Milford’s heart broke right on cue. He immediately grabbed her hand and slid the ring back onto her finger, his voice low and full of false tenderness.
“Lisa, don’t say that. Don’t even think it. You gave the Wright Clan a son—an heir. You’ve done more for this family than anyone else. That ring, that title… they belong to you.”
I stood there, stunned. Wide-eyed.
I couldn't believe this… Milford, you once told me our daughter was the only rightful heir to the Wright legacy.
But now, you were doing this?
That vintage gold ring wasn’t just a symbol of the Wright Clan's Lady of the House. It was our engagement ring.
Milford had given it to me when he proposed—promising me forever. To prove he meant it, he had the word “Lori” engraved into the ring.
But that was all in the past.
My eyes locked on that same ring—and it felt like a knife straight through my heart. The original engraving had been filed away. In its place was a new one: “Lisa.” a short to Malissa.
I swallowed the bitterness burning in my throat. I was just about to speak, to tell the crowd who I really was...
When Milford stepped in front of me. His words cut in coldly, “Lori’s dead. This woman is just some beggar. Anyone who dares slander Lisa again will answer to me.”
I froze. Staring at him in disbelief.
“Milford…” I said, my voice shaking. “Say that again. Say it to my face! Who am I?!”
Milford hesitated for a second. His eyes darted around the crowd before he leaned in, lowering his voice.
“Lori, you heard them. If I admit you’re alive now, Lisa’s reputation will be ruined. My brother entrusted her to me—I can’t let her be humiliated like that. You’ve always been the sensible one… Please. Just endure this. For me. Be good.”
Soon after, he stepped away. He didn’t even look back.
He waved to the butler and ordered him to “take care of me.” Said they’d “let me eat the leftover food” from the banquet—as some kind of charity. Said it would bring his newborn son good fortune.
Far from where I stood, the party picked right back up. Laughter, applause, champagne glasses clinking.
Everyone showered him and Malissa with blessings. Called them a perfect match. Said they were meant to be.
All I felt inside was nothing but cold.
The old butler, who had worked years for the Wright Clan, recognized me instantly. He had someone bring me clean clothes and escorted me to a guest room to take a shower.