03

3

Robert briefly looked my way and said dismissively, "Stop speaking nonsense. Diana's future as a violinist is set in stone."

His statement hurt more than I anticipated. He neither refuted their supposed compatibility nor recognized me, his actual betrothed. He simply emphasized her professional goals as if that justified everything. How had I been so naive? How had I spent years loving someone whose heart belonged to another?

Diana hesitated, then turned to me. "Trudy, ignore them. They're only teasing. Don't let it upset you, alright? Oh, I brought you a small present! I hope it's to your liking."

She presented me with a small box, her face radiating an innocence that seemed practiced. Inside, I found a pair of earrings that looked oddly familiar. I gazed at Diana questioningly, then noticed the blue-green necklace she was wearing.

I was stunned. This wasn't just any necklace. Robert had it specially made to suit my tastes. It symbolized his supposed dedication to our engagement. I recalled the jeweler mentioning some leftover gems that would be used for earrings as thoughtful gifts.

Now, my supposed engagement necklace adorned Diana's neck, while the "leftover" earrings were given to me.

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. When Robert's friends, who looked down on me, saw this, one sneered quietly, "Look at her, cherishing those scraps as if they're valuable."

Across the room, someone exclaimed, "Diana, your necklace is breathtaking!"

Diana touched the centerpiece gently and glanced shyly at Robert. "Oh, it's just a welcome gift from Robbie. He promised an even lovelier one after my concert to celebrate my achievement."

I exhaled deeply and said, "Well, Robert, you've really outdone yourself. This necklace, if I'm not mistaken, was crafted from the Lockman Family's heirloom gem. It took half a year to create, didn't it? It's intended for the future Lockman daughter-in-law. Robert, you clearly have strong feelings for Diana."

Robert appeared uncomfortable as others in the room realized something was amiss, and silence fell.

Everyone grasped the implication. The heirloom necklace was meant for the future Lockman daughter-in-law, me, Robert's fiancée. Yet Diana was proudly wearing it. The message was clear.

Diana stood awkwardly. Though still touching the necklace, her eyes had reddened. With shaking hands, she bowed her head and attempted to unclasp it, "I'm so sorry, Trudy. I had no clue this was meant for you. I shouldn't have worn it. How could I be so thoughtless?"

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face. Her trembling hands and tangled hair made it difficult to remove the necklace. She yanked at her hair and cried helplessly, "Robbie, please help me take it off."

Robert's expression darkened as he gently stilled her hands. He said softly, "Diana, I gave it to you. It's yours. Don't worry about what others think."

Then, he turned to me with an angry glare, "It's just a gemstone, Trudy. I didn't realize the Peyton Family's eldest daughter was so petty. She's creating drama over a piece of jewelry."

"This stone belongs to the Lockman Family and was passed down to me," he continued coldly. "I decide who gets it. Since we're not married yet, don't think you have any claim to it. Honestly, I think it suits Diana better."

He added, "I've already agreed to marry you. Isn't that enough? Does it really matter if I give a necklace to someone else? The position of Mrs. Lockman is yours. What more do you want?"

Diana's teary eyes sparkled as she smiled faintly. "Really? My concert dress happens to be blue. This necklace will complement it perfectly. Thank you, Robbie. You're the only one who truly gets me."

I stood up and said, "Pardon me. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just admiring how deeply you care for Diana. There's no need to overreact."

As I spoke, I pushed the jewelry box towards Diana. "These earrings are made from the same Lockman Family heirloom gemstone leftovers. Since they're part of the set, you should have them too. After all, it wouldn't be right to separate such a perfect pair."