Chapter 3
Brian shot me a cold, disdainful glance. “Don’t exaggerate. Nora’s stage is the Moon Goddess Temple and royal celebrations.”
His words, more cutting than any blade, stung deeply. He didn’t deny that they were a perfect pair, nor did he consider my feelings–his actual fiancée. Instead, he brought up his usual excuse: Nora’s
musical career.
The realization hit me like a hammer. How could I have been so blind? I had wasted all these years.
loving a man whose heart belonged to someone else.
Nora bit her lip, pretending to be concerned as she turned to me. “Oh, Margaret, don’t listen to these ridiculous rumors. They’re just joking,” she said, reaching into her leather bag. “Here, I picked out a little gift for you from the royal castle. I hope you’ll like it!”
She handed me an exquisite box. Inside was a pair of crescent–shaped moonstone earrings that
made me shiver.
My gaze fell upon the matching necklace around her neck, and everything became clear in an
instant.
This wasn’t just any jewelry set. It was the one Brian had specially designed according to my preferences–the necklace was meant to symbolize his commitment to our engagement. I remembered the jeweler mentioning they made a matching pair of earrings with the remaining. gems, designed specifically for the future bride.
Yet here I was, being given these “leftover” earrings while my engagement necklace now hung
around Nora’s neck.
I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh.
The people in Brian’s social circle, who had never truly accepted me, seized the opportunity. One of them whispered with a sneer, “Look at her, treating someone else’s leftovers like treasure.”
Across the room, someone commented, “Nora, that necklace is absolutely stunning!”
Nora gracefully brushed her fingers over the central gem, looking at Brian with a shy smile. “This is just a welcome gift from Brian. He promised me that after my royal debut, he would give me an
even more dazzling gift.”
21:32
After being rejected for the third time, I mated
1.1
Chapter 3
I took a deep breath and said, “Interesting choice, Brian. That moonstone set, if I remember correctly, was cut from the Moore family’s heirloom gems. It took six months to create, right? Traditionally, this is meant for the future bride of the Moore family.” My voice was steady, “You must have deep feelings for Nora.”
Brian shifted uncomfortably, and the conversation at the table came to an abrupt halt. The weight of my words hung heavily in the air.
The heirloom necklace, which should have belonged to the future Mrs. Moore–me, Brian’s fiancée–was now around Nora’s neck. She proudly claimed it was a gift. The message was
unmistakable.
Nora jumped up, awkwardly fumbling with the necklace clasp. Her perfectly manicured hand trembled as she looked down. “Oh, Margaret, I didn’t know this was meant for you. I really
shouldn’t… I can’t believe I was so careless!”
As she spoke, tears slipped down her cheeks. Her trembling fingers tangled in her hair as she struggled to remove the necklace. Frustrated, she tugged at her hair, her voice choking. “Brian, please help me take it off.”
Brian’s expression darkened. He gently took her hand. “Nora, don’t take it off. It’s yours now. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wearing it.”
Then he turned to me, his eyes flashing with anger. “It’s just a necklace, Margaret. I didn’t think the eldest daughter of the Weller family would be so petty. Is it really worth making such a scene over a piece of jewelry?”
“The gem belongs to the Moore family–my family,” he continued coldly. “I decide who gets to have it. Since we’re not married yet, you have no claim to it. Honestly, it looks better on Nora.”
His voice grew harsher. “I’ve already agreed to marry you–what more do you want? I give gifts to others, what’s the big deal? My mate position is still yours. What else do you want from me?”
Nora gently wiped her tears, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Really? My concert dress happens to be silver. This necklace matches it perfectly. Thank you, Brian. You always know exactly what I
need.”
I stood up, suddenly feeling an eerie calm. “No need to get so worked up. I’m simply admiring your deep affection for Nora. No need for such a big reaction.”
Slowly, I pushed the jewelry box back to Nora. “These earrings were also cut from the same Moore family heirloom gem. Since they’re part of the same set, you should take them. It would be a shame
21:32
After Jeing rejected for the third time, I mated withi
Chapter 3
to break up such a perfect pair.”
C
