Chapter 6
After returning home, Edward casually mentioned that Liora was in the process of getting a divorce.
No wonder Luke had been so desperate to beg for my forgiveness. His beloved first love had abandoned him once again and only then did he remember my worth. I could not help but laugh at myself for how predictable it all was.
I put down my pen and handed the newly completed product design sketch to Edward.
He glanced at it, clapping his hands in genuine appreciation. “As expected, men really do just slow down your creativity.”
I chuckled, though a question lingered in my mind. “Have you seen my work before?”
“Of course I have,” Edward replied, a touch. of nostalgia in his voice. “It was at the graduation exhibition of Ashford
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University. That’s when I first saw you.”
His words took me by surprise. “But why don‘ t I remember that?”
He sighed lightly. “At the time, you were completely wrapped up in chasing after Luke. You were so bold, so devoted to him, that even the heir of the Reynolds Group couldn’t manage to sway your attention away from him.”
I could not help but laugh, though there. was a flicker of guilt. “Well, don’t worry. The love–struck version of me is long gone. Tomorrow night‘ s dinner with the Watson Family, right? I’m determined to win it. Just watch me!”
I was confident, but what I did not expect was to run into Luke at the banquet.
And, of course, Liora was right beside him, dressed to perfection.
“Ed, don‘ t I look beautiful tonight? Would you like to dance with me?” Liora’s voice was sweet as honey as she tried to take his
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hand.
But Edward smoothly sidestepped her attempt, completely unfazed. Even so, Liora was not deterred. Throughout the entire banquet, she hovered around Edward, seizing every opportunity to engage with him despite his obvious disinterest.
Finally, when the brand announced that the Reynolds Group had been selected as their partner, Liora wasted no time stepping into the spotlight.
Holding up her wine glass, she smiled confidently in front of the cameras. “Congratulations, Mr. Reynolds. May I have a drink with you?”
Edward, ever the gentleman, could not outright refuse her. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement so as not to embarrass her in public.
Between the dazzling lights and elegant guests, the atmosphere of the banquet
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reached its peak.
Amidst the fragrant clothes and lively shadows, Luke suddenly pulled me out
onto the balcony. Without a word, he took out a large pink diamond.
“Calista, please come back to me,” he began, his voice filled with regret. “I know I was confused. I hurt you these past two months. But after you left, I realized life without you is empty. It’s unbearable.”
He glanced down at the diamond before continuing, “I’ve already signed the agreement with Liora. I’ll have the divorce certificate in ten days. By then, we can…”
“Are you insane?” I cut him off, unable to listen any longer to his sudden outpouring of affection.
“Do you really think I’m that cheap? That you can summon me at your whim, whenever it suits you?”
He looked shocked, as if he had not
expected such a cold response, but I was
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not done. “You had me, but you didn‘ cherish it. Now that you‘ ve lost me, suddenly you regret everything? Life doesn’t work like that. There’s no magic. potion for regret, no way to piece together a shattered mirror. You should go live your life with your precious first love.”
Unexpectedly, Luke took a step closer. Before I could react, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, his face just inches from mine.
“Calista Hale, you’re only mine! You told me you loved me. How can you say you don’t love me now?”
“Are you losing your mind?” I spat out, slapping him hard across the face.
However, his grip only tightened. His hand reached for my face, trying to pull me in
for a kiss.
Just as his lips were about to touch mine, I bit down hard on his chin, causing him to yelp in pain and finally let go.
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I stumbled back, clutching the balcony railing, my stomach churning with nausea. I retched violently, tears stinging my eyes. Through blurry vision, I saw Luke staring at me, his eyes red with disbelief.
“Calista,” he said hoarsely, “do you really despise me that much?”
my
Standing up shakily, I struggled to find voice. “My body feels dirty, my heart feels dirty… why wouldn‘ t I be disgusted?”
Something in Luke’s expression changed then. A wild, almost manic laugh escaped his lips, his smile turning twisted. “You think I’m dirty? What makes you think Edward Reynolds is any better?”
A sudden wave of panic washed over me. “What did you do to Edward?”
Luke did not respond. He just smiled a sad, bitter smile that made my heart race with
fear.
I did not wait for an answer. I lifted my skirt and dashed back toward the banquet.
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hall, my heart pounding in my chest. But when I reached the door, I found it locked. No matter how hard I banged and shouted,
no one came.
“It’s too late,” Luke’s voice echoed behind
me, cold and heartless. “Even if you go. now, it’s already too late. They’ve done it.”
Desperation gripped me. My mind raced as I searched for a way out. My eyes landed on a fire extinguisher in the corner. Without thinking, I grabbed it and hurled it at the glass door with all my strength.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Luke shouted.
But I was not thinking clearly anymore. I turned the fire extinguisher on, spraying white dry powder all over him.
“Calista! How could you do this to me, all
for another man?”
Without a second glance, I smashed
through the shattered glass door and ran inside, heart pounding.
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“Fine! Whether you live or are hurt, it was on you!”
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