Chapter 5

My mom had followed my dad to meet Oliver's parents.

They had intended to discuss things calmly.

But Oliver's parents were businesspeople. They didn't say anything outright nasty, but every word subtly reminded my parents of a daughter-in-law's "duties."

My dad held back his anger, but my mom couldn't.

She wept as if her world had ended. When she heard I canceled the wedding, she immediately wanted to rush back and apologize to them.

Yet, my resolve only grew stronger.

"I’m the one who decided this, Mom. I don't want to degrade myself anymore. Dad, Mom... I want to go home."

They didn't say another word. After a long silence, a look of pure relief washed over their faces.

That evening, Oliver came over with a grim expression, demanding to talk.

His very first words were full of blame: "Stella, if you didn't want to change the venue, we could have talked. Why did you have to send your parents to make a scene? It’s going to be so awkward for me to face them after we're married."

I stared at him.

"Then let's not get married."

Oliver’s face darkened, his voice laced with suppressed anger.

"Stella, I just want you to apologize and smooth things over with them. Isn't that what you always do?"

I wanted to laugh.

Oliver didn't understand. In the past, I humored his parents out of love for him. But things were different now.

"Oliver, let's call off the wedding."

Just as the words left my mouth, his phone began to ring.

The apartment was quiet, and I could faintly hear the voice on the other end crying, "Oliver, Vivian is missing!"

Oliver’s body tensed instantly. He muttered a quick reply and got up to leave.

"Stella, the dress and the rings are already made. Stop messing around. Something happened to Vivian, I have to go."

The moment Oliver left, I went straight to my room and began packing my bags.

I still had to deal with the rings, since I paid for half of them.

Oliver didn't return all night, nor did he send a single text.

For the first time in years, I slept peacefully.

I woke up, finished packing, and headed to the jewelry studio.

The sales associate warmly handed me our custom rings, complimenting how beautiful they looked.

I offered a polite smile, took them off, and handed them back.

"I’d like to refund these, please."

The associate was taken aback, pausing for a few seconds before going to find the manager.

Oliver was the one who signed the contract, so getting a refund myself would be tricky. Hearing footsteps, I forced a smile onto my face.

But when I turned around, I froze.

"Julian?"

We hadn't seen each other since graduation. He was the class genius, and everyone always teased him for skipping reunions. Seeing him now didn't feel awkward at all.

Julian looked equally surprised. After some brief small talk, he asked seriously, "Are you not happy with the rings?"

I waved my hands awkwardly. "No, it's just... the wedding is off."

Julian was clearly shocked, but he didn't pry.

"According to the policy, I need Oliver's consent to process this for you."

By the time he dialed the number, I was ready to give up.

Julian quickly stated the reason for the call: "Hello, Oliver. Stella is here to return the rings—"

Before he could finish, Oliver interrupted irritably.

"Fine, whatever she wants. Just do it."

Before the call disconnected, I clearly heard a woman whimpering in the background.

It seemed Oliver was still busy comforting Vivian and had no time for me.

Julian looked at me with pity.

But I actually burst out laughing, tears streaming down my face.

I booked the earliest flight home and called my parents.

After processing the refund, Julian handed me a small, elegant box.

Inside was a beautifully crafted sunflower brooch.

"Consider this a freebie. Congratulations on your freedom."

A wave of warmth rushed through me as I accepted it.

Time flew by. Even as the plane touched down, I still felt like I was in a dream.

Just as I walked out of the airport, Chloe called. "Stella, Oliver came to corner me. He refused to take the bill and the credit card you left."

I looked at my parents’ backs and the sky of my hometown.

My heart felt incredibly peaceful.

"Let him be. Either way... it's completely over."