Nothing Lasts for Eternity

"Are you finally planning to... go public with our relationship?" Sinead Green asked Nelson Lane as she looked at him with hope.Nelson raised his brow and gave her a sideways look. "Go public with what? My family set up a date for me at my home tomorrow. Come over and help keep things lively so she doesn't feel awkward."Sinead was shocked upon hearing those words.She could hear her heart beat as her mind went blank. "Your family is setting up a date for you? Then what am I supposed to be?"Nelson had already gotten up and was getting dressed. He simply gave Sinead a lazy glance as he said, "You? You're my friend for everything. My food buddy, my gaming buddy, and the one I sleep with to take care of each other's physical needs."A chill ran down Sinead's spine as the color drained from her face, her lips trembling.Seeing her expression, the smile on Nelson's face slowly faded. He leaned in toward her. "Come on, Sinead. You didn't really think we were boyfriend and girlfriend

By evening, the Lane family had a car ready to take them to the restaurant. Nelson, Irene, and Sinead sat together in the back seat.Nelson, who was in the middle seat, paid constant attention to Irene throughout the entire trip.He adjusted the air conditioning for her, found a blanket for her, handed her water, and even twisted the cap off the bottle.Sinead watched them chat as she sat on the left, quietly staring out the window. They were only halfway there when it started to rain cats and dogs.The road outside was dim, and the car in front had its high beams on. As they went downhill, the driver was dazed by the light and drove straight into the guardrail, unable to make the turn in time.In that instant, Nelson moved on instinct and wrapped Irene in his arms.Bang!The glass shattered inward. Sinead, sitting on the side, was slammed into the broken window and left covered in blood.A wave of searing pain tore through her body, and she felt as if she were coming apart. As

Just as Kenny and Opal were about to speak, Sinead answered first. "No one. You misheard."The two elders looked at her in surprise.Nelson did not notice his parents' strange looks and pulled Sinead out to the car. "Since you're here and done talking, come with me somewhere."They rode in silence the whole way.When the car finally stopped, Sinead realized he had brought her to a luxury store. He told the staff to bring out a huge pile of clothes, shoes, and bags, and had her try them on one by one.She frowned, baffled. "Why am I trying all of these on?"Nelson pushed her into the fitting room, his tone clear that it was not up for discussion. "Just try them."Sinead was about to refuse, but the staff had already closed the door and started unboxing everything.Every time she finished trying on one outfit, Nelson would take a picture, and then she would be pushed back into the fitting room again.Sinead tried on more than a hundred outfits over and over until she was exhaust

The next day.Halfway through the birthday party, Nelson and Irene announced the date for their wedding. Only then did Sinead realize that today was not just Nelson's birthday, but it was also their engagement party.Thunderous applause filled the hall as everyone offered their congratulations.Sinead sat alone in a corner as she watched them kiss with faces glowing with happiness, and she felt nothing at all.When it was time for the toasts, Irene walked over with her arm around Nelson's, smiling as she raised her glass. "Ms. Green, since you and Nelson are so close, will you be my bridesmaid on the day of our marriage?""Sorry, I already have plans for that day. I can't make it to the wedding," Sinead said.Sinead's clean refusal made Nelson's expression change on the spot. He gave her a cold look, his tone especially stiff. "Doesn't matter if she comes or not, as long as the gift shows up."Sinead gave a small nod, her voice light. "Don't worry. With our history, I'll definit

When Sinead saw Nelson accuse her without even trying to tell right from wrong, the hurt and grievance in her chest peaked.Even so, she forced herself to stay calm and tried to explain what had happened. "She was the one who got someone to try to rape me first! That fall down the stairs was her own act! If you don't believe me, go to the private room! That beggar is still..."Hearing this, Irene panicked too. She started crying as she tried to explain. "That's not true, Nelson. She cursed me and called me a homewrecker, saying I was getting between you and your childhood sweetheart! That's why… That's why she pushed me down the stairs. I didn't do anything! Why is she smearing my reputation like this?!"Between the two of them, Nelson believed Irene without question.He pulled her into his arms, and all his anger turned on Sinead, his voice cold as ice. "How could Irene possibly do anything like that? You're the one who was being completely unreasonable and pushed her down the sta