Chapter 39: Don't Get Engaged, Okay?
Gabriella, surrounded by admiring family members, basked in their flattery. Joy radiated from her. Spotting Olive, she quickly approached.
“Olive, you’re here! I worried you wouldn’t come to witness this beautiful moment.”
The family members gathered. One lady inquired, “Gabriella, you’re so kind to invite her. Olive was Sir Derrick’s fiancée, aren’t you afraid of her jealousy?”
Gabriella retorted angrily, “Don’t speak of Olive that way. She’s already suffered enough.”
Olive observed, unperturbed; she found the situation amusing. Gabriella, now engaged to one of LA’s wealthiest men, should be proud.
Monica arrived. Despite their strained relationship, they maintained a façade of joy for their daughter’s engagement. Monica, in a beautiful navy dress, approached Olive.
“Olive, you’re here. All the LA socialites are present. Won’t you mingle? At least today, you’re not wearing imitations.”
Monica’s words were barbed, a calculated attempt to use Olive’s past words against her. As expected, the wealthy women distanced themselves, isolating Olive. Everyone seemed to harbor ill intentions.
When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past
Olive smiled faintly. The situation wasn't as dire as anticipated. Having dared to appear, this was nothing. The real drama was yet to unfold.
A murmur arose as Derrick entered, impeccably dressed in a black suit and white tie. He was handsome, but today, even more so. Gabriella rushed to his side, taking his hand.
“Derrick, Olive is here. She came to wish us well.”
Olive’s gaze met Derrick’s. “Well, I've already experienced Derrick's true nature. He’s a glorified scumbag, and I’m wondering how you’ll cope, dear sister. So, I do wish you both well.”
A gasp rippled through the audience. Gabriella scolded, “Olive, what are you doing? Don’t spoil my engagement party!”
Derrick’s pupils constricted. Even after ten years, she remained stubborn and combative. He stepped forward, but Gabriella restrained him.
“Derrick, ignore Olive. She hasn’t gotten over you!”
The situation was clear: Olive aimed to disrupt the engagement.
When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past
Olive laughed, addressing Derrick. “Mr. Domino, don’t take it seriously; I’m joking.”
The room erupted. Derrick’s eyes turned cold; she was toying with them. Olive turned to Gabriella’s angry face.
“Come on, I was joking. Derrick isn’t that bad.”
She tucked her hair behind her ear, stunning everyone. Was she crazy?
“How dare you!” Gabriella fumed. Patrick intervened. “Alright, alright. The engagement party has begun. Derrick, didn’t you prepare a romantic proposal for Gabriella?”
The crowd cheered, “Propose! Propose!”
Derrick’s cold gaze softened. He produced flowers and knelt before Gabriella, overcoming the awkwardness. Patrick, glaring at Olive, warned, “Olive, don’t ruin this, or else…”
“What if I do? Send me back to the orphanage? Dad, you’ve forgotten I’m married into the Red Villa.”
Patrick froze, realizing he had lost his control over her.
When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past
Gabriella, though consumed by jealousy and hatred for Olive, met Monica’s encouraging gaze. She swallowed, forcing a smile. Once married into the Domino family, she would deal with Olive as she pleased.