Love Isn't Written in the Stars

Two days later, David and Josephine returned from Halinoa. Right away, they called and asked me to go over.

I didn't refuse. After all, it was the perfect chance to end the engagement formally.

When I arrived at the York residence, the place was unexpectedly lively. In a corner, a silver-lit sign, spelling out "Happy Birthday", reminded me it was Zachary's birthday that day.

He stood side by side with Tracy in the crowd. They looked perfectly matched.

When he saw me, Zachary reached to pull Tracy closer, his gaze on me sharp and guarded.

A friend of ours approached me and asked, "What's Zachary doing? Why would he bring her here? Does he not consider your feelings?"

Unlike before, I didn't show sadness or anger. "I'm no one to him. I don't care if he doesn't consider my feelings."

My friend's eyes widened. "But you're Zachary's fiancee! Aren't you angry?"

Just then, a waitress carrying a tray stopped in front of me.

I picked up a glass of red wine and took a sip. With a faint smile, I replied, "Don't worry. After today, I won't be his fiancee anymore."

No sooner had I spoken than the waitress slipped, and the entire tray of red wine spilled over me.

My friend yelled in shock, "Hey! What's wrong with you? Watch where you're going!"

Before I could react, the waitress got on her knees and apologized.

For a moment, everyone present gave me sharp, strange looks.

Tracy then stepped forward and helped the waitress to her feet. "It was an accident, and perhaps she slipped. Yvonne, don't take it out on her."

I was about to speak when a burning heat spread through me.

Composing myself, I ignored Tracy and looked at the waitress. "Are you hurt from the fall? If you are, you should seek compensation from the York family. Their tiles are too slippery and cheap."

A few laughs rose from the crowd.

Tracy pressed her lips together, looking aggrieved. "Zach, that's not what I meant…"

Zachary held her closer. "Don't worry. With me here, no one will dare to mess with you."

He then looked at me with utter disgust and chided, "Yvonne, didn't you block my number and run away from home? Why have you come running back on my birthday? I've never seen anyone grovel as shamelessly as you."

At some point, it seemed that as long as Tracy was present, Zachary would humiliate me just to prove his loyalty to her.

I simply couldn't believe I didn't realize that simple truth in my previous life.

"Zachary, you're not indispensable. No one needs you to live. And I don't, either."

Zachary froze after hearing those words.

Just then, the burning in my stomach grew fiercer, my vision almost swallowed by the haze.

Josephine, who had not appeared until now, suddenly pulled me back. "Yve, you're covered in wine. Let me take you to your room to change."

She looped her arm through mine and led me upstairs. I felt too weak to struggle.

I was then thrown onto the familiar, soft bed. Dazed, I felt someone start unbuttoning my clothes. Right away, I struggled violently.

"Ouch!" Josephine's sharp voice cut through my ears. "You're strong. Save some energy for the activities in bed later."

She then called out, "Hey, Zach! Come upstairs. I need to tell you something."

I bit my tongue hard, tasting blood. My mind cleared instantly.

As it turned out, the York family was still clinging to that plan, after all.

The moment Josephine left, I struggled to reach the bedside drawer.

Outside, Zachary's voice rang out in disbelief. "Mom, have you guys gone insane? What? What about the company?

"I understand. I'll do as you say. But after it's done, I'll marry Tracy. She's the one I truly love!"

Zachary came in afterward. I smelled his familiar perfume and felt his hot hands. Then, his scorching breath fell on my neck.

I mustered all my strength and stabbed him in the shoulder with the pencil in my hand.

Zachary's eyes widened in shock, pain, disbelief, and guilt. "Yvonne, I—"

I didn't give him a chance to speak. I shoved the pencil in harder, blood spreading across his shirt. "Get your hands off me! I'm not letting you hurt me this time!"

While he froze in pain, I pushed him away with all my might and staggered toward the door.

Downstairs, the party was still in full swing, but my bloodstained clothes sent a jolt of shock through the crowd, none more than David and Josephine.

Josephine rushed forward. "Yve, what have you done to yourself?"

I leaned against my friend and smirked coldly, barely keeping myself standing. "Mrs. York, I should be the one asking questions. What exactly did you put in the wine? Why did Zachary appear in my room, and why did he start taking off my clothes the moment he walked in?"