Chapter 3

Logan possessed a certain allure. It didn't take long for a cluster of internet personalities to converge at the location. They all raised their smartphones to commence live broadcasts.

"Everyone, I've just received some shocking information! It's about the woman you see before you. Despite her unassuming appearance, she's truly despicable on the inside!"

"For years, she's been living off her closest friend. Whenever she was short on cash, she'd turn to her best friend. Her pregnant friend was ordered about like a servant daily. She'd run errands, accompany her shopping, and even pick her up after nights of heavy drinking."

"Her best friend was incredibly kind to her. Not only was she ungrateful, but she also purchased numerous items daily and expected her best friend to foot the bill. After depleting her friend's funds, she coerced her into selling her jewelry. She even maxed out the secondary credit card of her best friend's spouse to clear her gambling debts!"

"Most significantly, her personal life is in disarray. Despite being engaged, she continues to behave promiscuously. I've heard she contracted a sexually transmitted disease. When she became pregnant, unsure of the father's identity, she immediately went to terminate the pregnancy. Too ashamed to tell her fiancé, her best friend, despite being heavily pregnant herself, nursed her back to health."

The broadcasters vividly attributed all these baseless accusations to me.

They fabricated a narrative and embellished it.

Suddenly, all the major live streaming channels were inundated with insults directed at me.

"Damn, her best friend and fiancé are so unfortunate to be associated with such a shameless person!"

"I'm furious. How can someone so repulsive exist in this world?"

"Absolutely. Such an individual doesn't deserve to inhabit this planet!"

Public sentiment spread rapidly, and my images swiftly became a trending topic online!

'Parasitic Woman', 'Toxic Friend', 'Selfish Demon', and various other labels became associated with me.

As the group of streamers intensified the situation, the onlookers became increasingly agitated. They began hurling eggs and spoiled produce at me.

Nearby diners even threw their beer bottles in my direction.

I stood there like a condemned criminal awaiting execution, surrounded by refuse and subjected to verbal abuse.

At that moment, Howard emerged from the crowd and approached me.

Seeing his familiar face, I was suddenly overcome with emotion.

To me, Howard had always been my greatest support.

He loved and trusted me. No matter what hardships I faced outside, he would always gently stroke my hair and patiently console me.

I trusted him and viewed him as my sanctuary.

In that instant, I desperately needed him.

Upon seeing him, I lowered my defenses and threw myself into his arms.

However, as soon as I made contact, he ruthlessly pushed me away.

Caught off guard, I lost my footing and fell backward.

The scattered wine bottles on the ground embedded themselves deeply into my palm and thigh.

The sharp pain permeated my consciousness, but the ache in my heart seemed even more profound and excruciating.

Even Howard didn't believe in me?

"Jefferry, I never imagined you could be such a person," Howard said, his eyes red with disappointment.

"All these years, I've cherished you and acquiesced to all your requests. I've never lost my temper with you, nor have I allowed you to experience any hardship."

"Knowing your weak digestive system, I prepared stomach-strengthening meals and did my utmost to nurture your health. I took excellent care of you."

"And you?"

"How could you exploit your friend behind my back, degrade yourself, and engage in so many reprehensible acts!"

"Jefferry, do you feel any remorse towards me?!"

It was the first time I had seen Howard, typically so gentle, lose his composure.

His voice was raspy, and his words were laden with extreme disappointment in me.

Witnessing him in this state made me increasingly uncomfortable. I endured the pain and stood up to explain myself.

"Howard, I..."

Before I could finish my sentence, Howard angrily shouted,

"Be quiet! Don't address me by name. You've lost that privilege!"

As he spoke, he flung the engagement ring at my face.

"From this moment on, we're finished!"

Howard's words cut me deeply.

Logan seized the opportunity to mock me.

"Jefferry, do you now understand how it feels to lose your reputation? A greedy and malicious woman like you doesn't deserve anyone's love, especially not Cynthia's, who has treated you so well."

"Fortunately, I've seen through your façade and distanced myself from you. The thought of ever having been associated with you disgusts me."

"The most crucial thing in your life is to bring Cynthia to me. From now on, you'll be despised by everyone! In any case, I won't allow Cynthia to contact you again. Let's see how you manage without her!"

Logan's words immediately resonated with the crowd.

Suddenly, the comments, the audience, and the streamers began to berate me incessantly.

The force of public opinion was overwhelming.

Even though I had mentally prepared myself, I still experienced an emotional breakdown.

At that moment, Logan's phone rang.

It was Cynthia calling.

Cynthia's tearful voice came through the phone.

"Honey, I... I've lost the baby!"

Hearing this, Logan's eyes instantly reddened. "What happened?"

Cynthia stammered, "It's Jefferry! She was behaving recklessly with some unsavory characters. When I tried to reason with her out of concern, she pushed me down, causing me to miscarry!"

Cynthia's words brought me a sense of relief.

Everything was finally drawing to a close.