"Alright. The condition is that you return to Zlomont and become the new head of the Brooks Group."
...
"Oh my, she looks so happy."
"I'm so envious of Isabella, to be favored by Mr. Ahmed."
The throng's voices rose and fell, yet I felt nothing but a suffocating weight in my chest.
In the center of the red carpet, Richard knelt on one knee, holding up a ring set with a red diamond. His eyes held such deep devotion, like I was his entire universe.
I gazed at him, my heart churning with uncontainable rage.
The photos and videos sent by Eva were still on my phone, her brazen provocation like daggers stabbing my heart, making it hard to breathe.
I had an urge to smash the phone on Richard's face and ask him what he truly thought of me.
But that wasn't enough!
A hysterical confrontation wouldn't balance the humiliation I felt!
Both Richard and Eva needed to pay for what they did to me!
"Isabella, will you marry me?" Richard urged, his tone filled with anticipation.
I beamed slightly, concealing my anger deep in my eyes. "Yes."
Cheers erupted, applause thundered.
The ring slid onto my finger, cold against my skin, and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply amidst the crowd's uproar.
I battled the wave of disgust, letting my thoughts drift back to the summer five years ago when we confirmed our relationship.
Richard's eyes then were full of endless affection, and he swore he would love me forever. But it turned out his "forever" lasted only five years.
After the proposal succeeded, Richard eagerly began planning the wedding. He attended to every detail, from invitations to the wedding dress, as if he were the perfect fiancé.
Watching his busy figure, I sneered inwardly. If not for the constant reminders from the texts on my phone, he might have fooled everyone.
"You're too sensitive. Richard just loves me a little more."
Eva's messages kept popping up, her tone casual, as if purposely trying to provoke me.
I clutched my phone tightly, forcing myself to remain composed.
"The custom jewelry has arrived at the store. I'll go with you to take a look," Richard suggested, kissing my cheek. "I'll help you pick out more."
I didn't refuse Richard's invitation to shop.
The store manager enthusiastically displayed necklaces from the safe, inviting me to try them on.
I smiled gracefully, comparing them in the mirror, while my peripheral vision caught Richard in the background, his focus entirely on his phone, fingers swiftly moving across the screen.
"How about this one?" I deliberately interrupted him.
Richard cast a glance at me quickly. "It's nice, and suits you perfectly..."
His phone rang again, his brow furrowed, and he quickly made an excuse. "Dear, there's a problem with the wedding arrangements. I need to go back right away."
"I'll go with you." I settled down the necklace, fixing my gaze at him.
"No need, it's too far," he immediately refused, his tone even a bit urgent. "I don't want you to tire yourself."
My heart chilled slightly, but I still managed to smile. "Alright, you go ahead."
He left a kiss on my forehead, his voice tender. "Choose one you like. I'll surprise you when I return."
I nodded slightly, watching him leave in a hurry. Once his silhouette vanished completely, my smile faded.
The store manager came over, asking warmly, "Would you like to try some other styles?"
"No, thank you." I shook my head, my voice carrying a glacial edge.
Upon leaving the jewelry store, my phone buzzed again.
A new screenshot of message appeared on the phone.
Eva said, "I miss you so much."
Richard replied, "Baby, I'm on my way."
My breath caught, fingers turning cold.
Eva added, "Don't mind. He's just overly concerned about me."
I clenched the phone tightly, trying to suppress the stabbing pain in my heart, then opened my contacts to find the encrypted number.
I filled my lungs and worked up the courage to press the call button.
"Hello?" A deep, authoritative voice soon came from the other end, carrying a sense of pressure.
"Help me arrange a live stream event," I said.
After a moment of silence, a cold laugh echoed through.
"What kind of status do you have to dare command the head of the Brooks family to serve you?"