Chapter 2
885words
He delivered his speech—tired clichés about future, dreams, and partnerships transformed into poetry by his magnetic voice.
"...Sterling Power's success isn't mine alone," he paused, gazing toward Evelyn as if seeing only her among hundreds, "it belongs to all of us. And today, the person I want to thank most is the most important person in my life—my fiancée, Evelyn Hayes."
He raised his glass toward her.
"To Evelyn, partner in everything."
On cue, thunderous applause erupted. Evelyn stood in the corner, coldly observing. In her previous life, these words had sealed her fate—she'd fallen completely, sacrificing everything, even her life. She'd once believed that affectionate gaze was genuine, meant only for her.
Now, with death's perspective, she saw the truth. Even while seemingly focused on her, his peripheral vision scanned key investors, gauging reactions. Not a lover's gaze—a politician's calculated performance.
He was a born actor, a perfect egoist. And she had been the most successful yet tragic prop in his script.
Evelyn drained her champagne and placed the empty glass on a passing tray. The crisp clink sounded like a starting pistol.
She began walking toward the stage.
Her heels made no sound on the thick carpet, but her presence commanded attention. She moved with deliberate grace, like an icebreaker cutting through frozen waters toward that golden island. Conversations died away as curious, confused gazes followed her path.
She kept her eyes forward. She passed her father, catching his momentary displeasure and warning. She passed Richard's business partners with their amused, slightly contemptuous smiles. To them, she was merely decorative—a beautiful ornament bringing valuable connections.
Very well.
Let them watch.
Richard noticed her approach. His speech faltered briefly before he recovered with an indulgent smile. He clearly thought she couldn't resist sharing his spotlight.
He extended his hand with princely elegance.
"Look, our leading lady has arrived. Darling, come join me."
Evelyn mounted the final steps and stood before him. She ignored his outstretched hand and his waiting embrace.
Under hundreds of watching eyes, she simply took the microphone from his hand.
Richard's smile froze.
The banquet hall fell into dead silence. Even the air conditioning's hum became suddenly audible.
Richard's expression flickered through several emotions. He whispered through clenched teeth, "Evelyn? Don't be ridiculous. Give me the microphone."
"Ridiculous?" Evelyn tilted her head, meeting his eyes directly for the first time, the faintest smile playing at her lips. "Richard, you're about to discover what ridiculous truly means."
She turned to face the shocked audience, gripping the microphone tightly. She remembered her past life—how she'd been erased from Richard's world under these same watching eyes. Some had even attended her sparse funeral, offering empty condolences like checking off a social obligation.
Now, before these same people, she would reclaim her dignity.
"Thank you all for attending the engagement party of Mr. Richard Sterling and myself tonight," her voice rang clear and calm through the hall. "However, I regret to make an announcement."
She paused, her gaze sweeping the audience before returning to Richard, whose expression had darkened dangerously.
"My engagement to Mr. Richard Sterling," she pronounced each word like a judge delivering a verdict, "is officially terminated, effective immediately."
Her words landed like a bomb. The venue erupted—gasps and frantic whispers spreading like wildfire.
Richard felt blood rushing to his head. He wanted to salvage the situation, to claim it was just a joke, but Evelyn's emotionless eyes left him speechless.
He could only watch as she calmly removed the multi-million-dollar diamond from her finger—the ring she'd once caressed during countless hopeful nights.
Now she discarded it like worthless trash.
She placed the ring gently on the podium.
*Click.*
The soft sound cut through the chaos with perfect clarity.
That sound shattered his composure.
Having finished, Evelyn didn't spare him another glance. She turned and walked off the stage with measured steps, her retreating figure as resolute as a warrior marching to glorious battle.
Only when she vanished through the doors did Richard snap from his trance. He felt hundreds of gazes piercing him—sympathetic, gleeful, contemptuous, entertained. His moment of triumph transformed into public humiliation.
Heat burned from his neck to his ears. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms.
How dare she? What right did she have?
Evelyn, who had always followed his lead, gazed at him adoringly, treated him like her entire world—how dare she humiliate him before everyone?
Without him, who was she? What did she possess that he hadn't given her?
Rage and humiliation burned in his chest. He stared at the closed doors, his mind rejecting abandonment and scrambling for a more palatable explanation.
She was putting on an act.
Yes, this was just an extreme bid for attention, protesting his recent neglect during IPO preparations.
Richard took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He carefully reconstructed his smile.
He couldn't panic. Panic would confirm his humiliation.
Just wait.
He thought coldly, staring at the door.
Wait until her tantrum ends. Wait until she realizes that without him, she is nothing.
By tomorrow morning, she'll be back, crying and begging for forgiveness.
