Three years late they saw each other again

 

★★★★★

"Edward, what is the meaning of this? How could you break off the engagement!? I demand an answer!" Elder Harrington fumed over his grandson, who sat leisurely by the window and swirling a glass of wine in his hand.

"There is nothing to explain, Grandfather. I simply no longer wish to marry her," Edward said coldly, his voice devoid any emotion.

"What? She is been betrothed to you when both of you were younger. You were happy back then and never questioned it. Now, what makes you change your emotion," Elder Harrington struggled to catch his breath; his voice was wrapped in tension, "She loves you and cares for you. How can you forget when you were bedridden, she took care of you? That girl stayed by you like an angel."

"I have already informed them that I will compensate. Don't worry!" Edward replied, standing up from his seat in order to leave the room.

Hearing him, Elder Harrington shouted, "You are a pathetic and heartless human, Edward."

Edward paused, casting a glance at his grandfather with an unspoken expression that he did not care to explain. Withdrawing his eyes, Edward made his way toward the door.

"She is going overseas. You will never see her anymore. Stop her!"

Edward's feet stopped in the middle of the room hearing Rebecca going abroad, his fist clenched to the side. His voice was harsh as he finally responded, "It is better for her image." He stormed out of the room, leaving his baffled grandfather behind, who realized he did not recognize this grandson at all.

On the contrary, Rebecca's parents sent Rebecca to California since the news of a broken engagement would soon spread in the town, causing a reason for people to laugh at them. But the person who would suffer the most was Rebecca.

When Rebecca boarded the plane, she held her breath and silently vowed she would never acknowledge the love she once had for Edward. The man had died in her eyes. If her fate gave her a chance she would make him repay the pain and shame he had caused her.



Three years passed in the blink of an eye, and Rebecca returned to her hometown since her father asked for her immediate arrival. Though he did not provide an exact reason why he summoned her abruptly, Rebecca could feel there was tension going on in his company.

When Rebecca walked out of the airport, the Matthew family’s chauffeur, Uncle Ken, was already waiting at the entrance. He spotted her and quickly rushed up to greet her, taking her luggage from her as he did so.

“Miss Rebecca, you must be tired from the long journey.”

Rebecca nodded her head lightly and smiled in reply.

As the car sped through the wide roads, Rebecca lowered the window and looked out of the car.

The Capital had changed a lot in three years. High-rise buildings had sprung up, and the population had increased. Most eye-catching of all were the ads of Veronica Black that were posted at every road and junction.

Veronica Black was a belle who had gained national popularity in recent years. Even while overseas, Rebecca had heard of her.

She sighed before rolling up the window again.

The moment she reached home, she wasn’t given a chance to rest before her father brought her out again.

A small banquet was being hosted in the grand and magnificent country club.

It was the birthday party of her father’s business partner, Mr. Pete. All the guests were rich and wealthy. She was attending because her father requested her earnestly, second, her father wanted to introduce her to a prospective husband.

Indeed, the reason why she was finally able to return to Black Ford after three years of exile overseas was that her family needed her to form a marriage alliance.

"Rebecca, I know I am sounding selfish, but our company is on the verge of collapsing, and if that happens, we will be on the road. Marrying Mr. Pete will strengthen our business, and we can return to a stable path," Rebecca's father requested.

"I understand, Dad! You do not need to feel guilty," Rebecca smiled at the end of her reply, masking her unease.

"Thank you! Wait here!" Rebecca's father said and headed toward his friend. Rebecca's noticed Mr Pete, a man twice her age, and the thought of marrying him made her stomach churn.

As Rebecca glanced toward the entrance, her eyes caught sight of a cluster of cameras flashing incessantly. Edward had arrived with Veronica Black by his side, and the crowd around them reacted as if God had descended.

Rebecca's cold emotion moved again at the sight of Edward after three long years.

Sucking a breath, she turned away sharply and gnashed her teeth to keep her composure. But just as she did, her father called her, forcing her to face the crowd again. She felt Edward's eyes on her; his glance was intense and questioning. But Rebecca was no longer that silly girl who had once traded her self-worth for love.

Raising her chin she strode confidently toward her father. Her walk was poised and commanding. Her youthful and attractive appearance had successfully drawn so much attention to her. She walked past Edward and Veronica Black without batting an eye, sending a clear message: she did not know them.

"Isn’t that Rebecca Matthew? When did she return!?" Veronica black deliberately asked, watching Edward closely to gauge his reaction since she was well aware of Rebecca and Edward's history.

"She and her father are right here, feel free to ask them yourself," Edward coldly said, walking away from Veronica to the bar to get drinks.

His attitude was truly insulting to Veronica, her pride bruised, but she could not do much as staying beside him was giving her many things she could not believe she should get without his name.

Meanwhile, Rebecca forced a polite smile at MrPete, who was thrilled to see Rebecca. He was an unmarried man but did not expect to get such a charming girl. He could barely contain his eagerness.

"Rebecca, we both know why we are here. I would like you to join me for the cake cutting. I am not fond of it, people won't let me go without doing it," Pete said with a smug grin, subtly faulting his wealth as he gestured toward the lavish gold table where the cake sat. He tried to imply to Rebecca that she should not mind about his age.

Rebecca hesitated and was about to say no, but her father interfered, "Don't be shy, Rebecca. Go on!"

As a result, she Reluctantly placed her hand in Pete's, allowing him to lead her toward the stage, all while he proudly showed her off to the crowd.