Winter Lags, Spring Unmet

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All these years with my boyfriend, Simon Stone, he had trampled me into the dirt, and I had still taken it without complaint.

I booked restaurants for every girlfriend he had, picked out gifts for them, and even went to hotels late at night to deliver ultra-thin condoms for him.

Everyone snickered, calling a wealthy heiress a selfless unpaid errand girl who acted far beneath her station.

Even when Simon announced right in front of me that he was going to marry the substitute for the one who got away, he was certain I would not leave.

But Simon did not know that I was getting married too.

My new husband was someone Simon could not afford to offend, and could never hope to reach.

Wendy Wilson POV

At ten oclock that night, Simon called.

Tiramisu from Oceanview Patisserie. Deliver it to Riverside Club within an hour.

I had just been about to ask why he wanted it so late, but he had already hung up.

Oceanview Hotel had closed long before ten.

I dug out the owners private number and paid triple the price to have them make a new tiramisu.

Over the past few years, my phone had filled up with numbers like this.

Famous cake shops, Michelin-starred restaurant managers, VIP concierges at jewelry stores.

All of them were contacts I had accumulated while running errands for Simons girlfriends.

At eleven, I stood outside the private room with the takeout box in my hand.

Just as I raised my hand to knock, I heard bursts of laughter from inside.

Simon, you really have the nerve to order her around. Making an heiress deliver dessert for you in the middle of the night? Shes your official fiance, you know.

So what if shes my fiance? A fiance should know her place even more. Shes willing.

She really is. An heiress acting like a simpfirst time Ive ever seen it. Last time, Simon pretended to be drunk, and she came running over with hangover medicine. You poured it into the trash right in front of her, and she actually smiled and said shed buy something else next time.

More than that. Simons girlfriends birthday gifts, breakup payoffswhich one hasnt she handled? Every time Simon changes girlfriends, she knows whether the girl likes sweet or spicy better than his secretary does.

The laughter grew louder.

Enough. Simons lazy voice sounded.

My grip tightened around the gift box. Was Simon stepping in for me?

Phoebe wanted the tiramisu. Dont fight over it later.

So he was not defending me.

He just thought the topic was not worth continuing.

I gave a self-mocking smile, laughing at myself for never learning.

Phoebe Ford, I silently repeated the name.

Another new girlfriend.

I had already lost count of which one this was.

Simon changed girlfriends more often than he changed clothes, and every one of them looked somewhat like Chloe Harris.

For each one, I, his fiance, was responsible for figuring out her lipstick shade, dietary restrictions, and preferred handbag brands.

When those women had birthdays, I was in charge of ordering cakes and choosing gifts.

When they threw tantrums, I was in charge of ordering flowers and booking restaurants.

When Simon wanted to break up with them, I was the one who took a check to negotiate and smooth things over.

The worst of it was that Simon would even send me a hotel room number in the middle of the night and tell me to deliver ultra-thin condoms.

When the woman opened the door for me, she would not even be wearing clothes.

I had never told Simons mother, Mrs. Stone, about any of this.

Mrs. Stone had a heart condition. I was afraid she would not be able to take it.

Mrs. Stone thought Simon and I had only had a fight and that there was a little distance between us.

Every time she saw me, she would hold my hand and say, Simon has you in his heart. He just hasnt figured it out yet. Wait a little longer. Once he matures, everything will be fine.

For five years, I had been waiting.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the private room.

The room was packed with Simons friends.

The looks they gave me were full of contempt and schadenfreude.

On the main sofa, Simon sat with his long legs crossed, Phoebe in his arms.

He had his head lowered and was kissing her as if no one else were there.

One hand gripped the back of Phoebes neck, while the other moved back and forth over her thigh.

Phoebes pale legs were curled over his knees. She tried to dodge but did not really get away, her face flushed as she let him do as he pleased.

Hearing the door open, Simon lifted his head. Phoebes lipstick was still smeared on his lips.

When he saw it was me, he pecked the corner of Phoebes mouth again.

Put it on the table.

I placed the food box on the table, opened it, and set out the tiramisu.

Phoebe sat up from Simons arms and timidly called out, Wendy Wilson.

I looked up at her.

Phoebes face was still flushed, and so were her eyes. She looked like a startled little deer.

Phoebe really did look like Chloe Harris. At least seventy percent similar.

Among all the substitute girlfriends Simon had found, she was the one who resembled Chloe the most.

Oh, Wendy Wilson delivered it herself. Phoebe, youd better thank Wendy properly.

Simons buddy Gary Walsh jeered in a mocking tone.

Thank her for what? another person laughed. Wendy is so generous. Shes used to it.

Laughter rose and fell around the room.

My face showed no expression. I had heard things like this too many times.

After putting away the takeout box, I turned to leave.

Stop. Simon spoke unhurriedly. Who said youre free to leave?

I halted and looked back.

Let me introduce you. Simon pulled Phoebe closer into his arms. Phoebe Ford, my girlfriend.

Youre welcome to go complain to my mom again. But Im going to marry her.

Phoebes eyes widened slightly at his words. Then she lowered her head, twisting the hem of her skirt between her fingers, looking as if happiness had struck her so suddenly she did not know what to do.

Phoebe isnt like you. Shes innocent, clean, and doesnt have so many schemes.

Simon warned me coldly, If you dare use those dirty tricks again, I wont let you off.

Dirty tricks.

I stood where I was, my fingertips digging into my palm.

I knew what he was referring to.

Five years ago, Simon had cheated on me with Chloe Harris.

That night, I had originally gone to find Simon and break up with him.

But my father, Gordon Wilson, drugged Simons wine.

In the end, I did not get to bring up the breakup. Simon took me in that hotel room for the entire night.

When I woke the next day, the sky had fallen.

Chloe cried as she broke up with him, then turned around and left the country, becoming the thorn Simon could never pull out of his heart.

And the blame for drugging him was pinned on me.

I explained, but Simon did not believe me.

Mrs. Stone also told Simon that Chloe had not left in anger because of that incident.

Instead, she had happily left after taking five million from Mrs. Stone.

But after Simon heard that, he smashed up the study, saying I had colluded with Mrs. Stone to make up lies and smear Chloe.

From then on, my nightmare began.

It was not that I did not want to leave.

But the specialty medication that kept my grandmother, Helen Shaw, alive was in Gordon Wilsons hands, and Gordon forced me to please Simon.

I had once foolishly hoped that if I waited until his anger faded, waited until he grew up, waited until one day he believed me.

I waited for five years.

All I got in return was him getting worse and worse, announcing in front of a room full of people that he would marry another woman.

All of a sudden, I felt exhausted.

The string that had been pulled taut in my heart for five years snapped silently.

I nodded and said softly, Dont worry. I wont.

Simon froze.

I knew what he was thinking.

I had not been like this before.

In the past, at a time like this, I should have had red-rimmed eyes, speaking gently as I coaxed him and begged him.

But now, I simply stood there calmly, as if I were looking at someone who had nothing to do with me.

Good. He looked away and awkwardly added, Its going to rain. Have Leo drive you back. Dont stand here being an eyesore.

I did not refuse. I turned and walked out.

The car had not been on the road for ten minutes when the rain came pouring down.

Sheets of rain battered the windshield. Even with the wipers on their highest setting, the road ahead was hard to see.

Ms. Wilson, something urgent suddenly came up at home. Get out at the intersection ahead and take a cab back. The rain is heavy and the roads are slippery, so I wont make the detour.

When the driver, Leo Lewis, said this, he did not even turn his head.

I looked at the curtain of rain outside the window and understood.

This stretch of road was difficult to drive. He did not want to take the long way in such heavy rain to send me home.

It was not the first time something like this had happened.

Last time, when I rode in Leos car, we hit traffic on the way, and he dropped me off directly at the entrance to the overpass.

Simon did not care about me, so naturally the people under him did not take me seriously either.

They would only step on me harder than Simon did.

Fine. Stop here.

I got out of the car.

The rain was so heavy I could barely stand steady. I held my umbrella and walked forward, the canopy almost flipped over by the wind.

I stood in the rain for a long time, soaked through and shivering from the cold, before I finally managed to hail a taxi.

The driver looked at me through the rearview mirror. In rain this heavy, no one from your family came to pick you up?

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and did not answer.

I took out my phone. The messages in the friend group were still from the afternoon.

Breaking news! The Kingsley family has made an announcement. Julian Kingsley, the heir of the wealthy family, is taking a wife, with a wedding fund of ten billion!

Even with ten billion, no one would dare marry him, right? Ever since Julian Kingsley went blind in that car accident three years ago, his personality changed completely. Hes terrifyingly violent. I heard the last caregiver ran away after three days. No heiress from any family is willing.

Exactly. Its not like were short on money. No matter how rich the Kingsley family is, its still a living hell. Marrying into that family is jumping straight into a fire pit.

I thought of the ugly face Gordon Wilson showed when he used Helen Shaws medicine to bully me.

I thought of the way Simon had said he was going to marry Phoebe Ford.

I thought of the torrential rain outside.

No matter how terrible that fire pit was, it could not be harder to endure than what I had now.

At the very least, it was a way to leave Simon Stone and Gordon Wilson.

I would be the Kingsley familys daughter-in-law.

Wendy Wilson POV

By the time I got home, it was already one in the morning.

I stood at the entrance of the walk-in closet, looking at the display wall dedicated to jewelry.

Simon loved gifting me jewelry. He claimed dresses and handbags fell out of fashion fast, but fine jewelry lasted a lifetime, and once promised Id own more pieces than his mother. It could be worn for a lifetime.

Mrs. Stone had an entire cabinet full of jewels, all of them gifts from Simons father, Michael Stone.

Simon once said, Im going to make sure you have even more jewelry than my mom.

So on my birthdays, he gave me necklaces. On Valentines Day, he gave me bracelets. On anniversaries, he gave me earrings.

Not a single year was missed.

I opened the cabinet door and took the pieces out one by one.

The ruby choker was something Simon had put on me himself on my eighteenth birthday.

The clasp was too small. He fumbled with it several times, and I laughed so hard I bent back and forth.

The pink diamond bracelet was carved from a rough gemstone hed traveled fourteen hours to Myanmars mines to handpick, before flying all the way to Antwerp for custom cuttingthe entire process took a month and a half.

Then he flew to Antwerp to find someone to process it. The whole thing took him a month and a half.

When he came back, his flight was delayed, and he did not arrive downstairs at my place until four in the morning.

He was so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open, but he still insisted on stuffing the box into my hands before going back to sleep.

The sapphire earrings were won at Christie's.

At the time, the bidding had reached thirty million, and everyone in the room thought he had lost his mind. Even the auctioneer confirmed it more than once.

Simon held up his paddle without changing expression and only said, My girlfriend likes them.

I took them off one by one and placed them into a box.

There was also a butterfly brooch, a long pearl necklace, a full-diamond bracelet...

I remembered the origin of every single piece. I remembered the look on his face when he chose them. I remembered him personally putting them on me and saying, Beautiful.

Back then, Simon only had eyes for me.

The same person could fly halfway across the world for me five years ago, yet five years later, he had his driver abandon me in a rainstorm.

These heavy pieces of jewelry proved that Simon had once loved me.

But only once.

I put the jewelry box away, took a hot shower, and slept soundly.

Early the next morning, I was shaken awake by my phone.

Message notifications came one after another, ringing nonstop.

I opened Moments, and Simons post was at the very top.

The photo was a group picture from the private room last night.

Phoebe was nestled in his arms, her face still red.

Simon had an arm around her shoulders, his chin resting against the top of her head.

The caption read:

Getting ready to bring her home as my wife.

The comments section exploded.

Some people were sincerely offering congratulations, some were asking about Phoebes background, but even more were making snide remarks.

What about Wendy? Is he officially dumping her for good?

Hahahaha, finally separated from the personal nanny who followed him around for five years.

Wendys probably crying her eyes out in the bathroom after seeing this.

My private messages were even uglier than the comments.

Plenty of people had specifically come to ask me:

Did you see it?

Are you okay?

I told you a long time ago he didnt like you.

There was not a shred of concern in their words. They were all just watching the show.

I placed my phone face down on the bed, and that familiar dull ache came back in my chest.

I thought I had already let go last night, but when I saw that photo, my heart still spasmed with pain.

A habit built over five years could not be quit in a single day.

But this time, I had already decided to leave.

Before I even had time to put down my phone, Gordon Wilson barged in.

I hurriedly stood up.

Before I could steady myself, Gordons slap landed across my face.

The blow knocked my head to the side, my ears buzzing.

Useless.

Gordon cursed at me without pause. You cant even hold on to a man. What use are you to me?

I slowly lifted my head.

My face burned with pain, and I tasted blood in my mouth.

Ever since Simon grew disgusted with me, Gordon had either beaten me or cursed at me.

Every time Simon was unhappy, Gordon would withhold Helen Shaws medicine from me.

All these years, for Helens medicine, I had endured it.

But today, without even thinking, I raised my hand and slapped him back.

Gordon froze. Then his entire body trembled with rage. In the next second, furious, he instinctively looked around for something to hit me with.

You actually dare hit me

Youre just short on money, arent you? I interrupted him.

Gordons movements stopped.

Julian Kingsley is looking for a wife. I looked at him. The wedding fund is ten billion. Im willing to marry him.

Gordons expression changed from rage to wariness, then from wariness to greed. Finally, he studied me suspiciously.

Are you playing me? Who doesnt know Julian Kingsley is blind and has a violent temper? Marrying him would be like going to prison. Youd be willing?

I have conditions.

Gordon narrowed his eyes and sized me up.

Go on.

The day I go to the Kingsley family, you give me the formula for Helen Shaws medicine.

Gordon stared at me. I knew what he was thinking.

The Kingsley familys status and power were beyond even the Stone familys.

If I could marry into the Kingsley family, his Wilson Group would certainly be able to reap plenty of benefits as well.

And he knew very well how much that formula was worth. At most, it could earn him one billion.

Trading one billion for ten billionno matter how he calculated it, he would not lose.

Fine.

The anger on Gordons face disappeared completely.

Ill contact the Kingsley family. Once you get into the Kingsleys car, Ill give you the formula. But if you dare try anything

Helen Shaw wont get another pill. I finished the sentence for him.

Gordon looked at me with satisfaction, then turned and left.

Wendy Wilson POV

I went to Simons company.

I wanted to return the love token from when we were together, give back what should be given back, and make a clean break.

When the receptionist saw me, she did not even put on a polite smile.

Mr. Stone is in a meeting. Please wait.

I sat down on the sofa in the lobby and called Simon.

No one answered.

I waited for a while, then went to ask the receptionist again.

The receptionist did not even raise her head. Mr. Stone is still busy. Please keep waiting.

So I sat back down.

One hour passed. Two hours passed.

Employees came and went through the lobby. When they saw me, their eyes held subtle judgment and avoidance.

I knew what they were thinking.

The news that Simon was going to marry Phoebe Ford had already spread through the entire company.

In the past, when I came here, the receptionist would at least inform him for me.

Today, she had not even done that.

This was not exactly new.

Simon had never given me a pass.

Every time I came to see him, I had to register in the lobby and wait for the receptionist to notify him.

Simon knew, but he never asked about it.

At six in the evening, people began leaving work one after another.

In the end, it was the janitor who could not stand watching anymore. She secretly told me, Ms. Wilson, Mr. Stone didnt come to the office today.

I froze.

I had sat here for an entire afternoon, and the receptionist had known from beginning to end that Simon was not here.

In the past, although they had been neglectful toward me, at least they would not openly toy with me like this.

Today was different.

Simon was going to marry someone else, so they could not wait to come up and stomp on me a few more times.

I looked at the name tag on the receptionists chest. Ill remember you.

The smile on the receptionists face stiffened for an instant.

I turned and left, then called Simon.

It was still the familiar unanswered call.

With no other choice, I could only go to the Stone family home to find Mrs. Stone.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Stone family villa.

I had just gotten out when my phone rang.

It was Gordon Wilson.

The Kingsley family agreed. Theyll send a car to pick you up in half a month.

Gordon could not hide his excitement. Dont try anything with me. When the time comes, youll obediently marry into that family.

Okay. Its a deal. In half a month, Ill be there on time.

Go where?

Simons voice came from behind me.

I turned around.

Simon got out of the car, one hand in his trouser pocket and the other holding Phoebe Fords hand.

He was still wearing the same black shirt from last night, two buttons undone, looking like he hadnt come home all night.

Who were you calling? Where are you going?

I put my phone into my bag and said calmly, Im getting married.

Simon Stone glanced at me and couldnt help letting out a scornful laugh.

Married? Besides me, who would want you?

He let go of Phoebe Fords hand, took a few steps forward, and looked down at me from above. Playing hard to get? Useless.

Phoebe followed him and said softly, Simon, maybe Wendy Wilson just likes you too much. Thats why shes saying things out of anger.

Simon turned back to look at her, his gaze softening.

He reached out and ruffled Phoebes hair. Whether she likes me or not, I dont care. I only care about you.

Phoebe lowered her head with a blush and obediently leaned into his arms.

I didnt say anything else and walked straight inside.

The maid opened the door. I entered the living room and asked the butler where Mrs. Stone was.

The butler said Mrs. Stone had left yesterday for a trip and wouldnt be back until next week.

Simon came in behind me and tossed his jacket onto the sofa.

What do you need my mom for? Going to tattle again?

I gave a bitter laugh inwardly.

Every time Mrs. Stone spoke up for me, Simon decided I must have been complaining behind his back.

The less I said, the more Mrs. Stone pitied me.

The more Mrs. Stone pitied me, the more Simon hated me.

Since Mrs. Stone isnt here, Ill ask you for it.

I took a jewelry box out of my bag and held it out to Simon. Youre getting married. Im returning this bracelet to you. Give me back my mothers cross.

Simon lowered his head and glanced at the pink diamond bracelet inside the box.

He had put it on me himself back then.

He said that once I wore it, I was part of his family.

Simons expression shifted uncertainly.

After a long while, he suddenly let out a cold laugh and snatched the bracelet.

Your wrist is thick. It never looked good on you anyway.

He turned and walked toward Phoebe, took her slender wrist, and fastened the bracelet around it.

It fits Phoebe perfectly.

Phoebe hurriedly shook her head. Simon, this belongs to Wendy Wilson. I cant

If I give it to you, you wear it.

Phoebe bit her lip, lowered her eyes, and obediently stopped refusing.

Once you wear our family heirloom, youre mine.

Phoebe blushed again, smiling shyly.

I watched that bracelet encircle another girls wrist, as if something had finally been ripped out of my chest by the roots.

It hurt, but I also felt relieved.

Its all over now, I thought.

Ive returned the bracelet. What about my mothers cross? Give that back to me too.

Simon leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs. I gave it to Phoebe.

I froze. That was something my mother left me.

I know. Simon tilted his head and watched my expression. If you want it back, fine.

He pulled Phoebes hand over and said carelessly, Phoebe wants mango mousse. Go make it. Once its done, Ill give it back.

Phoebe tugged gently at Simons sleeve. Simon, isnt it a little inappropriate to make Wendy Wilson make mango mousse?

She loves doing servants work like this. Simon said it casually.

I knew arguing was meaningless. I only wanted to get my mothers keepsake back, so I turned and went to the kitchen.

As I peeled mango flesh, painful red rashes bloomed across my armsSimon knew perfectly well I had a severe mango allergy.

I was allergic to mangoes. Simon knew that.

That was why Simon had deliberately asked for mango mousse.

The sap got on my skin, itching and stinging, and soon a patch of red, swollen bumps rose up.

I kept peeling.

In the living room, Phoebe leaned against Simons shoulder while watching TV, and Simon kissed her forehead every now and then.

When the first mango mousse was brought out, Phoebe took a bite and frowned. Its a little too sweet.

Simon glanced at me. Make it again.

When the second mango mousse was brought out, Phoebe shook her head again. Too sour.

Make it again.

For the third mango mousse, Phoebe said, The mango is a little underripe.

For the fourth mango mousse, Phoebe said, The mango is a little overripe.

When I brought out the fifth mango mousse, the rashes on my arms had already connected into one angry patch, and my wrist was so swollen I could barely hold the bowl.

I walked up to Phoebe and bent down to hand her the mango mousse.

Phoebe reached out to take it, but the tip of her foot silently stretched forward.

Caught off guard, I tripped and fell forward.

The porcelain plate shattered on the floor.

The porcelain dish smashed against the tiles. I crashed onto the jagged fragments, shards slicing my palms and knees as blood trickled freely.

Simons gaze fell on my bleeding hand. His pupils tightened, and he was just about to move.

Simon! Phoebe covered her finger and screamed. My hand is bleeding

Simons eyes instantly shifted to Phoebe.

There was a shallow little cut on her fair finger, with a tiny bead of blood seeping out.

Simon took her finger into his mouth, frowning, his voice low and hoarse. Does it hurt?

Phoebe leaned in his arms and nodded pitifully.

Simon lifted his head and looked coldly at me, still kneeling on the floor. Look what youve done.

If anything happens to Phoebe, youll regret it.

I knew Simon had clearly seen Phoebe stick out her foot to trip me, but he didnt care.

If he hadnt allowed it, how would a poor college student dare trip up the heiress of the Wilson family?

Wendy Wilson POV

Its not Wendy Wilsons fault, Phoebe said quickly, her voice soft and gentle. It was all my own carelessness.

She took out the cross and handed it over.

This belongs to Wendy Wilson. Give it back to Wendy Wilson.

I reached out to take it.

The instant my fingertips were about to touch it, Phoebes hand loosened.

The cross slipped from her grasp, clattering to the tiled floor and splitting its central gemstone into three jagged shards.

Phoebe covered her mouth, her face full of panic. Im sorry, Wendy Wilson. My hand slipped

I stared at the shattered cross on the floor.

This was the only keepsake my mother had left me.

You did that on purpose. I raised my hand and slapped toward Phoebes face.

Simon grabbed my wrist, his grip so hard my entire arm went numb.

Enough. With a cold face, he flung my hand away. Isnt it just a cross? Its broken, so what? Were not getting married anymore. What meaning is there in keeping a love token?

The love token doesnt matter. I clenched the broken pieces and looked at him. But this was my mothers keepsake.

When Simon heard me actually say the love token didnt matter, he became inexplicably irritated.

He suddenly swung his hand and shoved me away.

I stumbled back a few steps and fell to the floor.

The shards pierced into my back, and blood spread through my clothes, blooming into a dark red stain.

Simon had already bent down, lifted Phoebe into his arms, and strode upstairs. He didnt see it at all.

Phoebe lay against his shoulder and glanced down at me over it.

I supported myself against the wall and stood up, then went to the hospital.

After my wounds were bandaged, I called Mrs. Stone.

Mrs. Stone, Im getting married to someone else.

Wendy Wilson, dont rush. Ill be back tomorrow. Well sit down and talk properly when I get home. Did Simon bully you again? Tell me. Ill make him apologize to you!

Theres no need, Mrs. Stone. The marriage has already been decided. Ill be leaving in half a month.

Mrs. Stone fell silent.

I always thought you could become my child. Simon is the one who failed you. Her voice was dry. Wendy Wilson, you wont wait for him anymore?

Mrs. Stone, he doesnt like me. I wont wait anymore. I wont force him anymore.

Our family has wronged you, Mrs. Stone said. How am I supposed to face your mother in the future

I gripped the phone and tried hard to keep my voice sounding normal.

Mrs. Stone, youve been very good to me. All these years, youve been the person who treated me best.

After my mother passed away, Mrs. Stone was the only elder who had taken care of me over the years.

But once I got married, I would have to cut off ties with this elder too.

I couldnt have any more involvement with my ex-boyfriends family.

Over the next few days, I stayed home to recover.

I watched Phoebes Moments become livelier by the day.

Simon took her to a high-end Japanese restaurant. That was where he had promised to take me two years ago.

Simon took her to see the northern lights. That was where he had promised six years ago that he would go with me.

Simon arranged a private advance screening of the years most anticipated film for her. I had begged him for half a year to see that movie, but he always said he didnt have time.

Simon gave her a full set of haute couture. That was what he had promised me for my birthday last year, before it went nowhere.

I couldnt tell whether Simon was doing it on purpose, or if he had truly forgotten who he had made those promises to.

His kindness was as careless as his cruelty.

The latest post was Simons proposal video.

The luxury yacht was filled with flowers, and Simon got down on one knee to present the ring.

Phoebe was crying as she nodded yes.

I forcefully exited Moments and went to the hospital to see Helen Shaw.

Helen leaned against the hospital bed and looked behind me. Why didnt Simon come?

Before, no matter how much Simon disliked me, he would still accompany me once a month to visit Helen.

When we were little, Helen had been just as close to him as she was to me.

But ever since Phoebe appeared, Simon had completely forgotten about this too.

I sat by the bed and held Helens hand.

Helen, Simon isnt good. I dont want him anymore. Is that okay?

Helen reached out and pulled me into her arms.

If Wendy Wilson doesnt want someone, then dont want him. No one can force you.

Helen took a card out from under her pillow and stuffed it into my hand.

I saved a wedding fund for you. Dont worry about me. Go do whatever you want. Im old, and I dont even know how many years I have left. But your life is still long.

I clenched that card, my eyes burning.

In a few days, Im going out of town. Will you come with me?

Helen thought about it, then smiled and nodded. Okay. Wherever you go, Ill go.

After leaving the hospital, I went to the auction.

I wanted to prepare a gift for Julian Kingsley.

The moment I entered the auction hall, I felt gazes coming at me from every direction.

Whispers surged over me like a tide.

Isnt that Wendy Wilson? She really is a personal nanny. Theyre already planning a wedding, and she still chased them all the way here.

Right? Shes clung to him for five years. How could she give up that easily?

So Simon and Phoebe were here too.

I found a corner and sat down, ignoring the mockery completely as I quietly looked at the lots on the big screen.

Todays auction featured nineteenth-century European aristocratic collections.

Simon was lavish with his money.

As long as Phoebe looked at something one second longer, he raised his paddle without even blinking.

He bought a diamond necklace for three times its market price, winning applause from the entire room.

Everyone said Mr. Stone was serious this time, that he spoiled Phoebe beyond limit.

When a pair of antique sapphire cufflinks appeared as the finale lot, I finally picked up my paddle.

Two million.

Five million. A voice followed immediately after.

It was Phoebe.

I didnt look at her and continued bidding. Six million.

Eight million. Phoebe didnt back down at all.

The two of us kept bidding, and soon the price reached thirty million.

That was almost all my personal savings. Any higher, and I wouldnt be able to afford it.

Thirty-two million. I raised my paddle for the last time.

Phoebe had just been about to raise her paddle and keep bidding when Simon stopped her.

If she wants to be an idiot, dont bother with her.

Wendy Wilson POV

The auctioneer brought down the hammer, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Simon stood up from his seat in the front row and walked toward me.

With a look of disdain, he picked up the pair of cufflinks. A birthday gift for me? The style is too old-fashioned.

He turned the cufflinks over in his hand and said casually, But seeing as youre so sincere, Ill accept them.

In a few days, it would be Simons birthday.

Every year for Simons birthday, I prepared a gift in advance.

Simon naturally assumed these cufflinks were a gift for him.

Theyre not for you, I corrected.

Simons face darkened. What did you say?

Im getting married. I put the cufflinks back into the box. Theyre for my future husband.

Simon stared at me, then suddenly slammed the cufflinks hard onto the floor.

The cufflinks instantly shattered into pieces.

Wendy Wilson, youve really grown bold! After throwing out those words, he dragged Phoebe away and left.

I crouched down and picked up the broken pieces from the floor.

I had used all my personal savings to buy these cufflinks.

Now Simon had smashed them.

I had no money left to buy Julian Kingsley another gift.

But this matter couldnt just be let go.

I stood up and found an employee of the auction house. Please take me to pull todays surveillance footage.

The next day, the Kingsley family sent someone to notify me that the wedding dress and wedding ring had both been prepared. They asked me to go try them on, and if the sizes were wrong, they could still make adjustments.

I went to a haute couture bridal salon downtown.

As soon as I walked into the hall, I saw Phoebe trying on a wedding dress.

Simon, do you think it looks good?

I recognized that wedding dress.

Six years ago, I had fallen in love with that vintage-style wedding dress and said I wanted to wear it when I got married one day.

Back then, Simon said, Okay. Youll wear it when you marry me.

Simon saw me and stepped forward to wrap his arms around Phoebes waist.

It looks good. Only you can make this wedding dress look beautiful. On anyone else, it would be a waste.

Phoebe shyly buried her face in his chest.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Phoebe saw me, her eyes shifting before she immediately lifted a smile. Wendy Wilson? Did Wendy Wilson come to look for Simon? Perfect. Wendy Wilson, help me see if this wedding dress looks good.

Im not here for you two, I said. I have something else to do. I dont have time.

I turned to leave, but Simon spoke unhappily. What could you possibly have to do?

He walked forward two steps unnaturally, took a box out of his pocket, and stiffly handed it over.

For you.

I took it and opened it.

It was my mothers cross.

The gem that had broken into three pieces had been replaced.

The craftsmanship was exquisite. It was clear a lot of effort had gone into it.

But broken was broken. Even gold couldnt change that.

I put the cross into my bag and said nothing.

Simons brows furrowed.

Wendy Wilson, you dont have any other reaction?

What reaction do you want? I looked at him. Your fiance was the one who broke it. Isnt fixing it what you should have done?

I didnt pay him any more attention and walked straight toward the fitting room on the other side.

The sales assistant was already waiting for me.

The wedding dress hung in the very center of the fitting room, the lights falling over it, making the satin spill with a soft luster.

The neckline was cut just right, revealing the line of my collarbones, and the skirt looked like an upside-down white rose.

Luxurious, yet tasteful.

After I changed and came out, even the sales assistant was stunned by me.

Ms. Wilson, youre so beautiful.

I turned in a circle in front of the mirror.

The waistline was perfect down to the last fraction, the skirt length was just right, and even the cuffs fit as though they had been tailor-made.

The size of this wedding dress matched my figure perfectly.

The sales assistant then brought over a tray. On it was a pink diamond ring, refracting gorgeous brilliance under the light.

This is the wedding ring Mr. Kingsley sent over. Please try it on as well.

I slid the ring onto my ring finger.

The band size was exactly right too.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and a long-lost warmth stirred faintly in my heart.

Even if it was only a loveless marriage alliance, the Kingsley family had still given me enough dignity and respect.

This kind of respect was something I hadnt received in many years.

I thought, marrying into the Kingsley family probably wouldnt be worse than now.

I was slightly turning sideways in front of the mirror when footsteps came from behind me.

Simon, Im really fine. I dont need Wendy Wilson to apologize to me. Lets go.

Phoebe pulled Simon inside.

The moment Simon saw me in the wedding dress, he froze.

His gaze fixed on me, unable to move away.

Phoebe quietly dug her nails into her palm.

Simon came back to himself, tugged at the corner of his mouth, and let out a disdainful laugh.

Wendy Wilson, do you have any shame at all? I brought Phoebe here to try on wedding dresses, and you followed us here to try one on too? And you think that cheap imitation ring passes for a wedding band?

He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, looking me up and down. Are you that desperate to lock me down? Are you planning to wear a wedding dress to crash the wedding?

Jealousy flashed through Phoebes eyes.

I didnt turn around. I looked at him through the mirror.

I told you. This isnt for marrying you.

And the diamond ring isnt fake. I am getting married, but the groom isnt you.