Chapter 6
“This…” someone couldn’t help but snicker. “What century is this? Who gives handmade scarves anymore?“]
“That cheap yarn? Mr. Hayes’ll probably break out in a rash wearing it!“]]
“Who the hell is this chick? How’d someone dressed so shabby even get in here?“]]
Mia’s face went deathly pale as she instinctively stepped backward.[]
Declan’s expression instantly darkened.[]
He picked up the scarf and wrapped it around his neck in front of everyone.[]
“I love this gift.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it silenced the entire room. “Handmade gifts mean more to me than expensive store–bought crap.“]]
Then he grabbed the watch Callie had given him and said coldly: “This thing, on the other hand? Expensive, sure. But completely meaningless.”
The sound of the watch hitting the trash can was deafening.
The ballroom fell into eerie silence, then suddenly erupted in cheers:[]
“Mr. Hayes is absolutely right! Handmade gifts have soul!“]]
“Watch is meh–look at those unique stitches on this scarf!“[]
“Miss, you’re so talented with your hands!“]]
Callie stood frozen, feeling like all the blood in her body had turned to ice.
That watch? She’d spent three solid months flying to boutiques in multiple countries, comparing a dozen styles before picking it.]]
But now it was tossed away like garbage–all to back up Mia.
Actually, thinking about it, hadn’t this been happening all along?
He could drop important meetings for Mia, but couldn’t remember Callie’s birthday:
He could stay up all night caring for a sick Mia, but wouldn’t even call when Callie was burning up with fever;
He could fly halfway around the world for one word from Mia, but was too stingy to spare time for a single meal with Callie.[]
Every single time, he chose Mia without hesitation–just like he’d thrown away Callie’s gift without a second thought.]
Callie gently ran a hand over her chest, where her heart had once pounded for him. Now it was as calm as a stagnant pond.[]
So this was how it worked–loving someone can really drain you dry.]
All those excitements, the hopes, the aches–they’d been worn away bit by bit with each choice he made.[]
She wouldn’t hurt for him anymore, because her heart was empty now.
For the rest of the party, all eyes stayed glued to Mia.[]
The same guests who’d been mocking her “tacky” gifts just minutes ago now swarmed around her, falling over themselves to suck up.
Callie stood in the corner, lips twisting into a bitter smile.
These were the rules of high society–one look from Declan could make everyone flock to you.]
Whatever. Maybe that was for the best.
After the divorce, Declan would probably install Mia as the new Mrs. Hayes anyway. Tonight was just a warm–up, getting her familiar to everyone.
As the banquet wrapped up, guests trickled out.]
Callie stood by the door seeing everyone off, her face wearing that perfect smile, still playing the part of the flawless Mrs. Hayes.
Only after the last guest departed did she allow herself a small sigh of relief. But when she turned around, she found Declan and Mia standing by the
entrance
Rain was pouring outside, sheets of water cascading down while cold wind whipped the dampness inside.[]
Mia shivered and couldn’t help but sneeze.]
Declan frowned immediately, slipping off his suit jacket to drape over her shoulders.]
“I’m still cold…” Mia trembled.]
Declan’s
gaze swept the room and suddenly landed on Callie.[]
She wore a cashmere shawl over her shoulders–soft, pale beige fabric that gleamed with delicate luster under the lights.[]
“Give Mia your shawl,” he said.]
Callie’s fingers trembled, her face instantly draining of color.
“This was my grandma’s-”
“I know it was handmade by your dead grandma,” Declan cut her off. “Mia just needs to borrow it. Why are you being so petty?”
