Chapter 6

Fiona POV

Two days later, I emerged from the basement.

My phone screen lit up, the date on the ticket clearly visible.

Twenty-one days left.

Winona stood at my bedroom door holding a black evening gown.

"Put this on."

She commanded.

"Tonight is his birthday party. You have to attend."

I instinctively wanted to refuse.

She stepped closer, her voice dropping even lower.

"You'd better behave."

I silently accepted the dress and numbly walked into the bathroom.

The banquet hall blazed with lights as guests mingled with raised glasses.

When I appeared behind Winona, all eyes turned toward me.

Whispers rose around us.

"Isn't that the girl the master adopted? How did she turn out like this?"

"Compared to the radiant Miss Reynolds, it's like night and day."

These words floated into my ears, but I had no reaction.

As the guest of honor, Luca accepted congratulations alongside Winona.

When it came time for gifts, Winona produced an exquisite folder.

"Luca, this is the future plan I've prepared for you. After the engagement, let's travel the world together, okay?"

She was publicly claiming her territory.

Luca took the folder, but his gaze unconsciously swept toward me in the corner.

"Alright, whatever you say."

He said.

The guests applauded in admiration.

Winona suddenly turned to me.

"Fiona, what gift did you prepare?"

Under everyone's gaze, I slowly stood up.

I took out a wooden box from my small bag.

Inside was a yellowed handmade sketchbook, classically bound.

This was the only thing my grandmother had left me-a precious sketchbook recording scenery from various places.

Years ago, I'd wheedled and begged until Luca gave it to me.

Seeing the sketchbook, his pupils contracted sharply.

I placed it before him and said softly.

"Happy birthday."

After a pause, I raised my eyes to meet his complicated gaze directly.

"I wish you happiness."

Returning what belonged to him.

Also severing my last attachment.

He was about to speak.

Suddenly, a crisp shattering sound came from the center of the banquet hall.

The decorative ice sculpture, three meters tall, was falling toward me!