4
Everything went smoothly.
I had even chosen a beautiful mermaid–style gown. As I walked into the banquet hall, a smile on my face, my friends rushed over to ask how I was doing. One of them nudged me with her elbow. “No date, huh? I can lend you my brother.”
I thought for a moment. “No, thanks. I don’t think it’s a big deal to come alone.”
“True. A man would just get in the way of our chatting!” she giggled.
Suddenly, there was a commotion from across the room. We followed the sound.
Eric, in a silver–gray suit, looked effortlessly cool, a faint smile on his lips. Song Ling was on his arm,
Ah…
So when Eric said he was going to be with Song Ling, he meant he was taking her to this banquet.
her
eyes sparkling.
My eyes fell on Song Ling’s dress. It was the exact same mermaid gown as mine. When I ordered it, I was told it was the only one in the country. Had hers been flown in from abroad overnight?
Eric was deliberately trying to humiliate me.
Sure enough, the moment Song Ling saw me, her face Stuartged. She bit her lip and whispered something to Eric. He then slowly
turned to look at me.
Song Ling trotted over, her almond–shaped eyes glaring at me. “Did you have someone find out what dress Eric ordered for me so
you could copy me?!”
The commotion drew a crowd.
My friend was shocked. “Don’t be ridiculous…”
Song Ling scoffed. “You’re just jealous that Eric is good to me! This pathetic trick is disgusting. And you don’t even look as good as
me in it.”
“She looks better than you,” my friend muttered.
Song Ling fumed and ran back to Eric, shaking his arm. “Eric, look at them!”
Eric’s dark eyes lingered on me for a long time. Finally, he smiled.
The comments went wild:
[Ahhh, the Crown Prince smiled! He thinks she looks better in it!]
【The eyes never lie, hehe. Crown Prince and sweetie 4eva! I’ll throw in a bag of sunflower seeds.]
【But wait… to provoke her, to make her come to him, all pitiful and obedient, he’s going to…]
00:32
Chapter 1
00:32
I was still wondering about that last comment when the microphone crackled to life. Everyone looked over.
A senior secretary from the Stuart Group was holding a microphone and a card. “Thank you all for attending this evening. I have a major announcement to make–by a resolution of Mr. Stuart and the board of directors, 2% of the Stuart Group’s shares will be
gifted to Ms. Song Ling, free of charge.”
The entire room erupted.
I looked up, my eyes wide with disbelief.
Eric had a certain amount of shares, I didn’t know the exact number. But another 2% was reserved for his future wife… Even just
2%, in a massive corporation like the Stuart Group, represented a staggering annual income.
He had given it to Song Ling. And announced it at this very moment.
The comments were scrolling frantically:
【Here it comes, the psycho Crown Prince’s move! The poor sweetie is being laughed at by everyone, her only option is to go and beg him!]
【Yes, and then she’ll have to helplessly stay by his side, to be endlessly taken… so hot, so hot.]
【What is she still holding on for! The Crown Prince loves you so much! Just slap Song Ling and take his arm, be cute and win him
over.]
Under the weight of everyone’s mocking, pitying gazes, I walked towards Eric, step by step. His eyes followed my every move.
I stood before him. He looked down, a smirk on his lips.
I smiled back, the words rolling from my throat, one by one: “The annulment agreement is on its way. It will be in your hands soon.
Whether or not you continue your partnership with the Burrell Group is your decision.
“I’m out.”
I looked him in the eye, my face impassive, and turned to leave.
Eric grabbed my wrist, his fingers trembling with the force of his grip. “What do you mean? Sarah, what do you mean?”
I didn’t turn back. “Annulment. Don’t you understand?”
“I don’t agree!” he growled, his voice tight. “Are you mad that I gave the shares to someone else..”
I frowned. “I have no relationship with you. What do the Stuart Group’s shares have to do with me?”
“No-”
I turned back, impatient. His eyes were a swirling vortex of black ink. “If you want it, anything can be yours. There’s no need for an
annulment.” His gaze was locked on me, his voice low and hoarse.
I didn’t want to waste any more time with him. “Let go.”
“I won’t let you go,” he said, his grip tightening, almost stubborn.
I winced in pain.
My friend stepped between us, her voice sharp with anger. “Eric, you’re the one keeping a mistress. And you won’t let Sarah break off the engagement? Is that fair?”
Song Ling shrieked, “Who are you calling a mistress? Eric loves me the most!”
My friend scoffed. “Then why won’t he let Sarah go and marry you?”
00:32
Chapter 1
00 32 0
Song Ling faltered, looking at Eric, her voice choked with tears. “Eric, what are you doing? You don’t even like her. Isn’t an annulme-
nt exactly what you want?”
Eric never once looked at anyone else. The corners of his eyes were slightly red. “Sarah, stop this. The shares, the necklace, they’re
all yours.”
“What makes you think I would want them?” I retorted.
I wrenched my hand free. Any more time spent with him would just delay my flight.
“I wish you two happiness,” I said coolly. “A long life together, and many children.”
Eric opened his mouth to say something, but I took a step back. “Don’t stop me. Don’t make me lose respect for you.”
As I walked towards the exit, the comments scrolled endlessly:
【Huh? What’s happening? Isn’t this supposed to be the happy ending? Aren’t they supposed to live happily ever after?】
【The Crown Prince overplayed his hand… It seems she’s really jealous.】
[If she just breaks off the engagement like this, who knows what the psycho Crown Prince will do? Maybe he’ll kidnap her tomorr-
- ow.
What? A kidnapping play? I’m waiting…]
Of course, I was afraid of Eric losing his mind. That’s why I couldn’t miss this opportunity. In a few hours, I would be halfway across
the world, in another country.
