So Caleb's first move after his rebirth was to rush over and put a stop to our engagement.
Fortunately, I had already decided on another path, so I just replied calmly, "As you wish."
My words brought him no visible relief. Instead, he just froze.
He studied my face, his expression a cocktail of confusion and suspicion, as if my coldness was an equation he couldn't solve.
His confusion quickly curdled into a sneer. "When did you learn to play hard to get? Don't waste your energy. That little trick won't work on me."
After a pause, he added decisively, "Besides, after tonight, there's no way we can be together anyway!"
So he'd come back intending to go public with their affair?
If that was the case, I could almost respect him for it.
"That would be for the best," I said coolly.
My indifference only seemed to darken his mood. He said coldly, "Let's go. Everyone's waiting."
I had no desire to go, but I knew Caleb. If I refused, he wouldn't take no for an answer.
His precious stepsister reveled in any chance to tarnish my "It Girl" reputation.
If I didn't show up, how could she flaunt her victory?
Besides, it was about time I said a proper goodbye to my foolish, youthful obsession.
The ride over was silent.
When we arrived at the rooftop bar in SoHo and pushed open the doors, I saw a crowd of familiar faces.
Hailey, projecting her usual image of manufactured innocence, sat in the center like a queen bee, holding court among her admirers.
The moment she saw us, a flicker of disdain crossed her eyes before she threw herself into Caleb's arms.
She gushed, "Caleb, thank you for setting up the venue yourself. I love it so much!"
Hailey had done the same thing in our last life. She was always draped over him, showing off how he doted on her.
She would brag about how Caleb brought her hot water bottles for her cramps, held her during thunderstorms, and carried her on his back when she was tired from shopping.
Every time, I felt a mix of envy and unease. I'd even questioned their relationship, but when I confronted Caleb, he'd just accuse me of having a filthy mind.
Hailey's provocative glare snapped me out of my thoughts. "Charlotte, what's with the death stare? Are you going to start spreading those nasty rumors about me and Caleb again?"
As soon as she spoke, the others began to point and whisper.
"Some people just have their minds in the gutter."
"Exactly! What's she so jealous about? She should take a good look at herself."
I replied flatly, "Rumors or not, you both know the truth."
Caleb's face darkened, while Hailey leaned against him, her eyes welling with tears. "Caleb, you see? She's slandering me again."
I watched him calmly, curious to see what he would do this time.
I thought, having been given a second chance, he'd finally have the guts to come clean.
But instead, he glared at me and snapped, "Enough! Charlotte, do you have to be so paranoid and malicious? Are you really trying to destroy me just because you can't have me? You're disgusting."
Vile?
I scoffed. "You're the coward, Caleb. And for the record, I only came here to make one thing clear. I never intended to marry you in the first place."
Caleb froze, then burst out laughing. "Stop pretending. My dad already booked a three-star Michelin restaurant for tomorrow. He said our families are discussing the engagement. If you've really given up on me, why haven't you canceled?"
A smirk played on my lips. "Caleb, have you forgotten? You have a younger brother."
He blinked in confusion, then laughed again.
