Chapter 2

"I wish both of you eternal happiness," I said.

A deathly silence descended upon the villa the moment the words left my lips. Everyone stared at each other with wide eyes.

However, no one noticed the flush that had crept up Cristina's face.

"Must you do this, Serafina? We were just playing a game," Teodoro said while frowning, looking rather upset.

"Si. It is just a game, but I'm writing the ending for you. Shouldn't you feel happy that I'm helping you?" I asked calmly.

Teodoro's expression turned steely.

Cristina discreetly curled her hands into tight fists when she noticed how Teodoro's expression had twisted.

"What are you saying, Serafina? What do you mean you're giving us your blessing? I think there's been a misunderstanding. Teodoro and I always played like this ever since we were children. Don't tell me that you have a problem with that?"

She then removed the ring from her finger and threw it at me.

Coincidentally, the ring hit the corner of my eye, causing the skin to split open.

Blood dripped from the wound as the ring clattered to the floor. The bright red was especially vivid against my skin.

Everyone was astonished by the sudden turn of events.

Panic flickered across Teodoro's face, and he started moving toward me.

"I know that you're not actually as benevolent as you present yourself to be. I know that you can't accept the childhood bond that Teodoro and I share."

Teodoro halted his footsteps upon hearing Cristina's words that were laced with dejection, saying, "This has nothing to do with you, Cristina. We played like this ever since we were children. She just doesn't understand us."

He gently wiped away the tears on Cristina's face. He then looked at me and spat, "Why can't you be a little more understanding?"

I didn't say a word as I bent over and picked up the diamond ring. With everyone watching, I threw it into the trash.

"Why did she just throw the ring away?"

"I don't understand either. Didn't it cost three million dollars?"

"We should find it as soon as possible. We can't just let her throw it away."

Complaints filled the air as they began to rummage through the trash to look for the ring.

"It means nothing to me anymore since nobody wants it," I said calmly.

My voice was soft, yet every word cut cleanly through the noise.

The people looking for the ring immediately stopped what they were doing, looked up, and scrutinized me.

They couldn't believe how uncharacteristically calm I was. In the past, whenever Teodoro showed even a little bit of affection toward Cristina, I would lose my temper and make a fuss.

Teodoro's expression twisted upon hearing my words.

"Did I do something wrong, Teodoro?" Cristina asked when she noticed his expression. "Is Serafina actually angry this time? Maybe we should stop playing this game. But… We've always played like this ever since we were children. Can't Serafina be a little more understanding?"

Teodoro's troubled expression immediately morphed into nonchalance upon hearing Cristina's words.

The people, who had stopped rummaging through the trash for the ring, also resumed their search after a few moments.

I swept my gaze across the people there and watched as Teodoro quietly comforted Cristina, murmuring, "No, you didn't do anything wrong. She's just too petty. We've always played together like this. She'll get used to it eventually."

I turned around and strode toward the door after hearing Teodoro's and Cristina's conversation.

Teodoro grabbed Cristina's wrist. He raised his voice and said, "Stop looking."

The people who were searching for the ring stopped once more and turned to look at him.

Teodoro didn't bother hiding his fury as he said, "She shouldn't have shown up if she's going to act so petty. It's not as if we begged her to join us. If she leaves, she won't be joining us anymore in the future."

I felt as if a heavy weight was crushing my heart when I heard Teodoro's words.

Cristina was the one who disrespected me first. I was Teodoro's fiancee, and yet she had forcefully kissed him right in front of my face. Why was Teodoro pinning the blame on me instead?

In the past, I would have stood up for myself and argued with him. But I had lost interest in defending myself to him. Besides, it wasn't as if I would be achieving anything even if I won the argument.

If Teodoro truly cared for me, he wouldn't hurt me and upset me over and over again.

A sour sensation spread through my chest as I did my best to suppress the tremors that racked through my body. I forced a small smile onto my face.

I waved my hand and said, "Have fun. Don't forget to invite me to your wedding."