The Right Person

Why could Connor Gregory trample so carelessly on my feelings?

Why was he so certain I would stay put, letting him twist and toy with me as he pleased?

Then again… maybe this was for the best.

Shattering the last fragile thread of attachment I still had for him meant I could finally cut ties once and for all.

Broken things could never return to what they once were. The same went for broken love.

The next morning, I rose early and dressed with steady hands. My heart carried no more hesitation.

On the way to the Gregory estate, my mother handed me a simple velvet box. Inside lay a pair of black onyx cufflinks.

“Helen, these were left to you by your grandfather, meant as a gift for your future husband. I’m giving them to you now.

“No matter who your match turns out to be, I believe in your choice.”

My eyes stung as I accepted the box solemnly.

In the Gregory estate’s reception hall, guests from both families began to arrive.

Connor came in with Rachel. Even though only half a day had passed, Rachel’s gaze toward me held even sharper hostility.

Connor, meanwhile, sat down beside me with his usual air of entitlement.

Though he’d always lived like a spoiled playboy, his standing within the family was low. In front of his father and uncle, he never dared act out, so today he kept a careful distance from Rachel instead of flaunting their intimacy.

When Connor noticed the velvet box in my hands, his lips curled in satisfaction.

“Finally showing some sense? You even brought me an apology gift. Since you’ve admitted your mistake, I’ll forgive what happened yesterday.

“Just make sure you behave properly in front of my family later. Don’t bring up the unpleasantness again.”

This man always twisted facts to fit his own version of the truth. I didn’t bother arguing, only shifted further away from him.

“Mr. Gregory, please have some respect. This gift isn’t for you, and neither is that seat.”

I had phrased it politely, mindful of being a guest, but Connor mistook my restraint for softened attitude. Growing smug, he prattled on.

“Enough with the sulking. Look at where we are.

“My uncle’s back today—don’t embarrass me like last time.

“As long as you apologize to Rachel in private, I won’t bring our matter up in front of the elders. I’ll even make sure you get a grand wedding.”

I let his words wash over me like meaningless noise, turning my head away. There was no point in saying anything. Once Liam arrived, Connor would see reality for himself.

Moments later, footsteps echoed from the entrance.

Something in me knew—it was Liam.

I looked up and saw a tall, commanding figure at the doorway.

His black overcoat carried the chill of early winter, his shoulders sharp as blades sheathed in steel. For a moment, it felt like the lights in the reception dimmed under the weight of his presence.

Every gaze in the room was drawn to him, yet his eyes found only me.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but Connor jumped to his feet, blocking my view.

“Uncle, you’re too polite. I heard you wrapped up a billion-dollar project and rushed back without rest. You must be exhausted. Let me show you to your seat.

“You’ve carried such heavy responsibilities these past three years. Father will surely want to speak with you. Sitting at his side would be more fitting.”

Connor’s words dripped with flattery, but I noticed his fingers trembling. He was clearly terrified of this uncle.

Liam cast his useless nephew a single indifferent glance before striding past him—straight to me.

The instant our eyes met, his frosty expression softened ever so slightly into the faintest smile.

“No need for the trouble. I’ll sit beside my fiancée.”