When things got heated, Norman gently touched Julia's injured hand.

"Cindy, your hand…"

Julia unbuttoned his shirt. "It's fine. I just want you to be happy."

Their bodies then began to become one.

I felt sick as I gagged in the hallway, stumbling back to the guest room.

When I saw the diamond ring on the table, I swept it straight into the bin. I didn't want it anymore.

Neither the person, nor the ring.

-

The next morning, when Norman helped Julia downstairs, he didn't even look at me.

Julia nudged him and said softly, "Julia, I know you didn't mean it yesterday. Norman was too harsh with you. I already talked to him about it, so don't be upset."

I didn't want to respond, but Norman shot me a dangerous look. I knew if I didn't play along, I'd just be punished again. So, I forced myself to respond. "I understand."

Julia smiled, satisfied. "Let's all go to the auction together. Norman said he's taking me shopping to cheer me up. You should come too."

Norman refused as always. "Why bring her along?"

Julia shook his arm. "Come on."

Norman tapped her nose. "Alright, whatever you say."

Julia then gave me a look I couldn't read. I stayed quiet.

At the auction, Julia and Norman sat in front and center as usual.

Just when I was going to sit down with them, Julia suddenly said, "Julia, why don't you sit in the back? All the seats here are for couples."

I stared at Norman, but he just nodded. "Sit at the back. Don't get in my way."

"Alright." I didn't argue and quietly followed the attendant to a corner in the back.

During the break, I went to the restroom. As soon as I stepped out, Norman pulled me aside.

"Look at how sad you are! I bought you a set of jewelry, alright? Yours is the main necklace, hers is just a matching one." His hand slid toward my hip, but I moved away before he could touch me. "See? You're better than her. Happy now?"

I forced a smile. "Very happy." Then, I pulled out a contract from my bag. "I want the villa in Senton City. If you give it to me, I'll be even happier."

Norman hesitated for a moment, about to check what the contract was. I held my breath.

Suddenly, Julia called for him outside. Norman immediately grabbed the pen, signed his name, and said, "As long as you're happy."

He handed the agreement to me, then rushed out to put his arm around Julia. I turned and headed straight to the clerk's office.

After finishing all the paperwork, I carefully tucked the two certificates into my bag. On the way home, my phone rang. Norman had sent me a message.

[Where did you go? Cindy wants to take the wedding photos. Come with us. After I'm done with her, I'll take pictures with you too.]

He attached the address of the bridal studio.

My heart skipped a beat as I could hardly read the message through my tears.

This was the end for us, Norman.

Back at the villa, I packed up the things I needed, left a letter behind, and asked the courier to deliver it to Norman immediately.

Dragging my suitcase behind me, I took one last look at the house I had lived in for three years and bid it goodbye.

At that moment, while Norman was taking wedding photos, he felt a growing sense of unease.

Outside, a courier shouted at the door, "Package for a Mr. Norman Ford!"