Chapter 2

The Hayes family was one of the most powerful and respected families in the nation, so that offer was incredibly tempting.

But I still didn't reply.

Seeing no one was engaging, Damien assumed everyone was bored and ordered a few more pretty girls to liven things up.

"Plenty of beauties and good wine tonight, everyone, let loose and have fun!"

Chloe, who had been wrapped around him moments ago, instantly looked displeased.

She pouted, her sweet voice carrying a hint of possessiveness.

"They can do whatever they want, but you can't."

"If you dare to hold any other woman's hand, you won't be sleeping in my bed tonight!"

Damien wasn't annoyed. He ignored everyone else, cooing at her.

"Come on, sweetie. After my birthday, I'll spend all my time with you, promise I won't touch anyone else."

"Tell me anything you want, consider it your compensation."

Chloe gave a mock-coy huff, then suddenly pointed at me.

"Then I want the ring on Anya's finger. Will you give it to me?"

I froze, my gaze dropping to the plain band on my left middle finger.

After being completely disillusioned with Damien, I'd taken off my expensive wedding ring, but I hadn't been able to part with this unassuming platinum band.

Only because it was the engagement gift Damien had given me years ago.

When he first put this ring on my finger, he wasn't the powerful CEO Damien Shaw. He was just a green, naive kid.

To buy this ring, he worked part-time nights while attending classes during the day, nearly working himself into the hospital.

Later, we found success in our business, and he gave me countless valuable pieces of jewelry, but none of them made me as happy as this ring.

I stubbornly wore this ring, as if guarding the purest love of my youth.

Damien frowned, refusing Chloe.

My hand, clutching the wine glass, slowly relaxed. A flicker of relief sparked within me.

But the next second, he said, "An old, worthless ring, what do you want it for?"

"That old-fashioned style doesn't suit you at all."

Chloe wouldn't listen to him. She chirped sweetly, "But I like that one! I want it!"

I knew Chloe didn't actually want the ring; she wanted to provoke me.

Because she understood what that ring meant to me.

I looked at Damien, my voice flat. "Do you want me to give it to her?"

Damien didn't even glance at me. "If the little girl likes it, give it to her. I'll buy you a new one tomorrow."

Turns out, when you're hurt to the extreme, you can't cry.

I expressionlessly took off the ring, severing the last thread of affection I had for Damien.

Chloe forced the ill-fitting ring onto her ring finger.

Someone joked, "That ring clearly doesn't fit you. It looked much better on Anya."

Chloe sneered, "Whether it fits or not isn't important. What matters is that it's on my hand."

"Right, Anya?"

I didn't answer.

She flashed a smug, mocking smile and turned, burying herself in Damien's arms.

I sat in the corner, downing half a glass of whiskey, the burning sensation bitter on my tongue.

Then I pulled out my phone and replied to Julian's message.

*I agree.*