Chapter 12
Engagement party.
Viola dressed in a lavish white gown with her makeup flawless, looking young and radiant.
Lawrence matched her in a white designer suit that emphasized his tall frame and striking good looks.
Friends surrounded them, all wearing expressions of joy.
He responded to conversations half–heartedly, but his eyes kept drifting to the door.
Fifteen minutes until the ceremony and still no sign of me.
A knot of frustration twisted tighter in his chest.
Fighting his agitation, he drained his water glass.
With two minutes to go, he checked his watch. “All the guests have arrived, right?” His tone was casual, as if merely curious.
“Of course! The ceremony’s about to start. Everyone’s been here for ages. They’re just waiting for you and Viola to make your
entrance.”
Lawrence pushed down his annoyance and stood up. “Let’s go then.”
The grand hall sparkled with elegant guests.
Viola was surrounded by her bridesmaids, her face glowing with happiness and bashfulness.
Lawrence scanned the room. No sign of me anywhere.
Then he turned again to look toward the entrance. Still nothing.
“Lawrence.” Viola approached shyly, taking his arm. “The ceremony’s about to start. I’m so nervous.”
“It’s just an engagement party. What’s there to be nervous about?” Lawrence replied dismissively. His gaze fell on Viola’s earrings and suddenly froze.
“I’m nervous because this moment means so much to us–OW!” Viola cried out in pain, causing every guest to turn and stare.
Lawrence’s face turned ashen. “The bracelet and earrings. Where did you get them?”
These were from the Jewelry Box he’d given me five years ago when he was pursuing me.
Each piece inside had been treasured by me. How did it end up on Viola?
Lawrence’s grip on her wrist tightened painfully.
“Lawrence, you’re hurting me,” Viola whimpered, tears welling up.
“Tell me!” Lawrence’s eyes blazed with rage.
20:11
Begging Me Back? Sorry I Was Already the Queen of Your Enemey
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20:11 Fr, 10 May A
Viola’s voice trembled with fear, “I took them from that box Kristin gave to Corey… They were so beautiful. Seemed a waste to throw them away, so I kept them.”
She was just a college student who hadn’t seen much of the world,
Though Lawrence had given her plenty of expensive jewelry, nothing compared to what was in the Jewelry Box.
Every girl like beautiful jewelry. She’d given in to temptation…
But she never expected Lawrence to react this way. Viola was filled with regret,
Lawrence had never been this furious.
He hadn’t expected me to return something as precious as the Jeweйy Box.
We both knew what it symbolized.
When he first gave it to me, I’d sweetly promised to bring it when we married and keep by my side forever.
Now I’d thrown it away without a second thought.
Lawrence felt rage burning through his chest with nowhere to go.
The earrings in Viola’s ears were offensive to him. He reached out and roughly yanked them from her ears.
“Bring back everything from that Jewelry Box. Every single piece,” he snarled. “If anything’s missing, I’ll end you.”
He didn’t even glance at Viola’s bleeding ears and stormed out, leaving behind a room full of stunned guests.
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