12
After a few months back home, an animal rescue team reached out, saying they had a few particularly difficult dogs and wanted my help.
I readily agreed. Work was hectic. The moment I stepped into the facility, it was a symphony of barks, a cacophony of smells, and I had to watch my step to avoid stepping in something unpleasant. But my heart, slowly but surely, began to feel whole again.
Our rescue grew more renowned, and as a token of appreciation, my boss offered me a spot at a prominent charity gala.
“Sue,” my boss said, “this organization has been a generous donor to our shelter. This gala is just for fun, a chance for you girls to relax and enjoy yourselves.”
After settling the dogs, my colleague Chloe and I headed out.
This gala wasn’t really meant for outsiders like us. The main hall was packed with the city’s elite, so Chloe and I huddled in a corner, quietly nibbli- ng on desserts.
Suddenly, a collective gasp swept through the room as the main lights flared. The hosts of the gala had appeared, stood on tiptoes, peering over the crowd, and my breath hitched. A familiar face. Cole Miller.
He’d matured so much. Dressed in a bespoke suit, his once wild, messy hair was now meticulously combed, making him look even more imposing and handsome than before,
Lily, elegant and poised, was on his arm, gracefully greeting investors as they moved through the crowd.
“Oh my gosh, what a perfect couple!” Chloe excitedly elbowed me. “Cole is already so handsome, but his girlfriend is a goddess! She looks so kind, too, probably a big philanthropist!”
They certainly were a perfect match. If I hadn’t come along, they’d probably have found happiness long ago.
Mrs. Miller’s voice rang out, clear and proud. “Tonight, with all our esteemed guests present, I wish to introduce my brilliant son, my pride and joy- Cole Miller!”
“Moving forward, Cole will gradually take over the family business. I hope you will all extend him your full support.”
And one more important announcement,” she continued, taking Lily’s hand and placing it in Cole’s. “Lily and our family’s marriage alliance was always meant to be. Tonight, we ask all of you to be our witnesses.”
She smiled, handing the microphone to Cole. “Son, don’t you want to say a few words to your fiancée?”
Chapter 2
14.53
She smiled, handing the microphone to Cole. “Son, don’t you want to say a few words to your fiancée?”
Cole frowned, about to speak, but then his gaze drifted casually towards my direction. I quickly ducked behind Chloe. At this distance, surely he hadn’t seen me?
“There’s someone I’d like to thank,” he began, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. “Someone once taught me to trust, and then, with their own hands, shattered that trust.”
“I hate being abandoned, I hate being deceived,” he continued, his fingers intertwining with Lily’s, holding her hand tightly. “Thankfully, Lily will alw- ays be by my side. She deserves nothing but the best.”
