Chapter 2

Violet was the first to step in front of Sebastian, her face wary.

"Julia, we were wrong to hold the wedding behind your back, but you can't just go around hitting people!"

My eyes followed her movement and caught on the heirloom emerald bracelet around her wrist.

Violet pulled her arm back on instinct.

Sebastian immediately shielded her behind him.

"Julia Lawson, I've already explained everything I needed to explain."

I didn't answer. Lowering my gaze, I happened to see the silver ring on Ivy's hand.

Sebastian followed my line of sight, a trace of guilt on his face.

"These are all pieces you've already worn. Don't be so petty."

The corner of my mouth curled, and a bitter, self-mocking laugh slipped out.

Then I walked over to Sienna and reached for the hem of her dress.

Sebastian caught my wrist, his eyes ice-cold.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

The bitterness in my throat spread down into my chest, so bitter that even breathing felt hard.

The emerald bracelet on Violet's wrist was what my grandmother had left me for my wedding before she died.

Five years ago, Sebastian's startup failed.

I sold the bracelet.

Thirty thousand dollars.

It became the seed money that got his company back on its feet.

Afterward, Sebastian held me and said:

"Julia, once I make money, I'll buy it back for you. I promise."

I went looking for it many times.

The jeweler said it had been sold long ago.

I thought I'd never find it again.

Now it was on Violet's wrist.

The silver ring on Ivy's hand.

It was one of the matching rings I'd dragged him to make at a jewelry workshop for our first anniversary as a couple.

Later, during a fight, I threw my ring at him out of spite.

I thought he would remember everything we'd shared over the years.

That he would keep the ring safe.

I never imagined he would turn around and give it to Ivy.

And the reception dress Sienna was wearing.

I had spent three months embroidering it myself.

To make it perfect, I pricked my fingers more times than I could count.

Back then, Sebastian had pulled me into his arms, his heart aching for me.

He said he would make me the most beautiful bride in the world.

Now that reception dress.

Was on Sienna's body.

He remembered that Ivy had just come back to the country and needed company.

He remembered that Violet loved emeralds.

He remembered that Sienna couldn't hold her liquor.

He remembered what every one of those girls liked.

The only thing he forgot was how I felt.

It was as though someone had squeezed my heart in a fist and then let go, leaving nothing but a hollow chill.

I wrenched my hand free of his. "Don't worry, I won't hurt them. Go on with the wedding."

I went back to the reception hall.

I found the wedding coordinator.

"Tonight's ceremony. Please cancel it for me."

The coordinator froze for a moment but asked nothing more.

"Of course, Miss Lawson."