Rowena withdrew her gaze from the photo and turned to look at me, her eyes filled with bone-chilling coldness.
She sneered. "We just finished choosing the wedding dress, and you're already in a hurry to buy a diamond ring? Nathan, are you that eager to marry me?"
She added coolly, "Unfortunately for you, I already have a date with Preston today. I'm afraid I won't be able to go with you."
I forced down the bitterness welling up in my chest. "Since you've made plans, go see him first. I'll come find you later. It'll be late enough that your parents won't notice."
Rowena froze for a moment, then looked at me suspiciously.
"Why are you being so considerate today? You'd typically get angry the moment Preston is mentioned.
"What? Do you think now that we're getting married, he's no longer a threat?" she asked.
I smiled bitterly at her words. Before I could respond, Rowena turned and walked out.
I left as well, wandering around the streets for a long time. It was not until nearly seven in the evening that I finally headed back to the Atkinson residence.
I did not see Rowena, but I ran straight into her parents.
The wedding date was approaching, yet I was out shopping for wedding items alone, accompanied only by the housekeeper.
They immediately understood what had happened.
Rowena's mother, Ophelia Barnes, stepped forward and took my hand with a pained expression.
"Nathan, that girl has really wronged you! Believe me: once you're married, she'll change these bad habits. She's always saying one thing and meaning another.
"Look, she even had her assistant buy several different styles of rings. Come, see which one you like. Marriage is a big deal, so you have to choose carefully."
She added warmly, "I've been hoping the two of you would work out. Don't worry, I'll make sure your wedding is grand and proper."
In their eyes, Rowena and I clearly loved each other–that she was just too stubborn to admit it.
I knew better, though.
Rowena did all this out of guilt and long-standing habit, nothing more.
In my previous life, even without Preston, Rowena and I could never have lived as a loving couple.
She was good to me, but only as a sister.
I carefully chose the most exquisite diamond ring for her future husband.
Not long after, I received a message from Rowena.
[Since the ring has been chosen, learn to behave yourself. Stay in your place in the Atkinson family, and don't even think about meddling in my affairs.]
A wave of sorrow surged through me. With reddened eyes, I typed back in the chat window.
[You don't need to tell me. I know my limits. Don't worry.]
When Ophelia saw the message on my phone, she flew into a rage. "That wretched girl! Where did she go?"
The housekeeper answered softly, "Ms. Atkinson… She's at the Keller residence."
"That ungrateful girl!" Ophelia snapped. "She's sneaking off to see Preston again!"
"Nathan, don't be upset," she finally said, turning to me. "I'll talk some sense into her for you!"
Just as her words fell, Atkinson Corporation's personal assistant rushed over in a panic.
He reported that Rowena had given out large sums of money and even gifted a brand-new car in order to help smooth things over for Preston's father, Callaghan Keller, who was under investigation.
Rowena's father, Edwin Atkinson, exploded in fury.
Meanwhile, Ophelia frowned deeply, then quickly patted my shoulder, afraid I might feel hurt.
Looking at the concern written all over their faces, my throat tightened painfully.
Ever since my parents had passed away, they treated me as their own son.
They knew how deeply I loved Rowena, so they tried everything–scheming and arranging opportunities–just to bring us closer together.
No matter what was done, though, Rowena and I were never meant to be.
After a moment of thought, I got down on my knees in front of them.
I said softly, "Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, I've failed you. I'm sorry for making you worry. You've treated me like your own, and I know that in my heart. But matters of the heart can never be forced.
"We all know that the person Rowena loves is Preston. She and I are only siblings in name and feeling. Since that's the case… I'll step aside and fulfill Rowena's wish."
