Chapter Four: CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE.

Backtrack to a month ago.

We were all having breakfast together except Fiona, who just left her meal halfway a moment ago.

I will be meeting up with Max in the next hour. I guessed he had planned another surprise date already.

"How are your wedding plans coming along?" Dad asked after taking a sip from his red wine.

I came to a halt, putting down the knife and fork I was using to cut my steak to give my dad my full attention.

"Everything is fine. Max suggested we send out more invitation cards next week, but I declined. 

We have invited more people already. I don’t want something grand, just small and simple," I replied, moving my gaze back to my food.

"Huh?" Mom looked at me, surprised at what I just said.

"Does the Xander family look like a joke to you? You’re our eldest daughter and the only heir to the Xander empire. 

Your wedding ought to be in grand style," she said, before turning to face her father, who was sitting next to her.

"Right, darling?"She asked. 

"Huh," Dad looked at her; his mind was somewhere else at the next minute.

"Yeah, that’s right," he said.

"I'll invite all the wealthy and influential people. Close and faraway businessmen. The media will be everywhere to capture the great event. 

I've already arranged a venue. You should check it out when you’re less busy," Dad said, and I gasped.

"Dad!" I whined.

They seem to be doing everything for my wedding. My parents never found me interesting, or rather, interested in what I do.

But, ever since my wedding news broke out, they seem to be paying more attention to me.

I bit my lip.

"Oh, I see." That was all I could mutter.

"Everything is ready for your big day. If you need any help with anything we fail to acknowledge, let us know, alright," he said. I forced a smile.

"Yes, Dad," I said uncomfortably. I was having trouble getting used to their sudden interest in me.

I dropped my spoon since I was no longer cozy. I wiped my mouth with the napkin.

"I've got to go," I said, staring at my wristwatch.

"But you haven’t finished your meal!" Mum said with concern written all over her face.

"I’m full, and I don’t want to keep my fiancé waiting," I said, and I rushed out without waiting for their response.

I opened the door but came to a halt when I saw Fiona and Max outside. I was surprised since Max told me to meet him somewhere.

 

I noticed Max wiping his lip while Fiona was trying to fix her dress quickly.

"You didn’t tell me more about your fiancé. I mean more." She winked and licked her lower lip. It was red and plump —like someone who just had an aggressive kiss.

I turned my gaze to Max.

"I decided to pick you. I was tired of waiting."

I frowned as he stuttered nervously. Fiona smiled mischievously at us but said nothing.

"Let’s go," I said rather, and he simply nodded before kissing my forehead.

"I can’t believe you’re getting married, Diamond," she said excitedly.

"Right, who would have thought that someone would marry you over me? Your fiancé is one of a kind," she remarked, winking.

I clenched my fist as I gave her a quick look. I was already used to Fiona’s hurtful comments since she never for once concealed her hostility towards me. 

Still, I couldn’t help but feel awkward, especially since I was with Max.

I hate the fact that she will not hesitate to make fun of me, be it in private or public. I felt mortified. 

"Sisters or not, Diamond is someone I admire for who she is, so sister-in-law, I hope you don’t mind me saying this, 

but I’d appreciate it if you would stop taunting my fiancée," Max said, causing me to look at him with surprise.

I wasn’t expecting him to respond to Fiona’s parody of me. He’s usually a calm and collected person. What he did took me by surprise, and it made me happy.

"Let's go, darling," he said, taking my hand in his. I gave Fiona a middle finger as I walked out with Max.

"I shouldn’t have spoken to your sister that way. I’m sorry," he said once we were outside.

"It’s fine." I caressed the back of his hand. Fiona deserved it. I was grateful that he defended me.

"I love you," he whispered. My cheek flushed, and I stared deep into his eyes. One of the reasons I love this man. 

"I love you too," I replied sweetly. I was surprised as he grabbed my waist and leaned me against his car.

"What are you doing? Someone might see us.

"Who cares? We’re getting married soon," he said softly before touching and lifting my chin. 

I simply shook my head before closing my eyes and allowing him to devour my lip. His tongue brushed across my bottom lip, asking for entrance, and I granted it with ease. I felt him smile as my mouth opened wider under his.

"Mmm," I moaned louder for Fiona to hear. His breath was hot, and I felt a smile crawl onto my face as we kissed, both hands tangled in each other’s hair and bodies.

I gently pushed him away from the kiss. He bit my lips, causing my cheek to turn bright red.

"Come on, stop seducing me," I said, and he smiled mischievously before kissing me again.

- - - - 

Back to the present, I shut my eyes, recalling everything. "Ugh! I can’t believe I'm such a fool. I didn’t see their plans." I lamented. 

"You’re not doing it again, right?" Pink asked, and I sighed.

"I don’t enjoy seeing you like this—that you look like a fool crying over a man. Does it make you feel good?" she sneered. 

I sighed, and she ran her finger through my hair.

I sniffed. I’m not going to shed any more tears. I’m going to get my revenge on them for all the embarrassment and humiliation. 

I’m going to make them pay. All I need is to become powerful and I'll be unstoppable. 

The next morning, I woke up with a throbbing headache and a broken heart as I felt empty.

Yeah! right. Everything will always be the same. My family took vengeful revenge on me just because my mother was a prostitute. They used Max as a tool to get to me.

I was betrayed and insulted publicly. A strong feeling of animosity for Fiona and the Xander family surged in my heart. 

I was determined to assert revenge for my embarrassment.

My phone!

Yeah, my phone. It was with me at my supposed wedding.

I remembered taking it when leaving the church. It has been with me all this time. I touched my body and felt nothing. That’s when I remembered I was in another dress. Pinky’s own to be precise. 

I frantically looked around and saw it on the stool beside the bed. I sigh in relief. I might have kept it there without knowing.

I picked it up and opened it, but I was shattered upon seeing all the love letters I have sent to Max and my dark secrets online.

A video of us kissing and making out was all over the internet. Max's face was covered in the video, leaving just mine. 

I shut my eyes in pain. How dare he do this to me?

I love him. I do love him, but why did he have to treat me like this? Did I do something wrong to him? Have I sinned for him to punish me like this too?

"What have I ever done to you too?" I shouted resentfully and finally burst into tears. My eyes began to tear up as I read the hateful criticism. 

"Are you crying?" My subconscious mind said that, and I sobbed hard.

"Did you expect me to laugh after that?" I sarcastically asked.

"There’s no place for me. How can I possibly walk in public? They finally ruined me. They’re all jerks. Right, all humans are jerks. I can’t leave it on anymore," 

I muttered, and without thinking, I found my way to the kitchen.

Dropping my phone, I grabbed the knife at the counter. I shut my eyes as I held the knife up high.

"I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry, pinky. I’m stupid and selfish. I’m ashamed to live The world will taunt me. I will be devastated. This is the best option for me," I muttered.

I closed my eyes with deep regret as I lowered the knife.