Chapter 5

Skye's Perspective

The moment Derick slid the ring onto my finger that morning, I realized it was all orchestrated—a part of their scheme.

Every present he'd ever given me was something Alanna had previously turned down.

I felt an odd sense of contentment seeing Derick's hopeful expression crumble into disappointment. Nevertheless, I stifled my amusement and casually glanced at my timepiece, feigning to check the hour.

"Derick, we'll be tardy if we don't depart now."

Only then did he snatch his car keys and hastily pull me along.

As I settled into the passenger seat, it was clear he had meticulously cleaned the vehicle. Every sign of my presence had been eliminated.

Upon reaching the ceremony venue's entrance, I exited the car. Derick then handed me my purse and finally delivered his fabricated excuse, "Skye, I have a work commitment this afternoon, so I'll send my aide to collect you, okay? But I've reserved that eatery you've been mentioning all week. Let's commemorate there tonight."

I responded with a polite smile. "Very well. Farewell, Derick."

Then, without a backward glance, I strode towards the hall.

Previously, whenever he'd dropped me off, I was the one observing his departure. This time, I wanted him to watch me walk away.

Why expend emotions on a man whose affections lay elsewhere?

The graduation event unfolded as anticipated. I conversed and captured photos with educators and peers, cherishing those final moments before bidding adieu. By sunset, it had concluded.

Subsequently, I entrusted a courier with a gift box for delivery, hailed a taxi, and headed to the airport.

The terminal was teeming with people bidding farewells and welcoming loved ones. Yet I was solitary, bound for a foreign land with no one to see me off.

Just then, I glimpsed Derick and Alanna from afar.

They made a striking pair—a picture-perfect couple naturally drawing attention. Like lovers reunited after a lengthy separation, they embraced tightly.

I observed as Derick presented Alanna with a bouquet of vibrant red roses while she covered her face, weeping. Derick then awkwardly attempted to console her.

Loving someone was inherently chaotic.

But while my heart had found stillness, Derick's remained turbulent.

I was relinquishing seven years of joy, and he was embarking on seven years of love.

Watching their retreating figures, I waved silently, bidding my unspoken farewell.

Goodbye, Derick, our paths shall never cross again.

As I prepared to board, my phone vibrated with a message from an unfamiliar number.

[Skye, I've returned. Thank you for looking after Derick for me.]

Attached was an image of Alanna and Derick locked in a fervent embrace.

Despite receiving such a provocative message, I didn't respond and simply powered off my phone instead.

As the aircraft ascended, I caught sight of illuminated words on a tall structure below: [Happy Birthday, Alanna.]

Derick had proclaimed his love to the entire metropolis.

By now, he was likely proposing to her.

I smiled faintly. Derick, may we both attain our desires.

Upon landing at dawn, I retrieved my phone to call my sibling, only to find my notifications inundated with missed calls and messages—all from Derick.

I had assumed his heart and mind would be wholly focused on Alanna. Why would he still concern himself with me?

If I'm severing ties, I'll do it thoroughly.

With that thought, I switched off my phone again and activated the backup device I had prepared beforehand.

Third Person's View

Meanwhile, Derick clutched the ring Skye had sent via the courier, his hands quivering.

His companions attempted to reassure him, urging him not to squander any more time.

"Derick, take the ring and go!"

"Come on, man, cease trembling and hurry!"

"Are you now having doubts about presenting the ring to her?"

Despite their encouragement, Derick remained motionless, fixated on the ring.

Alanna sensed something amiss and approached, smiling as she linked her arm with his.

"Derick, I'll accept it. I returned to wed you, remember? There's no need for nervousness."

But as she finished speaking, Derick abruptly withdrew his hand.

"Alanna, it's late. You're still fatigued from travel. Why don't you rest for now?" Derick said before suddenly turning and rushing out of the room, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.

For the first time, Derick drove home at breakneck speed. He couldn't wait—he needed to confirm his suspicions immediately.

When he burst through the door, he called Skye's name repeatedly, but no response came.