the family group chat, which had been silent for days, received a message from Rita. She had sent a group photo. In it, Cassandra was wearing a bikini that showed off her alluring figure, and she stood right by Leonard's side, snuggling incredibly close to him.

Rita openly tagged Cassandra's parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, look! What do you think of the swimsuit my brother picked out for Cassandra? Don't the two of them look perfect together?"

My fingertips stiffened in an instant, and the color drained from my face.

My gaze landed on Cassandra's neck, and I noticed that she was wearing the exact same necklace Leonard had promised to buy for me. The moonstone shimmered brilliantly, making her look all the more radiant and breathtaking.

It turned out that the gift that was supposedly meant just for me, the grand gesture he paid for out of his own pocket, was nothing but a secondhand prop, used first to please someone else. The very last trace of warmth in my heart completely vanished.

Without a moment's hesitation, I lightly tapped on the screen and said, "They do look perfect together."

The moment my message was sent, my phone rang. Leonard's name flashed across the screen. It was the first time he had called me on his own accord since they had started preparing for the trip.

I answered silently. Leonard's slightly panicky voice immediately came through the receiver. "Babe, don't read into it too much. Rita's just messing around and spouting nonsense! I only see Cassandra as my younger sister. She was just trying it on for me to see how it looked. I've already put it away, so please don't take it to heart."

I responded flatly, "I didn't read into anything. If anything, the fact that you're so eager to explain makes you seem guilty."

Leonard froze for a second before firing back, his tone laced with annoyance and impatience. "Look, I know you're still sulking about being left behind.

"I'm busy all year, and I rarely have time to take my parents out to unwind. I had no choice but to ask you to take one for the team by staying home, but you shouldn't weaponize this situation! Cassandra and I are innocent. Don't make wild guesses and ruin her reputation!"

Even at a moment like this, he was still looking out for Cassandra.

I let out a low, cynical chuckle. "I'm not weaponizing anything. Your relationship with Cassandra is none of my business. From now on, your matters have absolutely nothing to do with me!" With that, I hung up on him.

The instant my phone screen dimmed, a sudden, sharp ache gripped my chest, and a dense, suffocating bitterness spread through me. It left a lump in my throat and weighed heavily on my heart.

When all was said and done, I was all on my own, unwanted by my family and unloved by my mate. This mate bond and the family ties that I had painstakingly maintained were nothing more than a fragile bubble, bursting at the simplest touch.