4.1
Chapter 8
Not long after that night came Tiffany’s birthday. Her parents spared im expense, renting an entire cruise ship for her celebrating and even waving Tdwin and Sylda to attend.
Completely forgotten that it was also Sylvia’s birthday on the same day.
She was used to this oversight. But when the invitation arrived, Edwin hesitated to accept.
“That’s your birthday too. Maybe we should skip it?”
Sylvia could tell he desperately wanted to go but felt obligated to put on this show of consideration for her take.
Seeing his conflicted expression, she granted his unspoken wish. “It would be rude not to go. Let’s attend.”
He barely contained his joy, pulling her into an embrace while his words dripped with false remorse. “Im sorry we can’t celebrate your birthday properly this year. I’ll make it up to you next year, I promise,”
At his promise, she gave a faint smile.
Next year? There would be no next year.
In just a few days, she would vanish completely from their world.
At the birthday party, Tiffany wore the latest couture dress, surrounded by admirers.
Matt Kingsley, finally back from his business trip abroad, stood beside Tiffany in a crisp suit. They looked like the perfect couple.
When it came time for gifts, everyone presented their carefully selected presents. Mr. and Mrs. Ellery and Matt, being closest to Tiffany, naturally drew the most attention with their offerings.
They didn’t disappoint–giving either priceless jewelry or limited–edition supercars.
When Edwin’s turn came, he produced a certificate.
As people looked on in confusion, he opened it to reveal an image of a rose–colored nebula.
“Tiffany, you already have everything material. After much thought, I decided this would be most fitting. From today on, the name of this nebula will be whatever you choose.”
This gesture prompted gasps throughout the room, followed by murmurs of amazement.
“He actually bought naming rights to a nebula? Edwin must have pulled some serious strings.”
“Man, he must really be head over heels for Sylvia if he’s going this far for her sister’s gift. That’s what I call keeping the whole family happy!”
Admiring comments filled the air, but only Sylvia knew the truth–this wasn’t Edwin being thoughtful to his fiancée’s sister. This was Edwin giving his heart to the woman he truly loved.
Unable to stay in the ballroom any longer, she slipped away to the deck for some air. The sea breeze lifted her hair, finally giving her compressed heart a moment’s relief.
That’s when Tiffany appeared behind her.
She stood there, her expression contemptuous yet mocking. When she spoke, her voice dripped with self–satisfaction. “Oh, sis, what am I going to do? Seems like it’s not just Matt who’s into me–Edwin’s got a thing for me too~”
Sylvia couldn’t understand her. Since childhood, Tiffany had already taken everything from her–their parents‘ affection, her friends, the man she loved, and now her fiancé…
Why wouldn’t she leave her alone? Why this constant need to flaunt her victories?
The question formed in her mind and then escaped her lips. Hearing it, Tiffany didn’t even bother with pretense, her lips curling into a smirk. “No particular reason. I just enjoy seeing you suffer. And I’m so excited to see it again.”
21:03
Money Heals What Love Destroys
4.5%
Chapter 8
Sylvia frowned, about to ask what this meant before suddenly Tiffany grabbed her hand and jumped, pulling bybels into the sad with her.
Seawater flooded Sylvia’s nose and mouth. She instinctively tried to call for help but choked on the invading water the ley sensat un crept thigh her body inch by mch as the feat of death consumed her thoughts.
As she was tossed by the current, she saw people finally noticing the commotion.
Soon, more splashes followed. Her father, Matt, and Edwin had jumped into the water.
But without hesitation, all three swam directly toward Tiffany!
From the distant cruise ship, she could faintly hear her mother’s hysterical screams: “Save Tiffany! You have to save Tiffany!”
In that moment, the despair of total abandonment washed over her. She closed her eyes in resignation, waiting for death to claim her. But just then, the sound of swimming grew closer–someone was approaching.
She opened her eyes in a haze, but when she made out who it was, she was completely stunned.
It was actually Matt Kingsley.
