4/4
Chapter 31
Daisy remained silent at those words, but Quentin exploded with rage. The word “homewrecker” seemed to hit a raw nerve.
He forgot all his usual composure, his ingrained politeness shattering as he shouted at Fiona.
“Fiona! Stop spewing nonsense and apologize to Daisy right now!”
“No wonder your parents didn’t want you – motherless and bitter. That sharp tongue of yours makes you absolutely insufferable. It’s no surprise you’ll spend your life alone and unloved.”
Quentin, who hadn’t raised his voice at Fiona once in their decade–long
relationship, had now lost his temper with her twice in a single day – all for Daisy’s sake.
His words became weapons, striking precisely at Fiona’s most vulnerable spots. Each syllable was a dagger to her heart, a fatal blow to her soul.
Fiona could barely believe her ears.
How could such cruel words come from Quentin’s mouth?
When she looked up, she saw him carefully shielding Daisy behind him.
That protective stance brought back memories from years ago.
Back then, when Vivian Jennings had wormed her way into their family as a homewrecker, forcing Evelyn out and subjecting Fiona to endless torment. While Frederick had turned a blind eye to it all.
It was always Quentin, their next–door neighbor, who would rush to her rescue, standing protectively in front of her.
He would fight for her justice, hold her close when she cried, comfort her through. the pain.
Whenever Fiona doubted herself, he would look her in the eyes and say with unwavering conviction:
“Fiona, you’re the best person in this world. If they don’t want you, I do! No matter
what happens, I’ll always stand by your side and protect you.”
Years had slipped away like sand through fingers.
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03
Those childhood promises had become nothing but empty words.
The person Quentin wanted to protect now?
No longer Fiona, but Daisy – the very one causing her pain.
She tried desperately to maintain her composure, but the tears betrayed her, streaming down her face unchecked.
The pain in her heart was so intense she couldn’t even form words to defend herself,
Seeing Fiona’s anguish, Quentin seemed to realize he’d gone too far.
He guiltily avoided her gaze, his eyes falling to her bleeding foot instead.
“You’re hurt?”
Years of friendship made it impossible for him to completely harden his heart. He sighed softly, “Let’s just chalk this up to drunk talk tonight. In the future…”
“There won’t be any future,” Fiona interrupted quietly.
“What?”
Quentin sensed something different in Fiona’s demeanor.
Today had been overwhelming, with Daisy completely occupying Quentin’s
thoughts, leaving little emotional energy for Fiona. Just as he was about to press
further with his questions, Daisy’s heart–wrenching sobs cut through the night air.
“Fiona, do you hate me that much?” Daisy cried out. “Forcing me to leave the country wasn’t enough? Are you trying to drive me to my death? Fine then! I’ll just die and stop being a burden to Quentin!”
Before anyone could react, Daisy ran toward the street, her tears glinting in the darkness. Though the road was deserted at this hour, without a single car in sight,
Quentin’s heart nearly stopped.
In that moment, all his doubts and guilt vanished. Without hesitation, he sprinted after Daisy, leaving Fiona behind.
The impact of Quentin’s shoulder as he rushed past sent Fiona crashing to the ground. Sharp gravel bit into her skin, drawing blood from fresh scrapes. After everything that had happened, she couldn’t even find the strength to cry anymore.
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03
Ten years of what she thought was mutual love – it had all been just her own wishful thinking. The bitter truth hit her: a childhood friend could never compete with destiny’s choice. She was no match for Daisy, the woman who had become. Quentin’s perfect ideal, his first true love.
After what felt like an eternity, Fiona struggled to her feet. Limping badly from her injured foot, she somehow made it back to her room. After tending to her wounds, she gathered all the carefully chosen wedding preparations – the decorations, the samples, everything she’d selected with such hope and threw them away.
–
When her eyes fell on the wedding countdown display in the living room, she hesitated for a moment. Then, with trembling fingers, she tore off the words “Wedding Day.” In her heart, she silently renamed it her “Departure Countdown”
instead.
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