Chapter 3

For the next few days, Jolene remained in her room, tearful. After learning of Preston’s outrageous actions, Francis and Gloria were even more relieved they hadn’t chosen him as Jolene’s partner. They even considered confronting the Norwood family.

However, Jolene, emerging after several days, stopped them. The wedding was approaching, and she hoped for a smooth ceremony. After persuading her parents against confronting the Norwoods, she left the house with a design blueprint.

Preston wasn’t the reason for her seclusion. He no longer mattered. She was designing a wedding ring for Cedric. Knowing the value of the "Eternal Star" diamond, she secretly wished to repay his affection.

She gave the blueprint to the butler, instructing him to commission an experienced craftsman. However, the ring was overdue. Upon inquiring, she learned Preston had visited several days earlier. The ring design immediately caught his eye. After inquiring about it, he took it, claiming Jolene needn't collect it as it was intended for him.

The staff, aware of the Miller-Norwood marriage arrangement, didn't stop him. Jolene’s heart sank. She immediately went to the Norwood residence to retrieve the ring.

She found Simone surrounded by a mountain of parcels. Simone said sweetly, “Mr. Norwood, you emptied my online shopping cart again without my knowledge! How can I ever repay your kindness?”

“I did it willingly; no repayment is necessary. And I’ve told you many times not to call me ‘Mr. Norwood’,” he replied.

Simone bashfully called him, “Pres.”

Despite witnessing their affection, Jolene entered without hesitation. Preston turned at her footsteps and frowned. “Why are you here?”

“Give me back the ring you took.”

Preston arched an eyebrow at her outstretched hand. “I don’t have it.”

Jolene’s gaze hardened. She asked solemnly, “What do you mean?”

Preston was searching for an excuse when Simone, sitting on the floor, timidly spoke. “Ms. Miller, I read online that rings are the most efficient way to open parcels, so I used it—on hundreds of them. The ring is now deformed. Do you still want it?” She showed Jolene the damaged ring.

How could Preston give Simone the ring for opening parcels? Jolene’s anger erupted. Overwhelmed with emotion, she glared at them with reddened eyes. They remained unfazed.

She snarled, “Preston Norwood, how dare you take my belongings without permission? And Simone, who gave you the right to misuse it? Don’t you know anything about respect?”

Preston’s good mood soured at her outburst. Frustrated, he retorted, “You were going to give it to me anyway. Why the scene? Oh, that reminds me. I’ve decided on a registry office wedding only. No ring needed. Stop wasting your time.”

Furious at his arrogance, Jolene clenched her fists. She emphasized, “Preston, that ring isn’t for you!”

“Then who is it for? You need to stop, Jolene. You’re going too far!” Preston mocked, flinging the ring away and leading Simone out. “Let’s not waste time on her. Simone, you wanted to learn to drive? Come, I’ll teach you.”

Watching them leave, Jolene’s anger burned. She wanted to follow, but had to find the ring. Getting down on her hands and knees, she searched.

It took half an hour to find it in a flowerbed. Carefully pocketing it, she stood and turned to leave. There was no time for a replacement; she’d have to find someone to repair it.

However, as she left the villa, a car sped towards her. Her eyes widened.

After a loud thud, she lay in a pool of blood, flung several feet. Simone was behind the wheel. Crying, she got out. “Oh, no. I’m still learning and accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake. I messed up. Ms. Miller is bleeding badly. Pres, will she be okay?”

The stone steps were stained with blood. Preston frowned, pulling Simone into his arms. “It’s fine. She’s trying to get sympathy. It’s an act. Ignore her. She’ll wake up when we ignore her. Don’t be afraid, Simone. Don’t cry.”

Jolene heard him, her blood turning to ice. Tears streamed down her face. She’d thought he’d care, given their childhood friendship, even without love. Yet, he disregarded her safety to comfort Simone.

She wondered why she’d ever loved him in her past life. Struggling, she tried to call for help, but reaching for her phone drained her energy. Darkness enveloped her.

She regained consciousness the next day. The doctor arrived with her file. He asked sternly, “Why didn’t you go to the hospital immediately? You almost bled to death. This isn’t a joke.”

Recalling the events, Jolene could only offer a wry smile. How could she explain that her childhood friend ignored her well-being to console his girlfriend?

The doctor didn’t press further. “Where’s your husband? He needs to handle the admission procedures.”

Still groggy, Jolene blurted out, “He’s abroad.”

The door opened. Preston walked in, meeting her gaze. “Who did you say was abroad?”