Chapter 4
Though Lena already knew Hunter would use this excuse to keep Eleanor close, hearing the lie from his own mouth still made her heart ache
sharply.
She clenched her fists tightly, swallowing the storm inside her chest, her voice strained.
“My dress seems to be worn by your assistant.”
Hunter froze for a moment, frowning as he looked at Eleanor. “Why are you wearing the dress I gave Lena? Take it off!”
Eleanor’s eyes instantly reddened as she kept bowing and apologizing.
“Sorry, Mr. Langdon. I also bought a dress online and must have switched by mistake. I’ll change right away.”
She started pulling down the zipper as if to change right there in front of
everyone.
Hunter’s expression darkened, and he grabbed her hand.
“Who told you to change here? Go backstage!”
Lena watched quietly, a hint of bitterness flickering in her eyes.
“No thanks, I don’t like using things that others have worn. This dress and jewelry are for Ms. Hart.”
Then, she ignored them and walked off to the lounge alone.
Hunter hurried after her, speaking softly to soothe her, “Lena, today’s incident was my fault.
“Lena, what happened today was my mistake. I’ve had my secretary order you a new dress, and it’ll be here soon. Today is our make–up anniversary party, so please try to be happy.”
The more he said that, the more uneasy Lena felt, like something was about to happen.
But everything else went smoothly.
Until Hunter took her hand and led her to the center of the stage to share their years of love with everyone.
His detailed stories, the tenderness in his eyes, and the love in his words. were incredibly genuine and touching.
Many guests were nearly in tears, instinctively pulling their partners close.
But Lena, the leading lady of the stories, had no expression on her face and was calm.
She clearly saw Eleanor’s smug, provocative face in the crowd.
And she knew all the promises Hunter made about their future were lies.
His love was already divided.
At the peak of the moment, Eleanor suddenly stood up, feigning a twisted ankle, and cried out in pain.
The mood broke, and all eyes turned to her, filled with disgust.
“Who is that? Interrupting Mr. Langdon’s confession on purpose, so rude!”
“She shows up dressed like that, stealing the spotlight. It’s an insult to the dress!”
“Exactly, all that expensive jewelry can’t hide how cheap she looks. She’s like a clown.”
Hearing the harsh whispers, Eleanor’s tears started to fall.
She hurried onto the stage, looking pitiful. “Sorry, Ms. Steele. It’s fault…”
my
Seeing Eleanor rush up to apologize for no reason, Lena didn’t understand what act she was putting on this time.
But when Eleanor straightened up and Lena caught the sly smile in her eyes, Lena’s eyelid twitched.
The next moment, the chandelier above them loosened and came crashing down straight at the two of them.
In the shadowy darkness, Lena looked up, her eyes suddenly wide with shock.
Eleanor’s scream pierced the air right beside her, almost shattering her eardrums.
She instinctively raised her hand to shield her head, just as Hunter rushed over, grabbed Eleanor protectively, and got her out of harm’s way.
The heavy chandelier slammed onto Lena, blood pouring from her wounds,
Her vision darkened as she collapsed into a pool of blood, her whole body convulsing in pain.
It felt like her flesh was being torn apart, the agony shooting through her
nerves.
Her mind grew hazy, but she forced her eyes open just in time to see Hunter rushing toward her like a man gone mad.
Behind him stood Eleanor, just rescued and unharmed.
She wore that triumphant, victorious smile again.
And that was the last thing Lena saw before losing consciousness.
No one knew how much time had passed before a familiar voice pulled Lena from the darkness.
She blinked her eyes open groggily and saw Hunter holding her phone with a frown.
“What upgrade? No thanks. My girlfriend has no travel plans right now. You’ve got the wrong number!”
