The screen blinked as the purchase went through, but it quickly switched back to the surveillance footage.
Perhaps it was fate, or maybe just cruel irony, but Hazel caught the tail end of Ambrose’s confession from years past.
"I regret it," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "When I was young and foolish, I mistook sand for pearls. If you’re willing to return, I’d call off this wedding for you."
He sighed, his voice softening. "Even if you refuse, I’ll still treat Hazel kindly since she reminds me of you."
Even though she had already made up her mind, even though she had seen the betrayal with her own eyes, hearing those words made Hazel’s heart quiver in a way she hadn’t expected.
Looking down at the screen, Hazel saw the love between them spill out as if it were too much to contain.
Scarlett seemed tipsy, her words slow and slurred, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she languidly sprawled across the sofa.
Ambrose, the same man who had scolded Hazel for drinking, now willingly cooked hangover soup for Scarlett, carefully feeding her spoonful by spoonful.
Scarlett turned her head away, a petulant kick directed at Ambrose.
"Who wants to marry you?"
Ambrose didn’t show any sign of anger. Instead, he reached for her foot, gently massaging it with a tenderness that made Hazel’s chest tighten.
Scarlett smiled contentedly.
"I know you can’t marry me because of your status. And I know you’ve never forgotten me."
"This bridal suite is decorated just the way I like it. The wedding ring you chose is based on my preferences. Even the high heels she’s wearing... those were the ones I didn’t want."
As she spoke, Scarlett rested her head gently against Ambrose’s chest.
"It doesn’t matter," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "I don’t care about titles. As long as the person in your heart is always me, I’m satisfied. I will never leave you again. I’m willing to stay by your side in another capacity."
Hazel’s grip tightened around her phone, her fingers trembling.
Her heart felt as if it were being torn apart, piece by piece.
The most painful part? Even though she had already uncovered the truth, a tiny flicker of hope still lingered in Hazel’s chest, a desperate hope that Ambrose would draw the line at the very last moment.