Chapter 2

Miles' tone carried a hint of mockery. "Drop the act. Even if he gives you the payment details, can you even afford it?"

"Jasmine, even if you've been selling Miles' gifts from time to time, it still wouldn't add up to a million dollars."

I turned. Elena's face was tight with worry. "Please don't blow half your life savings just because you're upset!"

Miles' friends looked at me with obvious disdain. "Did you know about that, Miles? You put so much thought into every gift you gave her, yet she actually had the nerve to sell them behind your back!"

Miles' expression darkened further. "What do you take me for, Jasmine?"

I shrugged. "I've never sold anything you gave me."

He clearly didn't believe me. "Elena is your best friend. Why would she slander you out of the blue?"

Elena was my best friend. We had known each other since we were kids.

Then, I lived abroad with my parents for more than a decade. When I returned five years ago and reconnected with her, I realized I didn't really know her at all anymore.

I checked the time. I didn't want to drag this out any longer. This farce had gone on long enough.

"Whatever floats your boat." I turned to leave. "My parents have waited long enough. I'm leaving."

Miles assumed I had given in. He spoke to me like he was doing me a favor. "Out of respect for your parents, I'll let you head downstairs first. We'll proceed with the wedding after I calm Elena down. After the ceremony, I want you to apologize to Elena properly."

Ignoring him, I walked straight toward the elevator. When I arrived on the first floor, I found my parents waiting anxiously in the lounge.

"Dad, Mom," I called out solemnly. "The wedding is canceled. Let's go."

Even though I tried my best to hold it together, my throat still tightened, and a dull ache spread through my chest. I had always been emotional around my parents.

The man I had spoken so highly of to them countless times ended up disappointing me in the worst way. Without saying a word, my mother helped me out of my wedding gown.

…

An hour later, I arrived at the place Miles and I shared, and my phone began to vibrate nonstop. Miles' name kept flashing across the screen. So, I set my phone to Do Not Disturb.

Ten minutes later, he burst through the door, anger written all over his face. Elena followed right behind him.

"I was upstairs cleaning up the mess you made, Jasmine. I was only an hour late. I can't believe you actually left!" he growled, the vein on his temple throbbing. "I'm about to sign a major deal with IS Global Group. How dare you embarrass me at a time like this? Believe it or not, I'll dump your ass right now!"

I zipped up my suitcase and responded calmly, "I thought we had already broken up. Did you just realize that right now?"

Elena hurriedly stepped forward, her eyes wide with innocence and earnestness. "Please don't say that, Jasmine. It's all my fault, okay? I'll apologize. I'll take the blame.

"I'll do anything to make you forgive me! Please don't fight with Miles, okay? His reputation is really important right now."

I had watched her put on this act for five long years. Whenever there was a man around, she would always become the picture of understanding and innocence. Even I sometimes fell for it.

Miles immediately pulled her behind him. "You're not the one who should apologize. You've always looked out for her, and she can't do even a fraction of what you've done.

"Jasmine, if you're dead set on breaking up with me, compensate me for the ceremony first!"

His ice-cold gaze landed on me, waiting for me to make a fool of myself. I picked up my phone, unlocked it, and pulled up the payment confirmation.

I'd already paid a million dollars in full.

His eyes widened for a split second before he sneered, "Wow, you really came prepared. That screenshot almost looks real."

He glanced at the suitcase on the floor. "I know you're only acting out because you want my attention, and you want to feel important. You're packing your bags for our honeymoon, right?

"I'll give you one last chance. You don't have to pay for the wedding anymore. Come back to the hotel with me and go through the ceremony. I'll even take you to the partnership conference next month so you can enjoy the spotlight."

I shifted my gaze to the jewelry box on the vanity. I had no intention of taking any of those beautiful pearls and gemstones with me. Since his heart wasn't in it anymore, those gifts were nothing more than cold stones.

The wedding he used as leverage, and the rewards he dangled right in front of me as though he was doing me a favor—I didn't want any of it anymore.

"I'm not going through with the wedding, and that's final." I crouched down and continued packing my belongings.

"You're unbelievable!" Miles pointed right at my nose. He was so livid that he was at a total loss for words.