Chapter 4

Right away, I realized what was happening. It wasn't really an adjustment to the media segment. Everyone was just afraid I'd ruin the event if I went up on stage for the interview as well.

All I could do was stand below the stage and watch as Henry and Ruby walked up side by side. The spotlight fell on them, and every camera followed them.

As for me, I was relegated to the back of the crowd like some unwanted presence.

Soon, the host asked with a smile, "I hear there's another surprise in store today. Mr. Upton, are you planning to more important do something even more special on such a special occasion?"

The crowd started cheering. Some people applauded, while the others shouted, "Pop the question!"

Once again, it became crystal clear to me that he had never intended to make my relationship with him public.

I turned to leave, but a staff member stopped me. He smiled, handed me a cue card, and said, "We've reserved a seat up front for his family and friends. Please hurry over. You wouldn't want to miss this special moment."

I glanced at the cue card. A note had been written on it. It was what Henry used to say whenever he comforted me—his favorite promise to use.

"In the future, during all of the most important moments of my life, I will make sure you're there, standing closest to me."

Clutching the cue card, I slowly made my way forward.

Onstage, a staff member had already handed the flowers to Henry.

Ruby stood beside him, tears glistening in her eyes, looking as though she really had been waiting for this moment for many years.

Professor Harding sat in the front row, her face glowing with joy and satisfaction. Everyone was smiling. Everyone was waiting to witness the perfect ending to a fairytale love story.

I was the only one who knew whose pain that perfect ending had been built on.

When I reached the very front, Henry saw me and froze visibly.

For a moment, I foolishly thought that he'd put an end to everything and tell the truth for once. However, at the very next second, Ruby took his hand. He still took the ring box and turned to face her.

The applause rang out once more. Standing below the stage, I felt chilled to the bone.

Even then, Ruby wasn't satisfied yet.

She looked toward me, her eyes red, and said, "Natasha, what I want to hear the most are the well wishes from my best friend."

With that single sentence, she thrust me directly in front of every camera. If I said nothing, I would look petty. If I walked away, I would seem guilty. If I made a scene, everyone would believe the rumors online were true.

Nevertheless, I didn't lose my composure. I simply looked at Henry and asked one last time, "Henry Upton, which relationship are you going to make public today?"

The entire venue fell silent.