Chapter 4

Sophia is Victor's cousin, and she's about to get engaged to Alexander.

Victor forces me to accompany him to the engagement party.

I see Alexander wearing a white custom-tailored suit, looking dignified and handsome.

Sophia is in an elegant gown, graceful with every step.

They stand side by side, a perfect match of talent and beauty.

Everyone is praising how well-suited they are for each other.

I shrink beside Victor, my fingernails digging into my palms.

My heart silently shatters into pieces at this grand engagement party.

Victor looks over, leading Alexander towards me.

"Cousin, where's your fiancée? Why did you bring this kind of... unsuitable woman to my engagement party?" Sophia pouts.

Victor glances at me and Alexander, raising an eyebrow:

"Just bringing my little bird out to see the world. After all... she won't have many chances to see such things in the future."

Alexander remains silent, his knuckles white as he grips his wine glass.

Sophia teases, then suddenly stumbles, knocking over the red wine I was holding for Victor.

It spills on her dress.

She yells angrily: "You did that on purpose! You're trying to ruin my engagement party!"

I look up at Victor.

He smirks, sipping his wine and enjoying the show.

Alexander stares at me intently, his lips pressed tightly together.

Sophia glares at me hatefully.

She raises her arm and slaps me, knocking me to the ground.

"You slut! Waiter, throw her out!" Sophia shouts furiously, her eyes blazing with anger.

I fall to the ground awkwardly, as people gather around, whispering.

A flash of pain crosses Alexander's eyes, and he involuntarily takes a step forward, but then sees Victor pull me into his arms.

His eyes darken, and he clenches his fists, stepping back.

Victor helps me up, gently tucking a stray hair behind my ear.

His eyes flick to the crowd, where an elegant woman stands... his fiancée.

He lets go of me and walks over to her with a bright smile:

"Darling, you came too?"

The woman ignores him, and he hurriedly follows after her.

The hall suddenly falls silent, as if time has stopped. Everyone looks stunned.

All eyes turn to me, filled with curiosity and mockery.

They whisper among themselves.

"So she's not Mr. Sullivan's hidden fiancée, just a mistress!"

"She looks familiar... Isn't she the gold-digging ex-girlfriend who abandoned Mr. Hayes?"

"She deserves this. Now it's her turn to be abandoned by Mr. Sullivan. Karma really does come around..."

Someone throws their red wine at me, and others follow suit.

Sophia's friends grab my hair, wanting to get revenge for her.

I remain silent, letting them bully me.

My eyes are dull and lifeless.

A few rich playboys approach with wine glasses, trying to grab me.

"You're pretty good-looking. I heard you'll sleep with anyone for money. How about spending the night with me?"

The crowd laughs, and the atmosphere turns vulgar.

Alexander's face darkens as he steps forward to remove their hands.

"$500,000 as a down payment. Come with me," he says.

The hall falls silent once again.

Sophia's face turns sour as she glares at me and Alexander.

"Have a drink with me," Alexander continues slowly.