In the jewelry design competition, I was falsely accused of plagiarism and subsequently blacklisted from the industry. The very next day, my fiancé registered his marriage with my stepsister, Clara Summer.
Just as the rumors and slander threatened to drive me insane, renowned jewelry company CEO Shane Larson publicly defended me and invited me to be his company’s chief designer.
I immediately accepted. Under his passionate pursuit, I fell deeply in love with him. For a time, I had both love and a thriving career.
On the third anniversary of our relationship, I was overjoyed. I was also eager to share the news of my pregnancy with him. However, before I could, I received a call from Clara.
I could hear from her end, that she was gasping for breath. Obviously, she was engaging in something intense.
Thinking it was some sick joke, I was about to end the call when I heard it ….
"Simon, how is my performance?
Shane’s husky and breathless voice came through the receiver. "Hah hmm … You’re amazing."
"I heard you're planning to marry Samantha Jenkins! No! You're not allowed to marry her. The only woman who should bear your child is me! Bo … hoo!"
I heard the sound of whimpering cry and kissing from the other end.
"Clara, don’t worry! If I could frame her for plagiarism back then for you, I can do anything for you now …"
"I know she’s made us a lot of money, but you can’t marry her, okay?"
——
The call abruptly ended.
I reached for a glass of water to steady my emotions, only to feel a sharp sting on my lips.
Crash!
The couple’s mug we had bought on our first trip together slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor.
When Shane returned, he saw my red-rimmed eyes and the broken pieces on the ground. He rushed over, pulled me into his arms, inspected me anxiously from top to bottom and asked, "Baby, did you burn yourself? Is the cup broken? It's okay, we’ll just buy another one!"
As I looked at his concern eyes, I could not help but shed my tears. He gently pulled me into his embrace and soothed me gently, "It’s my fault. I forgot to adjust the temperature setting and you got burned because of me."
However, my sensitive nose caught a familiar sweet smell on him. The only one who had the smell was Clara. Clara said the perfume was made exclusively for her, no one had the same aroma.
I used to think she intentionally showed off her and Gerry Donaldson's love. However, Gerry had never cared about perfume, on the other hand, Shane ran a perfume lab.
"Baby, today’s our anniversary. I prepared a special surprise for you!"
Like a magician, he pulled out a small velvet box. His eyes were brimming with anticipation.
Earlier that afternoon, when I failed to find him, I ran into his secretary instead. She smirked knowingly. She said with a teasing tone, "Future Mrs. President! Everyone knows today is your anniversary! The boss even picked out a ring early on. It’s the couple’s ring he had you to design!"
I thought that when I received the ring, I would be full of happiness and let Shane put it on me, but at the moment, my heart was a little apprehensive.
"Go on, open it, Baby!" he urged excitedly.
With trembling fingers, I slowly lifted the lit. Inside the box lay a pair of heart-shaped diamond earrings.
My heart plummeted and bitterness spread in my mouth.
"Do you like them? I spent a long time choosing them. They suit you perfectly!"
Just minutes before he returned, Clara had posted something on her Instagram Reels. She even told me to see it.
I clicked on the image. On the photo the ring that I had been expecting to receive, had circled on her finger.
Clara even put a caption. [A happy ring that had been given to me by the one who loves me. I know I’ll always be happy!
I pressed both my cracked lips tightly then I said with a slightly croaked voice, "I thought the ring I designed wasn’t supposed to be available for sale? How did it end up on Clara’s finger?"
His eyelashes fluttered slightly, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes. His palm, holding mine, was damp with sweat.
