Chapter 7

Hale couldn't respond. Mona started breathing heavily, gasping for air as she spoke, "I'm sorry... it's my fault, all my fault... Hale, please don't blame Lyanne..."

Seeing her state, Hale panicked. He turned to the driver. "Quick, change direction to the hospital." Then, noticing me sitting in the car, he said coldly, "Lyanne, you've gone too far. Get out and find your own way back."

He left me on the side of the road. The car roared off into the distance. Strangely, I felt no sadness. I looked up at the night sky, not even realizing when it had started to snow.

Snowflakes fell silently. I hadn't expected to see the first snow of the year before I left. I walked back to the Miller family estate. The villa was extravagantly decorated, more beautiful than ever. My parents were busy preparing for Mona's wedding. "The day after tomorrow is a perfect day. We must make Mona's wedding grand and unforgettable," my mother said, smiling.

My father sighed. "Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, our daughter is getting married."

They were both filled with joy and reluctance over Mona's marriage. Watching them from afar, I could see how deeply, truly they loved Mona.

When I was little, I once watched a TV program about a young girl who had been abducted and raised in a rural village. Later, she became a successful businesswoman and reunited with her biological family. On the show, she kept telling the host, "I always believed my mother wouldn't abandon me. She must have been looking for me."

The host confirmed that her mother had indeed been searching for her tirelessly and loved her dearly. The woman broke down in tears on live television, repeatedly saying, "I knew it. I knew my mom wouldn't abandon me."

Back then, sitting in front of the TV, I cried uncontrollably. It strengthened my resolve to find my own mother. But now, I felt a pang of regret—regret for reconnecting with them. If I hadn't, they would have remained a perfect, untouchable memory in my heart.

I didn't greet my parents. Instead, I returned quietly to my small storage room. Tomorrow night at 9 p.m., I would leave. After that, the world would be vast and open. I wouldn't have to long for familial or romantic love ever again.

The day after tomorrow was Mona and Hale's wedding. Chloe had organized a pre-wedding bachelor party for them at home. The party was lively, filled with guests from prestigious families and even some classmates Mona and I had shared. By the next morning, the house was unusually bustling.

Since my room didn't have its own bathroom, I had to go out to wash up. Passing through the living room, I noticed people playing Truth or Dare. Mona and Hale were seated at the center, the stars of the show.

"Hale, you lost. Truth or Dare?" someone asked.

Hale's thin lips parted. "Dare."

"Then we dare you to kiss Mona for one full minute."

Mona lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red.

Chloe laughed. "It's the bachelor party! Hale and Mona's last moments as singles. Can't we go all out and have some fun?"

Hearing this, someone's gaze shifted in my direction. "Hale, how about you kiss any woman here for a minute instead?" The atmosphere instantly heated up. The same person pointed at me. "Lyanne, didn't you used to like Hale the most? He's marrying Mona soon. Why not share a last kiss with him, just for old times' sake?"

Hale stood up and walked toward me. When he was about a meter away, Mona called out softly, "Hale..."

She looked so pitiful. Hale turned to glance at her, then back at me. Lowering his voice, he said, "There are so many people here, and I'm about to marry Mona. I can't embarrass her. You understand, don't you?"

I responded calmly, "Mm," and turned to continue washing up. Behind me, I could hear the sounds of Hale and Mona kissing, accompanied by the cheers of the crowd.

I may crave love, but I'm not a fool. When given a choice, I'm grateful he didn't choose me.