Giselle’s smile faltered. Her face tensed, and she shot me a glare full of venom.
“And who do you think you are?” she snapped. “As if we’d waste money on plane tickets just for you. My husband brought me here to shop at the duty–free stores–to buy things I normally wouldn’t splurge on. Unlike some people, who probably couldn’t afford the leftovers even with a month’s salary.”
(realized meeting them was a waste of time and looked for an excuse to leave.
“You called me out, but you’re not just here to brag, are you, Giselle? I’m not interested in your nonsense. Please find someone else to show off to–I’m busy.”
As I stood up, Giselle clutched her handbag tightly, anxiously blocking my way.”
“Don’t go yet. I have business with you. Here–our wedding invitation. Since you can’t come to the ceremony, Frederick has some business partners here in Florida. You should come too. If you don’t, I’ll come to your company and invite you myself.“\
I looked at Giselle as if she were crazy. It was the first time I’d ever heard of someone insisting that an invited guest must show up at their wedding.”
Apparently, Giselle was determined not to let me slip away without attending. I figured if I went, some scheme or trap was probably waiting for me.”
I glanced at Frederick, who kept his eyes lowered, lost in thought.”
“Freddy, say something. Have you forgotten what your mother told you when she came?” Giselle nudged Frederick with her elbow as a reminder.
Frederick looked up at me like a puppet, his voice hoarse and empty.”
“Sorry, Gracie, I broke my promise again. I didn’t want you dragged into all this mess, but I failed.“}
Giselle’s eyes widened angrily, and she tugged on Frederick’s arm behind the scenes.
“Frederick, what are you talking about? Gracie has witnessed our relationship, and she’s my best friend. Our happiness should be shared with her.”
Frederick fell silent completely.
I didn’t quite understand what was going on between them, but I didn’t want Giselle to cause trouble at my workplace and bother Azrael. So, I reluctantly agreed to go.”
<-0
The next day, I arrived at the designated venue.
There weren’t many people–only seven or eight.
As soon as I entered the private room, Giselle enthusiastically arranged me to sit next to an unfamiliar man.§
“This is my best friend. Isn’t she beautiful? She’s single and works at Morris Corp.“}
The man beside me looked surprised when he heard this. As I sat down, he immediately handed me a business card. I nodded politely but didn’t take it.
I finally understood. Giselle had set up a blind date for me.”
She was worried Frederick still had feelings for me, so she tried to pair me with someone else.}
Before eating, Giselle suggested we all have a drink.
Without much thought, I downed mine in one gulp.
Giselle smiled triumphantly!
“Edison, take good care of my best friend, alright? Don’t give me any trouble.“}
Frederick glanced at once, then Giselle dragged him away to chat excitedly with her friends, completely ignoring me.
I ate quietly, thinking of finding an excuse to leave early.}
But after a short while, some people had already drunk too much and started playing games with Frederick.
I also felt dizzy and lightheaded.
Edison, having had several drinks, began to get handsy.
But something felt off. I only had one glass of wine–why am I feeling this dizzy? A growing sense of unease began to creep in.}
My arm went limp, and I nearly collapsed onto the table, but Edison caught me.
I tried to struggle free, but his strength was far beyond that of a drunk man.}
I couldn’t pull away.”
He held me close and said he wanted to take me outside for some fresh air.
Giselle gave Edison a meaningful look and then left, confident the situation was under control.
Helpless, I clung weakly to the hallway wall but to no avail.
Thankfully, at the hotel entrance, Azrael arrived looking for me.”
He was thoughtful–seeing my state, he immediately guessed what was happening.”
Without hesitation, he punched Edison.
The effect of the drug had long kicked in, growing stronger and stronger, overwhelming me with unbearable pain.”
In a daze, I leaned toward Azrael, my hands brushing against his neck, seeking relief in his warmth.
Azrael clenched his jaw, struggling to restrain himself. With great effort, ho?
“Come on, I’m taking you to the hospital!“}
gripped my arm tightly and pushed me away.
He quickly lifted me into the passenger seat, driving so fast we got several traffic violations.
I pressed my burning hand against his, finally speaking softly.”
“Take me to your place. Unless you despise me–then just send me to the hospital.”
Azrael slammed the brakes on the roadside, his gaze deep and unwavering.
Without another word, he took me straight back to his apartment.”
9:11 AM
That night, I abandoned the past–waves of heat overwhelmed me until I was lost in the storm.
Early the next morning, I woke up to a cool breeze beside me.
Feeling anxious, I got dressed and went downstairs.N
Azrael was already there, dressed in casual home clothes, having prepared breakfast.
I stood awkwardly, unsure what to say–the night’s events had unfolded too fast.”
But Azrael acted as if nothing had happened, casual as always.
“Eat up. Later, I’m taking you to meet my parents. If all goes well, we’ll start talking about the wedding.”
His words stunned me. Wasn’t this moving too fast?
“We haven’t even confirmed we’re dating yet. Isn’t this rushing things a bit?” I asked in disbelief.
He smiled. “We’ve known each other for years. Don’t you understand me? I’ve liked you all this time and want to marry you soon. That’s not contradictory or rushed. I’ve had this ring ready for you for seven years–it’s time you wear it.“}
Then I noticed–a ring had appeared on my ring finger.N
9
R
