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“But he’s not exactly considerate. When he misbehaves, you have to help me teach him a lesson, alright? Tell him to be gentle like my brother–in–law instead of tearing up my things. It’s freezing!”
As she spoke, her eyes drifted playfully to her bare legs, the bruises on her knees glaringly provocative.
Her bold provocation struck me like a blow, but I steeled myself, swallowing the lump in my throat and refusing to let the tears spill.
Nolan‘ s glare darkened as he turned to Dione, his gaze sharp with warning. She quickly adjusted her expression, but her eyes flickered to the ring on my finger, and a sly laugh escaped her lips.
“Sister, is that a New Year‘ s gift from brother–in–law?”
“I guess we really are sisters; we have the
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same taste in men.”
“Look at this. My boyfriend gave it to me. Doesn’t it look like a set with your ring?”
“He said he wants to keep me tied to him forever. So childish, don’t you think?”
Before I could utter a word, Nolan‘ s voice sliced through the air, cold and sharp.
“Can’t you see yours is a fake? Parading it around like that, don‘ t you feel ridiculous?”
Dione didn’t flinch. Her lips curled into a serene smile as she leaned forward, pulling a neatly wrapped box onto the table.
“Sister, I brought some pears. Let’s split them later. I’ll go take a shower. You two enjoy.”
Her every word dripped with calculated innocence, but her gestures were a melody of provocation.
As the clock struck midnight, the building opposite us came alive, its windows blinking until they spelled out glowing
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words: “I LOVE YOU.”
Nolan dropped to one knee, his gaze filled with reverence. “Baby, these ten thousand lights shine just for you. They‘ re a symbol of my love. Let’s get married after the New Year, okay?”
My phone buzzed, interrupting his declaration. It was a message from Dione.
“Sister, brother–in–law said the ruby reminded him of the color I bloomed under him for the first time. Are you still sure you want to marry him?”
I glanced at my reflection in the window, catching a glimpse of her twisted smile as she ground her teeth. The words on the screen burned in my mind, igniting a spark within me. I knew then that my time for revenge had finally come.
I smiled gently and nodded. “Alright.
Nolan’s joy was uncontainable. He lifted me effortlessly and spun me around; his laughter filled with boyish delight. Tears
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glistened in his eyes, and his voice trembled with emotion. “You‘ ve given me the most unforgettable New Year‘ s Eve of my life.”
I let out a soft chuckle, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “The feeling‘ s mutual.”
His enthusiasm spilled over as he began calling a few friends, eager to celebrate and share the news of our engagement.
Turning to Dione, I smiled faintly. “Why not invite your boyfriend too? The more, the merrier.”
Her eyes darted instinctively toward Nolan, kather expression unreadable. His face
remained stoic, though a fleeting unease flickered in his gaze. “Do as your sister says,” he muttered, his tone devoid of warmth.
Hours later, Isaiah Crassus arrived, his tie slightly askew, his disheveled appearance hinting at the rush to get here.
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What happened next silenced the room. With an air of nonchalance, Dione walked straight to him, her movements deliberate. She perched herself boldly on his lap, her arms sliding around his neck, leaving not doubt about her intentions.
She teasingly placed a cherry against his lips, her gaze, however, drifting back to Nolan, lingering just a moment too long.
Isaiah sat stiffly, the discomfort evident in his posture. His eyes darted nervously toward Nolan, betraying his unease.
I smiled knowingly, tilting my head ever so slightly. “Well, Nolan, it seems your secretary has managed to steal my sister‘ s heart.”
Nolan swirled his wine with deliberate calm, his expression cold and detached, though the faintest spark of anger flickered in his eyes. It was the same smoldering fury I remembered from the days when we had dated in secret, especially when his senior had insisted on asking for my
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number.
The moment Isaiah’s lips brushed against the cherry, Nolan moved without warning. He pulled me into his arms and kissed met fiercely, a gesture that was equal parts defiance and possession.
I fought back my rising anger, gently pushing him away, my movements controlled despite the heat in my chest.
Someone broke the tension with a laugh.
“Not quite the same. She’s sharing cherries, and you‘ re sharing saliva!”
Nolan took my hand, his smirk playful yet edged with dominance. “What can I say? My baby’s sweeter than any cherry.”
The sound of glass shattering filled the room, cutting through the laughter. Dione’s wine glass lay in pieces, red wine. blooming across her dress as she froze under the weight of everyone’s gaze.
