Adrian James only needs the tiniest gesture to make me sink into it easily.
After the auction ended and I got into the car, I was hesitating about how to speak, when my gaze swept over the front passenger seat.
The assistant was carefully holding a black gift box—obviously bigger and more exquisite.
Lying inside was that finale blue diamond necklace.
Adrian still hadn't gotten into the car. The assistant avoided my eyes and was quietly instructing the second assistant: "Remember to deliver it to Miss Simmons tomorrow."
I couldn't hear what came after that. My ears were buzzing.
The last bit of weak expectation in my heart was doused by reality until it was ice-cold to the bone.
He was afraid Victoria would be sad, so he bought the more expensive one to coax her.
Fine.
This way, there won't be any ties anymore.
I gently stroked my lower abdomen, incomparably calm.
I can't let him become a bargaining chip for marriage, much less let the child have a father who treats feelings like a toy.
Adrian got into the car soon after and glanced at the box on my knees. "Why don't you put it on and try it?"
If it were before, I would have already excitedly put it on and taken several sets of photos.
"It's too valuable. I'm afraid I'll lose it."
His gaze stayed on my face for a moment, but he didn't say anything more.
In the days that followed, Adrian keenly noticed that I had become quiet.
No longer like before—going up to greet him when he came home; carefully preparing the foods he liked; revealing cautious concern in daily life.
"What's going on with you lately?"
After one time ended, he asked me. "You're absent-minded."
"It's nothing. Maybe I'm a little tired."
I put on my robe, my voice flat.
He frowned, clearly dissatisfied with this answer, but he didn't press further.
Maybe in his eyes, this was just me throwing a tantrum, and sooner or later, like before, I would be soothed by him.
The James family dinner still came in the end.
At the table, all kinds of insinuating humiliations came one after another.
"Miss Jenner really is capable."
"This outfit—Adrian got it for you, right? Young girls should still know how to respect themselves."
I listened quietly, occasionally lowering my eyes and showing a trace of fragility. Then, under their disdainful gazes, I accepted one check after another.
In order to make me leave Adrian, Mrs. James really spent a fortune.
Doing a rough calculation, it actually added up to nearly ten million dollars.
Enough for Mom's follow-up treatment, and for our living expenses for a long time after we leave.
"Serena Jenner!"
Just as I was about to take the last check, Adrian suddenly appeared, his face ugly.
His eyes were wide with anger, a rare display of emotion. "Who told you to take these?"
I lightly struggled at my wrist. "Isn't this compensation your family is giving me? Other than these, what else can I ask for?"
The words instantly enraged him.
"Between us, you measure it with money?"
I pulled my hand out of his grip, with the maliciousness of smashing a pot that was already cracked. "But yesterday, Miss Simmons gave one too—then should I take it?"
The instant he saw the check clearly, his expression became extremely ugly.
I thought he would fly into a rage, that he would threaten me like before.
But in the end, he didn't say anything to me.
He didn't even look at me again. He grabbed his coat, turned around, and left the family dinner scene.
Lily comforted me. "Don't be sad, Serena! Anyway, in everyone's eyes right now, my brother is the one who loves you! As long as he doesn't let go, the family will accept you sooner or later!"
I found it extremely ironic.
The one he loved, from beginning to end, was Victoria Simmons.
