In the banquet hall, Trisha clung to Andrius’s side, never leaving him for a single step, instantly becoming the center of attention.
The one who should have been the focus, me, could only linger in the shadows, isolated in a corner.
“Maxine, why are you hiding here, drinking alone?”
The voice belonged to Erin Louisse, Trisha’s close friend. I barely spared her a glance, planning to leave, but my path was blocked.
“Don’t go. At least explain why your jewelry set is identical to Trisha’s?”
Her voice suddenly rose, sharp and accusing. “You stole Trisha’s things!”
All eyes snapped toward me.
She did it deliberately.
“I didn’t,” I said coldly. “This was prepared for me by Andrius.”
“Who are you trying to fool?” Erin sneered. “This set of pink diamonds was custom-made by Andrius for Trisha. It’s one of a kind. You definitely stole it!”
“What’s going on here?” Andrius’s voice cut through the chatter as he approached with Trisha.
Erin’s face lit up with mischief. “Perfect timing, Andrius! Maxine stole the jewelry you gave Trisha!”
Trisha let out a soft “ah.” “No wonder I couldn’t find this set of pink diamonds today… so it was….”
She paused, then spoke in a troubled tone. “Sister, if you wanted it, you could have asked. Why did you have to steal?”
“I didn’t steal,” I said, meeting Andrius’s eyes. “You told the butler to give it to me.”
His brows furrowed. “How could I give you Trisha’s things?”
My chest sank as the butler’s words echoed in my mind, “This was specially prepared for tonight’s banquet, please cooperate.”
He had never said it was from Andrius.
It was a setup.
I turned my gaze on Trisha. She stood confidently at Andrius’s side, the faint curl of a hidden smile on her lips. She dared this only because she knew he would never believe me, much less stand by me.
Trisha feigned generosity. “Forget it. Let’s just say I gifted it to you, sister.”
But Erin Louisse snapped, “Trisha, you’re far too kind! A thief needs to be taught a lesson!”
As she spoke, her hand shot toward my ear.
A sharp pain tore through me, warm blood trickling down my neck as she yanked me down.
Gasps erupted around us. One of the ladies from the entrance rushed forward. “Mrs. Velasquez! You’re bleeding so much, let me take you to get it treated!”
Leaning on her hand, I forced myself upright. The pain in my earlobe left half my face numb, tingling with heat.
“Maxine…”
Andrius had taken a step forward, but Trisha clung to him instantly. “So much blood! I’m so scared!”
He hurriedly covered her eyes. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
“Andrius, do you think I stole it?” My voice was soft, barely audible, yet he heard it.
His gaze flicked to me, faint disgust shadowing his eyes. “How long are you going to keep making trouble?”
I had expected this ending, yet my chest still twisted with fury.
A bitter laugh slipped out as my bloodied hands tore off the remaining earring and necklace, flinging them to the floor with a sharp crash.
“Your precious things? I see only filth.”
Andrius’s eyes widened, panic flickering across his face as if I had crossed some invisible line. “Maxine!” he shouted, fear edging his tone.
But Trisha suddenly swayed, her voice trembling. “I… I feel faint…”
“Trisha! What’s wrong?” Andrius caught her at once, urgency flooding his every move. “Call a doctor!”
Chaos erupted in the hall, and in that moment, I slipped away unnoticed.
Back at the villa, I left the things meant for Andrius in the study. The bloodied gown I carried straight into the garden and set aflame.
Soon after, a message flashed on my phone. [Maxine, I won’t blame you for today. Go home and wait for me. Be good.]
I curved my lips into a bitter smile, pulled out the SIM card, and tossed it into the fire.
Andrius, I would not wait any longer.
