Chapter 4

Zoey touched up her lipstick and turned to leave the restroom, only to freeze the moment she rounded the corner. Not far ahead, Yves had Wendy pinned against the wall and was kissing her deeply. His longer fingers were tangled in her hair while his other hand gripped her waist tightly, as if he wanted to make her part of himself. Wendy tilted her head back, her pale neck arched in a graceful curve. After a long while, Yves released her and brushed his thumb over her swollen lips. His voice was low as he asked, "Are you satisfied now?" Wendy leaned into him, her voice soft and sweet as she replied, "Yves, do you think I'm being unreasonable? I already have your family heirloom, and yet… I still asked for a kiss. If Zoey saw this, she'd probably be heartbroken. "I just… I can't help it. If that accident hadn't happened, we would've been together by now!" Yves' gaze was calm as he tightened his grip on her waist. "Her sadness has nothing to do with me. I never liked her, and I never will. The only one I've ever wanted is you, Wen." With that, he lowered his head and sealed Wendy's lips again. All the while, Zoey was rooted to the spot. Her heart felt as though it was being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand. It hurt so badly she couldn't even breathe. She clutched her chest. To her, this pain was perhaps just the final trace of what was once love. Once this last bit faded… there'd be nothing left. Yves and Wendy ate each other's faces for three full minutes before leaving. After the couple disappeared completely, Zoey stepped out of the shadows. She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, and prepared to return to the banquet hall to collect her purse and leave. However, as soon as she entered the hall, Wendy rushed over and grabbed her wrist. "Zoey, if you really like the ring Yves gave me, I could've just given it to you. Why did you have to steal it?" Zoey was caught off guard. "What did I steal? What are you on about?" "Drop the act!" Tears welled up in Wendy's eyes. "I had only made a trip to the restroom, and the ring was gone! The waiter said you were the only one who went near my purse!" Bryant and Daphne heard the commotion and hurried over. Without a word, Bryant slapped Zoey. "Can't you give it a rest for just one day?" Zoey's cheek burned from the slap. She was still reeling from the shock when Daphne shrieked, "Someone, search her!" Several waiters surrounded Zoey and yanked at her dress. Zoey desperately struggled. "Let go of me! I didn't steal anything!" Just then, a loud tear split the air. Her dress ripped at the shoulder and exposed her bare skin. Gasps and laughter rippled through the crowd. "I found it!" one of the waiters called out, holding up the emerald ring. "It was in her purse!" Wendy took the ring with tears rolling down her cheeks. "What do you have to say for yourself now, Zoey?" Zoey trembled. She was about to speak up when the crowd abruptly parted, and footsteps steadily echoed across the room. Zoey looked up and noticed Yves walking toward her, his polished shoes clicking on the marble floor. "Why did you steal it?" His voice was soft, but the whole banquet hall fell silent. "You've always known that I never saw you as my wife." Zoey looked up and met his cold gaze. "Zoey, some things just don't belong to you," he said in a low tone. "And they never will." Each word felt like a poisoned blade. For a second, Zoey stared at him and smiled. Her smile made Yves frown. He had seen her cry, throw fits, and lose control, but he'd never seen her smile like this. He even sensed some scorn in it. It felt as though she'd been freed from her shackles. "I didn't steal it," Zoey responded softly but firmly. The light from the chandelier danced in her eyes, like drops of tears and twinkling stars. "Also," Zoey took a deep breath before continuing, "I don't like you anymore!"