Chapter 3

At least, that's what I thought.

Looking back now, it seems Kellan merely put it on pause, and Cadence's return was the perfect play button for this suspended romance.

I looked at the bag in my hand, realizing only Cadence was its rightful owner.

Kellan came back, reeking of alcohol.

I closed my eyes, pretending to be fast asleep. He didn't look closely and just crashed onto the bed, snoring away.

I took out his phone again. Thinking I was asleep, he hadn't bothered to delete his chat history with Cadence.

"Hah, I purposely got you drunk. How else was she supposed to manage?"

"She's not even half as greedy as you are."

"Alright, you should get some sleep too. Remember, I'm taking you to the Livan Building tomorrow. Make sure you look pretty."

A chill ran down my spine.

This Livan Building gathering – Kellan had promised to take me along. But right before leaving for Italy, he suddenly changed his mind and said we weren't going.

So they were continuing their little high school reunion after all.

Just without me.The next afternoon, I arrived early at the Livan Building, where several of Kellan's high school classmates were gathering. I wasn't particularly familiar with them.

Cadence arrived fashionably late with Kellan. She coyly stayed by his side, her back ramrod straight, hair pinned up to reveal her long, elegant neck.

She wore a stunning silk qipao, her face bare of makeup, looking breathtakingly beautiful.

The moment she entered the lobby, all eyes were drawn to her.

The old classmates, who had been waiting for a while, immediately went to greet them.

I hurried to follow.

Kellan was busy exchanging pleasantries, not noticing me.

I grabbed Cadence without warning and slapped her across the face.

"Who gave you permission to touch my qipao? Take it off right now!" I could hold my temper, but I couldn't tolerate her wearing that dress.

It was left to me by my grandmother.

My grandmother had passed away not long ago, and this was the only piece of fabric she had left behind.

Recently, my best friend wanted me to make a qipao as a toast dress for her wedding, so I chose the same pattern as this dress.

The qipao held extraordinary significance for me.

I found the most skilled tailor to work through the night, just so I could outshine everyone at my best friend's wedding.As a result, Cadence beat me to the punch and used it for show.

Cadence's smiling face suddenly fell. She covered her face and buried it in Kellan's shoulder, quietly sobbing.

Kellan froze for a few seconds before coming to his senses and reaching for my hand.

"Evelina, let me explain."

But Cadence clung tightly to the hem of his shirt, refusing to let go. She moved her hand from her face, revealing two bright red handprints on her pale cheeks as tears rolled down like pearls.

Kellan couldn't bear it in the end and forgave Cadence.

He turned to me and said, "Evelina, don't misunderstand. She's actually... she's my sister..."