When she was with me, she never spent a dime. But for Jason, she was generous.
All those years I scrimped and saved to give her everything—every penny ended up in Jason’s pocket.
Thinking back to his social media post, I felt like the biggest joke.
The truth was, Jason and Lily’s relationship had always been a thorn in my side.
Whenever it involved Jason, Lily would rush to him without hesitation. Her excuse was always the same: He grew up without parents in my house. He’s like my little brother. I can’t just ignore him.
But back then, I truly loved Lily. I wanted to marry her. So I endured it.
Until the moment I saw that diamond ring. That was when I couldn’t take it anymore.
I lowered my head, grabbed a glass of liquor, and splashed it on Lily.
Jason screamed and threw himself in front of her.
I couldn’t be bothered with the chaos behind me. I turned to leave.
But Lily grabbed my hand. “You threw a drink at me and think you can just walk away without apologizing?”
She shook her head, regaining some clarity. “Ethan?”
Her brows furrowed with displeasure.
“You’re checking up on me?”
Before I could answer, Jason stepped in.
“I asked Ethan to come pick you up. I know he doesn’t like you staying out so late.”
With just one line, Jason sparked laughter and mockery from the group of so-called friends.
They jeered that Lily hadn’t even married yet but was already expected to play the obedient housewife.
“The main wife hasn’t spoken, and yet the side chick’s already acting strict!”
“Yeah, Jason’s never cared about Lily partying before.”
I locked eyes with Lily and asked slowly, word by word:
“Who’s the main wife?”
Lily straightened up instantly, glanced at Jason’s diamond ring, and sneered:
“Whoever wears the diamond ring is the main one!”
Her words set off another round of laughter.
So it turned out everyone knew—everyone but me.
It felt as though I’d been stripped naked in public, humiliated beyond measure.
“Ethan, don’t listen to them. That ring—I bought it myself. Lily didn’t buy it for me.”
Jason tried to smooth things over. “She’s about to get married, they’re drunk and talking nonsense. Don’t take it seriously.”
I turned to Lily with a cold smile. “Is that true?”
She nodded but said nothing.
“Well, thank you then. A diamond ring bought with a freebie, and you gave the free gift to your best friend’s fiancé.”
I deliberately emphasized the words best friend.
To my surprise, Lily blushed and snapped at me.
“Ethan, what best friend? What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Jason doesn’t even have a girlfriend. Don’t slander him like that.”
Watching her desperately change the subject, my heart went completely cold.
The plain gold ring in my palm felt scorching hot.
“Take this back. Ethan doesn’t need anyone’s freebies!”
“Lily, we’re done. The engagement is off.”
“And you’d better return the $28,000 I gave you for the jewelry. Otherwise, I’ll call the police!”
Lily froze, finally sobering up.
Without looking back, I left the suffocating lounge.
“Lily, aren’t you going to chase after him?”
“Your man’s flying away!”
Their voices jeered behind me as Lily watched my figure fade into the distance, her heart aching.
