Chapter 4

I stumbled back a few steps, holding back the heartache, and looked up with tears in my eyes.

"Adrian, have you forgotten the oath you made in front of my father's memorial photo?"

Back then, he knelt before my father's memorial tablet and swore he would never let me suffer any grievances.

Now, for Vanessa's sake, he let her destroy my most precious possession.

In just three years, this relationship had changed beyond recognition.

Adrian's eyes flashed with reluctance, but looking at Vanessa crying her heart out in his arms, he still scolded me coldly.

"Ella, I know you're upset, but can't you be more mature? I have a responsibility to Vanessa. I can't just ignore her."

"Let's postpone the wedding. We'll talk about it after Vanessa recovers."

He left those harsh words and took Vanessa to the hospital.

I picked up the shattered necklace from the floor and left the Shaw house without looking back.

Adrian, why bother postponing? I'm not going to marry you anyway.

With only two weeks until the wedding, the Hayes household was checking off wedding preparations, sending invitations, and hosting dinners. Everyone was too busy to catch their breath.

After helping my mom finish organizing, I was about to rest when Adrian called.

"Ella, why aren't you home? Where did you go so late?"

"I'm at the Hayes house."

"Over such a small disagreement, you run back to the Hayes house to complain?"

"Stop this nonsense and come back. Vanessa already knows she was wrong."

Adrian's tone carried some dissatisfaction, still thinking I was sulking over the necklace incident.

"I'm not making a fuss. Weren't you worried I'd bully Vanessa? Now I'm gone—no one will bully her."

Adrian fell silent for a few seconds, his tone slightly angry.

"Ella, why have you become so unreasonable? Vanessa's hand hasn't healed yet. Are you deliberately trying to make her feel guilty?"

I laughed mockingly.

"What does her injured hand have to do with me? Didn't you say you had a responsibility to take care of her? Then take good care of her."

Adrian, why have I become like this? Don't you know?

Every time we had a conflict, you never considered my feelings, taking Vanessa's side without limits.

Our five years together never mattered as much to you as making Vanessa happy. Well then, I don't want you anymore either.

I hung up, took a comfortable bath, and finally could let down all my defenses and sleep peacefully.

The next day at my follow-up appointment, the doctor said my liver, kidneys, and digestive system had recovered well—nothing serious.

Walking out of the consultation room, I ran into Vincent accompanying Vanessa for her checkup.

"Ella, last time was my fault. Don't be angry anymore—Adrian was so worried about you he couldn't sleep last night."

"You two spent last night together?"

Realizing her slip, Vanessa tried to explain in a panic.

"I had Vanessa stay at our place. Her hand is injured—it's not convenient for a girl to live alone."

"Ella, you should stop being angry. We're getting married soon. Suddenly living apart—what will people think?"

Even now, he was worried about people misunderstanding Vanessa as the other woman.

I didn't even have the energy to argue anymore. I said coldly:

"No need. I have things to do. I'm leaving."

"Ella, how long are you going to keep this up!"

I had just turned around when Adrian grabbed my neck from behind...