"If you're unhappy, take it out on me. Don't make things difficult for her."

Before I could respond, Rachel's mother stood up to play peacemaker.

"That's right, Ivan. We all agreed to this."

"We've known Tyler since he was little. He and Rachel are like real siblings—there's no way he'd ever do anything to hurt your relationship. You can put your mind at ease."

"And besides, the child is already conceived. You wouldn't expect my daughter to abort it and commit such a sin, would you? You're a grown man—don't be so narrow-minded."

Watching their seamless switch between public smiles and private arrogance, I felt nothing but cold amusement.

I took off my ring and tossed it toward Rachel.

"Auntie, you're overthinking it. I'm just here to cancel the engagement."

Then I looked straight at her.

"Rachel, we're done."

Her face immediately took on that familiar here we go again expression.

And why wouldn't it? Ever since Tyler returned to the country, I'd proposed breaking up more than ten times.

Each time, I ended up talking myself into staying—then crawling back obediently.

She was probably confident that after ten years of chasing her, I'd never find anyone better.

She frowned. "Do you really have to make a scene in front of my family?"

"Ivan, if I hadn't fought for you, my parents wouldn't have even approved of our marriage given your background."

"Besides, there's nothing between Tyler and me. What exactly are you being so upset about?"

"Because I don't want my wife giving birth to another man's child," I shot back.

"If I went and had a baby with another woman, would you be okay with that?"

Her eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare."

Rachel's expression changed instantly. After a moment, she seemed to restrain herself and soften her tone.

"I was just helping him," she said. "What you're talking about is cheating. How can that be the same? Stop making a fuss, okay?"

I couldn't be bothered to argue anymore and turned to leave. Rachel reached out to grab me, and suddenly there was a loud bang.

Rachel's father slammed his hand heavily on the table.

"Let him go. Let him leave!"

"So the freeloader who's been living off my daughter thinks he can put on airs now?"

"When the time comes, don't come crying and begging to be taken back!"

As expected, Rachel obediently stayed where she was and didn't chase after me.