Chapter 5

Warm liquid trickled down my temple.

My vision was stained with crimson.

Consciousness wavered in a dizzying haze.

The sound of fabric tearing pierced the air.

The door was kicked open with a loud crash.

"What are you doing?!"

Camille Grandelle rushed in and pushed them away.

She reached out to help me.

I violently shook her off.

My eyes fixed on her designer gown.

A bitter smile twisted my lips.

"Camille, was it fun to deceive me?"

"It's not what you think..."

"At this hour, you should be working at KFC. What fast-food joint lets employees wear hundred-thousand-dollar dresses? Your daily wage couldn't even buy a thread of that fabric."

Camille fell silent.

Liam Valentine sneered from the side.

"Sharp eyes. Found out Camille's rich and couldn't wait to cash in?"

"I always said no one would willingly be a simp. You probably figured out Camille's background and clung to her, dreaming of climbing up. How pathetic."

Rage and despair burned in my chest.

I had only loved someone sincerely.

Wanted to share her burdens.

Never trampled on anyone's feelings.

Why should I endure such humiliation?

I slapped Liam across the face.

Camille's expression instantly changed.

She shoved me away.

Shielded the sobbing Liam behind her.

"Ethan Roland! How could you hit him?"

I pointed at my bleeding temple and laughed coldly.

"He smashed a bottle on my head, and you're upset over a slap?"

"Camille, the game of playing poor princess is over. We're done."

I turned to leave.

Camille caught up and grabbed my wrist.

"Ethan, don't go. I actually..."

Liam suddenly interrupted with a tearful voice.

"Camille, you're carrying our child. Mom's waiting at home to celebrate."

Camille's fingers trembled.

After a moment's hesitation.

She finally let go.

"Ethan, don't make a scene now. Go home and wait for me. I'll explain everything tomorrow."

She hurried away with Liam.

I watched her retreating figure with a bitter laugh.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow's your engagement party.

No, with a child on the way, you'll probably just get married directly.

My phone vibrated.

A message from the manager.

"Ethan, the client is very satisfied. Here's your payment."

The transfer amount was staggering.

Mr. Valentine sure is generous.

Camille's messages kept coming.

"Ethan, it's not what you think. Let me handle this, then I'll explain. Just give me a little more time, okay?"

Three years.

I've waited long enough.

The clock struck midnight.

Our fourth anniversary.

And she's about to become someone else's bride.

I sent one final message.

"Camille, happy engagement."