Chapter 2

Elsa had finished greeting everyone and was getting ready to head to the restaurant for the next part of the day.

I was about to make an excuse to leave early, but Elsa suddenly pulled me aside into a corner. Her gentle smile vanished, replaced by a scowl as if she were facing an enemy.

"I know what you’re thinking," she said, her voice sharp. "I’m just helping a friend deal with his parents’ pressure to get married. He doesn’t want them to worry, and I’m doing a good deed here. If you cause any trouble, we’re done."

Even though she was the one in the wrong, she had no problem using the threat of breaking up like it was a card she could play anytime. It was as if our relationship was nothing more than a tool in her hands.

I stared at her in disbelief. "But this is our future home. You’re supposed to be my girlfriend."

Elsa dismissed my words. "I told you, I’m just helping out a friend. His parents are pressuring him so much that he can hardly breathe. Besides, I don’t mind, so why should you? If it’s such a big deal, we can sell the place and buy another. I’m not too happy with the current decor anyway."

The same apartment she proudly flaunted earlier in someone else’s name was now something she claimed to be dissatisfied with. I could not help but wonder. Was it the apartment she was ashamed of, or was it our relationship?

A wave of bitterness churned inside me, like a strong cup of black coffee turning my stomach. I felt sick. But she did not even notice my reaction. Her attention was fixed on her phone. A secretive smile was playing on her lips as she read a message.

Then, she looked up, threw a parting comment at me, and hurried off. "I’m leaving now. Don’t bother coming, or if you do, don’t cause trouble."

I stood there, laughing at myself. How could I leave? How could I miss witnessing her happiness?

By the time I arrived at the restaurant, they had already started eating. Elsa was chatting and eating at another table with some older ladies.

She had once told me how much she hated dealing with relatives, but now she seemed to handle it with ease. It turned out that line was probably just meant for me.

Meanwhile, Leo was sitting at a table with the younger crowd. He had clearly had a few drinks. His face was flushed as he bragged to those around him.

I sat down and caught part of the conversation.

"This woman," Leo said with a smirk, "was all over me in college, wouldn’t take no for an answer. I had no choice but to reluctantly keep her around. Now she’s the one insisting on getting married. Women are such a hassle."

One of the guys next to him egged him on. "She must have something that keeps you hooked, or you would have ditched her by now. Why did you stay with her for so long?"

Leo grinned and raised his eyebrows suggestively. "You know what it is. She’s great in bed. Never gets old, never gets boring. That’s her real talent."

He laughed and gave a thumbs-up. The men around him all shared a knowing look before bursting into laughter, glancing over at Elsa.

Elsa, seeing the lively atmosphere at the table, waved at us. She was completely unaware that she was the subject of their jokes.

Was this the same girl I once held so dear?

I took a deep breath, slowly releasing the grip I had on my thigh, where my fingers had dug into the flesh. From the very beginning of our relationship, Elsa had never let me touch her. She always said she needed to be sure I was "the one," and that everything would have to wait until after we were married.

The invitation I never got was something others had already used countless times.

I stood up and raised my glass, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Elsa’s face turned pale and her expression was tense as she stared at me. Her eyes were warning me to stay quiet.

I avoided her gaze and called out loudly, "Since all our relatives are here, I would like to say a few words.

"Even though today’s the first time I’ve met Leo, we really hit it off right away. It feels like we’ve known each other forever, and we share so many of the same interests. So, I have a few wedding supplies that I’m sure he will appreciate. I’m giving them to him now. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness and lots of kids!"

Everyone clapped and cheered.

I added with a grin, "Don’t worry, they’re not second-hand. I’ve never used them."

Elsa’s eyes widened and her expression was shifting from anger to fear as she stood up. Her body was tensing as if she wanted to come over and explain.

However, the older lady next to her raised her glass for a toast. Elsa immediately smiled, clinking glasses with the lady and sitting back down.

I shook my head in bitter amusement and walked away alone.