Chapter 4

In the early hours, I returned home.

Scarlett wasn't back. I didn't care.

As I was packing my bags,

the news was reporting on the Su Corp CEO, Scarlett, attending a gala with her fiancé, Brandon.

I watched the 'perfect' couple, feeling nothing.

Bags packed, I was about to leave.

The door opened, and Scarlett appeared.

The moment she saw me, Scarlett rushed over, grabbing my hand.

"Where were you last night? Why didn't you answer my calls?"

I stiffened, then pulled my hand free from Scarlett's grip.

"Last night, I was with Mom. I didn't want to disturb her rest, so I turned off my phone."

At the mention of Mom,

Scarlett remembered what she'd said that day, and a look of guilt crossed her face.

"I'll arrange for the best doctors to take care of your mom."

Then, she pulled out a box and pressed it into my hand.

"This is what I promised to give your mom."

I opened it instinctively. Inside was a bracelet.

It was the genuine version of the bracelet Mom had cherished so carefully.

I froze.

Once, Scarlett had held Mom's hand,

and promised with utmost sincerity that one day, she'd give her the priceless original.

Mom's eyes had been full of laughter then. She didn't care if the bracelet was real or fake.

As long as it came from Scarlett, from the daughter-in-law she approved of.

She would be happy.

But I thought, *that was before*.

I closed the box and handed it back.

"If you get the chance, give it to her yourself."

Scarlett frowned slightly.

Every time, I used to make the choice she expected, the one she hoped for.

But my politeness now felt alien to her.

A flicker of unease crossed her face. She grabbed my hand, squeezing it slightly.

"Your mom's health..."

Just then, Brandon appeared, wrapping an arm around Scarlett's shoulder.

"Scarlett, I want to stay in this room!"

She was pointing at *my* room.

"This room is taken."

Scarlett said, then quickly explained to me:

"He's a friend. He's just staying for a bit because of work."

As she spoke, Scarlett stared intently at me, as if expecting me to refuse.

But I just nodded, agreeing without a second thought.

"Let him have the room. I need to go stay with Mom."

Scarlett froze for a moment. Brandon, not giving me a chance to reconsider, immediately rushed into the room.

Only then did she notice the luggage in my hand.

She bit her lip, holding my hand tightly, refusing to let go.

The guilt in her eyes deepened.

Finally, urged on by Brandon, she spoke:

"Tomorrow, I'll go see your mom."