On my father Charles Hayes’s birthday, I asked him to come home early for dinner.
Instead, he told me coldly, “You celebrate with him. I’m busy,” because he had to watch a replay of a race with Ruby.
He came home drunk past midnight.
Every time I expressed dissatisfaction, Nathan would frown and scold me in return.
I used to think that he only spoke this way because we were closest — so I kept backing down.
Seeing Ruby cry in the car, Nathan climbed in and held her hand, whispering comfort.
I turned and walked away.
Behind me, Nathan’s voice floated over.
“Don’t be upset. Seeing you hurt breaks my heart. Stella’s been mentally off since her injury — it’s not your fault…”
I stared at that blazing red Ferrari, burning my chest like a fire.
Nathan’s glare cut into me, full of command.
“Stella, have you made enough of a scene?”
“I just made a female friend, and you’re acting hysterical. Don’t you have male friends at the hospital? Did I ever complain?”
“You’re making me lose face — do you get that?”
“Apologize to Ruby, and maybe I’ll forgive you!”
Apologize?
I almost laughed.
“Me? Apologize to her? I don’t think she could handle it.”
I ignored the two of them and walked away.
The next day, my father sent me the information of a potential suitor.
I added him and quickly arranged a meeting.
The match went smoothly — a perfect society marriage, without hidden agendas.
Under a lawyer’s supervision, we signed a prenuptial agreement.
Mr. Brown, the butler, looked at me worriedly.
“Miss Hayes, should we cancel the wedding plans?”
“No need. Everything will proceed as scheduled. Upgrade the banquet to the highest tier.”
“Understood, I’ll arrange it right away.”
For the next few days, Nathan was probably too busy cuddling with his little darling to bother me.
I didn’t seek him out either.
I had once thought he was the love of my life.
Turns out, letting go wasn’t as heartbreaking as I’d imagined.
Everything felt strangely natural.
The day before the wedding, the roar of a sports car engine echoed from outside.
Nathan came running upstairs, out of breath.
“Stella, Ruby has an urgent meeting with a major sponsor. I have to go with her out of town. I’ll make it back before the wedding tomorrow — I’ll meet you at the hotel.”
