Chapter 4: She Is My Fiancée

I still said coldly, "No need."

Roderick pleaded, "Elaine, why are you so stubborn?"

Indeed!

If I weren't so stubborn, how could I have loved this heartless man for nine years, giving up even my self-respect? I had been enduring the pain he had caused me for that Lindsay, and letting him hurt me over and over again and leave me behind.

I no longer had the strength to argue with him, and I simply turned and left.

I left the home I had shared with Roderick for three years, heartbroken, and moved back to the apartment I had bought for my mother.

The apartment was empty. My mother was no longer there.

Since my father's death, I had lived with my mother, and now, I felt abandoned by the whole world.

I took a two-week leave from work, cutting off all contact with the outside world.

Every day, I lay in bed, covering myself with a blanket, doing nothing but eating and sleeping.

Roderick called many times, but I answered none.

His assistant also contacted me, saying Roderick had prepared the best gravesite in the city and wanted me to relocate my mother's grave there.

What was the point now?

I refused.

However, Roderick was persistent.

One day, I received a special delivery package. Upon opening it, I found a diamond ring.

There was also a letter written by Roderick himself.

I didn't open it and instead sent it back as it was.

I knew the gravesite, the diamond ring, and the handwritten letter were all his ways of appeasing me, his attempts at making amends.

But I no longer needed his belated affection.

I had muddled through for half a month.

Finally, I returned to work.

The concern from colleagues and bosses let me know I was not really alone.

Just before closing time, I received a call from an unknown number.

After hesitating for a few seconds, I answered it.

After connecting, a familiar voice came through. "Elaine."

I did not speak.

Roderick cautiously began, "Elaine, I know you are still angry with me. What happened before was my fault. I apologize."

"Tomorrow, the Bessemer family will host a banquet, and I will send someone to pick you up. I will announce to everyone that you are my future wife, and I will give you a grand wedding."

"I was wrong before, and I promise I will treat you well in the future."

Had he said these words earlier, I would have been overjoyed, thinking my efforts had finally paid off.

But now, I only found it hilarious. Why did he only regret losing me and think of treating me well now?

How could he be so despicable?

"I won't go, Roderick."

But Roderick insisted, "No! Elaine, I will wait for you. Whether you come or not, I will announce to everyone that you are my wife!"

I ignored him and hung up the phone.

Yet, the next day, I still went to the party.

Our company had a partnership with Bessemer Corporation, and my boss, Mr. Micah, received an invitation.

As his assistant, I had to go with Mr. Micah.

I thought I could just avoid Roderick at the event.

Unbeknownst to me, Roderick was at the entrance looking around.

After a glimpse of me, his eyes lit up. "Elaine, I knew you would come!"

I took a step back expressionlessly. "Roderick, I am here just for work today."

Roderick obviously didn't believe it and tried to approach me, but I dodged him.

Mr. Micah's gaze lingered between us for a moment. "Mr. Bessemer, do you know each other?"

Roderick nodded. "She is my fiancée."

Mr. Micah raised an eyebrow.