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Jared knew all too well the sacrifices Yvonne had made for him, and that knowledge gave him confidence.
“Yvvy, I know you went on that blind date just to provoke me. You know you won’t find anyone better than me. The guy you just met is not even one–tenth of what I am. Don’t do something you’ll regret.”
His rage seemed to subside, as his threats turned into gentle words. “Let’s get back together. I know you can’t live without me. Come back to me, and we can be the way we were before. Doesn’t that sound good?”
To Yvonne, those words were incredibly harsh and laughable.
“I’m the one who broke up with you, Jared. No matter how many times you ask me, my answer will still be the same. Stop being so full of yourself. You’re not that unforgettable to me.”
Just then, another car drove out of the parking lot, its headlights blinding.
Yvonne and Jared stood facing each other, but the distance between them seemed to stretch into two different worlds–one in the light and the other swallowed by shadows.
“Don’t come looking for me again. We’re not even friends anymore,” she said firmly.
Without looking back, Yvonne turned and walked away.
When Yvonne got home, she found Lily and Ian sitting in the living room. Both of them looked like they had something to say.
“Ian, you have class tomorrow. Go get some rest,” she said.
“Okay. Goodnight.” Ian, still feeling worried, left without another word.
Yvonne sat down on the couch, then took the lead. “Mom, did Mr. Simon call? Is Mr. Harold okay? If he’s feeling unwell, I’ll take care of his medical bills.”
“Simon called. Harold’s fine.”
Lily looked at Yvonne, carefully considering her question. “Jared came by earlier. He’s the one who hurt Harold, right? Yvvy, are you and Jared…”
“We’re done.”
Not wanting Lily to worry, Yvonne managed a small smile.
But Lily took Yvonne’s hands gently and sighed. “I should have known this would happen. You and Jared have been inseparable since childhood. Yet he hasn’t come home with you once in all these years.
“When you were littie, you always said you’d get married at 25. But it’s okay if it happens a bit later. Your dad and I just want you to marry someone you truly love.” Lily didn’t ask for details. She simply stroked Yvonne’s hair softly.
Yvonne had never been the type to cry. She only let go when her disappointment reached a breaking point.
“You’re so beautiful and kind, Yvvy. I know you’ll meet someone who will stay with you forever. You’ll marry and live a life full of happiness.” Lily’s words made Yvonne’s eyes sting with tears. She rested her head on Lily’s shoulder and nodded lightly. “I’ll be happy, Mom. Don’t worry.” Later, in her bedroom, Yvonne was closing the curtains when she noticed a car parked outside. She knew it was Jared, but she didn’t stop to look. She hadn’t been home in a long time, but Lily had always kept her bedroom spotless. Her desk was filled with many old items from their previous house. A treasure box sat on the desk, and scattered across the surface were design sketches that stirred memories deep within her.
Yvonne had decided to become a designer, knowing she’d have to confront the old scandal about the Jamison family.
In one of her drawers, she found a newspaper from four years ago. Her breath hitched as she slowly unfolded it.
The headline reported that Andrew, the jewelry mogul, was under investigation for using illegal wolframite, selling counterfeit jewels, and other crimes.
The Jamison family’s reputation had been ruined, and their finances had crumbled during the investigation.
‘Then, after Andrew’s death, the halted investigation had been quietly buried, as if the public had already passed their judgment.
As Yvonne stared at Andrew’s black–and–white photo in the newspaper, tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip and took deep breaths, but nothing could ease the heartache.
