“What did you just say?”
Joanna’s father sounded shocked, unable to hide his suspicion. “Weren’t you the one with so much pride? Three years ago, for the so-called ‘true love,’ you cut ties with the Spencer Family, swearing never to contact us again. You were crying and begging just to marry that man!”
“I heard that after you married someone else, the man from the Lowell Family… even made a public vow never to marry in his lifetime. Well then, if you finally realize your mistake, come back and proceed with the arranged marriage. I’ll see you in Larkhaven on the eighth of January!”
Countdown: 99 days until her departure.
The Grive Family hosted a charity auction.
Joanna arrived in a black evening gown, her face bare of makeup, her expression calm and composed.
Zaylee smiled sweetly. “Joanna, you're still pregnant. You really didn’t need to come. The Grive Family has me!”
“Drake, even if I asked for the stars and the moon, you’d still bring them down for me, wouldn’t you?”
The man fondly pinched her nose. “Of course. You’re my precious, obedient wife. Loving my wife brings prosperity. Whatever you want tonight, just say the word.”
The two of them flaunted their affection publicly, glued to each other, instantly stirring envy among the guests.
“Has no one noticed how Drake looks exactly like the late Darren? Even the way he dotes on his wife is so similar!”
“Oh my gosh! Zaylee is so lucky! They’re the perfect match—a talented man and beautiful woman!”
“Compared to Joanna, she looks so haggard since her husband died… It’s true that women really do need love to flourish!”
As the auction began, no matter what Zaylee coquettishly asked for, Joanna didn’t even lift her head.
Until the final item appeared…
It was an extraordinarily rare and priceless treasure named ‘Remembrance of Joan’.
The entire crown had an intricate design, adorned with rare pink diamonds, sparkling brilliantly under the lights.
Joanna froze like she’d been struck by lightning, staring unblinking as tears welled up and streamed down her face.
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
“What exquisite craftsmanship!”
“But why is it such a strange name, Remembrance of Joan?”
“You don’t know? This is the only surviving piece left by designer Camille Quarles before she passed away! She spent over ten years pouring her heart and soul into creating this crown. It’s truly a masterpiece!”
“Remembrance of Joan, Remembrance of Joan… I heard it was made to commemorate the birth of her beloved daughter.”
Upon hearing this, Zaylee’s eyes sparkled. “Such a romantic story! Drake, I really love it…”
When Darren’s gaze landed on the exhibit, he froze. They’d been married three years and Joanna had whispered about this jewelry to him countless times. Now, it was right in front of him.
The starting price was a million dollars. Zaylee raised her paddle and Joanna bit her lip, fiercely bidding back several times.
Just when things got awkwardly intense, Darren stood up and loudly announced, “Unlimited bidding!”
The entire room instantly erupted in excitement. Joanna’s tears were about to fall as she lowered her voice and looked at Darren.
“This exhibit is a relic left by my late mother. Please, Drake, endure the pain and let it go. I'm begging you.”
Hearing this, Zaylee’s interest grew even more. “Oh dear! What should we do now? I really like it too! Drake, do you remember what you said just now? You won’t disappoint me, right?”
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Darren spoke, “Since Zaylee likes it, I’m determined to win the bid, no matter how much the other party offers!”
That dazzling crown was placed by Darren himself atop Zaylee’s head and the woman couldn’t hide her triumphant expression.
In the blink of an eye, Joanna had composed herself and nodded calmly. "Then congratulations to you and your wife."
"Of course. From now on, I will love Zaylee just like the designer loved her daughter. This crown is proof of my love for her," Darren said.
As he spoke, Joanna suddenly recalled how, back when they were dating, the man treated her with such care and caution. He hid his identity, endured everything, handed out flyers under the blazing sun just to buy her the only gold ring in the world, endured pain to donate blood so she could wear her beloved dress and even fought with his family just to marry her.
But now, the love that once belonged to her had been transferred to another woman.
Joanna paused for a moment, then smiled bitterly, "Seeing that your relationship is so good, I can finally be at ease. Drake, I wish you and your wife happiness. May you two have a noble child soon and grow old together.”
Darren frowned slightly, his eyes quietly studying the woman before him, whose gaze seemed nothing but coldness. A wave of unease swept over him as if something vital in his life was slipping gradually out of his control.
