was completely disappointed in James . I just wanted to get my mother-in-law's funeral done as quickly as possible and then completely leave this city full of lies . As for James , I didn't even want to see him again.
The florist had just handed over the packaged white chrysanthemums when a shrill laugh came from behind him.
My whole body froze, and I knew who it was without turning around.
"Hey, isn't that Sophia?" Jade's voice was filled with sarcasm. "Auntie's only been gone for a few days, and you're still in the mood to go shopping at the mall? Could it be that you knew James was here with me to try on wedding dresses today and followed me here on purpose?"
I turned and saw James standing next to Jade, clutching a bridal shop bag, his eyes filled with impatience and disdain. Jade was wearing a mermaid wedding gown, the rhinestones glittering so brightly it hurt her eyes. She deliberately spun around and put her arm around James's. "James, look at her! Mom just passed away, and she's already dressed so plainly to act pitiful. Isn't she trying to make you feel bad so she can stay by your side?"
"That's enough." I squeezed the chrysanthemum tightly, squeezing the petals until they were deformed. "I'm here to buy funeral supplies, not to waste time with you."
James scoffed, taking a step closer to me, his tone as cold as ice. "Funeral supplies? I think you're just looking for an excuse to see me, right? Sophia, don't be so unscrupulous. I know you're sad that your mother is dead, but don't spend your time stalking her. It's really cheap."
His words were like needles, pricking my temples. I was about to retort when my phone vibrated in my pocket—it was a message from Henry: "I ordered a jade bracelet for you from the jewelry store on the third floor of the mall. The style was chosen according to your aunt's preferences before she passed away. I hope this puts your mind at ease."
My heart suddenly warmed up. I clutched my phone and turned to head to the third floor . At least this bracelet was made with my heart in mind. But James and Jade followed me. Jade was still snarling, "What? You want to run away just because you were told so?"
When I arrived at the jewelry store, a waitress was already waiting there with a velvet box. She immediately came over to me and, smiling, opened the box. "Miss, this is a gift from a gentleman who ordered it in advance. He said he wanted to give it to you . He specifically said it's for his future bride. I hope you like it."
Inside the box lay a mutton-fat jade bracelet, its texture soft and smooth, exactly the style my mother-in-law always said was suitable for girls. My eyes welled up, and just as I was about to reach out to take it, Jade suddenly rushed over, snatched the box away, and smiled so hard that her eyes narrowed. "James, you're so thoughtful! I told you you wouldn't forget me. This bracelet is so beautiful!"
James was stunned for a moment, obviously thinking that it was ordered by one of his friends. Just as he was about to curl his lips, the waiter hurriedly explained: "Miss, you misunderstood. This is not for you, it's..."
"It's not for me?" Jade's smile froze on her face. She glared at the waiter and raised her voice suddenly. "Are you blind? Didn't you see James and I were together? If not me, who would he send? I'm warning you, don't talk nonsense, or I'll shut down your shop!"
The waiter was so frightened by her aura that his face turned pale, and his words got stuck in his throat. Jade snorted triumphantly, took the jade bracelet out of the box, and was about to put it on her wrist .
was stuck in the middle, but she still forced it in .
"Jade, that's not yours." I took a step forward, my voice trembling with coldness, "Someone gave it to me, let it go."
"Yours?" Jade turned to look at James as if she had heard a huge joke. "James, listen to me, an orphan without a father or a mother, who would give you something ?"
James frowned, but didn't help me. Instead, he pulled Jade's arm and said, "Come on, stop making a fuss. If you like the bracelet, take it. I'll buy her another one later." When he looked at me, his eyes were full of alms. "Sophia, if you want it, I can give you money, but don't compete with Jade. She's pregnant and can't stand being bullied."
I watched them echoing each other, watching the jade bracelet that should have belonged to me, the one with Henry's affection, being forcibly slapped on my wrist by Jade. Even the waiter didn't dare to speak. The warmth in my heart gradually cooled, replaced by a deep sense of clarity - there was no need to argue with them for a moment.
I took out my phone and sent a message to Henry: [The bracelet was taken away by Jade. It's okay, don't worry about it. I'll take care of the funeral first.]
The moment the message was sent successfully, I looked up at James and Jade, a faint smile on my lips: "If you want the bracelet, take it, but James, you'd better remember - you will have to pay me back sooner or later."
After saying that, I didn't even look at their surprised expressions. I turned around and left with Bai Ju.
The sunlight from outside the window shone through the glass and fell on the white petals in my hand. I suddenly felt that the bracelet that was stolen was nothing .
After I finish my mother-in-law's funeral and Henry collects the evidence, one day I will make them pay the price for their arrogance today.
