You Gave Me False Joy

I looked straight at Dylan. My gaze shone with a final glimmer of hope.

“Dylan, I just need the truth from you. Tell me honestly. Are you single?”

His hand froze midair before it could rest on my shoulder.

The next second, his gaze sharpened with certainty.

“Of course, I’m single.”

I laughed and shook all over.

“Very well, Dylan. Remember what you said today. We’re over!”

He frowned and was about to speak, but I shoved him aside. I got out of bed and dropped to my knees on the floor.

I first turned to Ivy.

“I’m really sorry. It’s all my fault. Please forgive me, and… I wish you and Dylan every happiness.”

Then, I turned to Dad as well.

“Dad, since you hate having me as your daughter so much, maybe we should just cut ties once and for all.”

Dad pointed at me. He gritted his teeth in fury as he yelled, “Fine! Let Dylan and Ivy be witnesses today. From now on, whatever happens to you, good or bad, has nothing to do with me! I’ll consider you dead!”

Finally, I turned to Dylan with a bitter smile.

“Are you satisfied now? My wound really hurts, and I need to get it treated. Can you let me go now?”

Dylan looked at me. His eyes flickered in conflict.

“Nina, I’ll get the best doctor for you. Get some rest. We’ll talk later.”

After that, he left the hospital room with the others.

Tears streamed down my face the moment the door closed.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and texted Adrian.

Three days later, when I was discharged from the hospital, I received a text from Dylan.

[Today’s my birthday party. Adrian said he’ll bring his girlfriend over. After he makes it official, I’ll tell my mom about us. I won’t go back on my word.

[But can you please sit this one out? Ivy wants to come and see what it’s like, but she’s still shaken and a little scared of seeing you.

[I’ll spend the whole day with you tomorrow to make up for it, okay?]

I did not reply. After turning off the screen, I slipped the phone into my pocket and stepped into the Maybach waiting in front of me.

That night, Dylan’s birthday party took place in the city’s most luxurious banquet hall.

I walked in wearing a champagne-colored evening gown.

Unexpectedly, I ran straight into Dylan and Ivy.

Startled, Ivy hid behind Dylan.

“Nina, why are you dressed like that? Everyone here today is dressed very respectfully. Don’t tell me you came here to land a rich heir?”

Her words instantly drew the attention of everyone around us. They all shot me dirty looks.

I shot her a cold glance and turned to leave. I just did not want to bother with her.

However, Dylan grabbed my wrist with a grim expression on his face.

“Didn’t I tell you not to come? Leave, now! Whatever it is, we’ll talk about it later.”

I yanked my hand out of his grip.

“I didn’t come here to celebrate your birthday.”

He sneered.

“Drop the act! You’re afraid Ivy will steal me away, so you deliberately dressed up nicely and came here to catch my attention. I already told you not to worry.”

He reached out and tried to ruffle my hair.

“Stop making a fuss. Be good and go home now.”

After that, he tried to drag me out of there.

Just then, a deep voice echoed from the center stage of the banquet hall. “Everyone, please allow me to introduce my wife, Nina Surridge.”