Chapter 17\
Irish’s POV
The
I took a deep breath, trying to steady the pounding in my chest that refused to calm down. This wasn’t just a plan. This was a stage, and I was the director. I wanted to see what was hidden behind Anya’s gaze–the woman who always claimed to be willing, even though it was clear she was never truly sincere.§
The three of us stood in a luxurious jewelry boutique. The interior sparkled, crystal lights reflected off the glass displays, almost blinding. I held Harry’s hand, clinging to him as if I were the only woman in his life.
“What do you think, Harry?” I asked cheerfully, pointing at a few diamond rings elegantly lined up in the showcase. “Or maybe we should ask Anya’s opinion instead?” I turned toward Anya, who stood stiffly to our right.
Anya smiled faintly–barely visible. “This one is nice,” she said softly, pointing to a ring with a simple yet elegant design.}]
She asked the store assistant to take it out, and for some unknown reason, she slipped it onto her ring finger. Her eyes sparkled, a glow she couldn’t hide.
“Ah, I think… it’s too simple,” I said quickly, breaking the moment. “I want something more… luxurious. Something more fitting for our engagement.“}
Anya turned to me. There was a hint of pain in her eyes, but she still tried to smile. “But this ring suits you both. Simple but meaningful.“} I stepped closer and stared at her sharply. “Anya, Harry and I are the ones getting engaged. I asked for your opinion, not your decision.” Silence. Anya froze. Her smile faded, replaced by a blank stare. She lowered her gaze, slowly slid the ring off her finger, and handed it back to the clerk with a soft voice, “Show us something else instead.“}
I could feel Harry’s eyes burning into me. But I didn’t care. I pretended to be busy looking at other rings. I moved to another display. From my angle, I saw Harry move. He stepped away from me and walked toward Anya.
They spoke quietly. Their voices were barely audible, but I was close enough to catch their words.}
“Did you like that ring?” Harry whispered. “I’ll buy it for you.”
Anya shook her head. “No, Harry. We came here to buy your engagement ring with Bella. Not for me.“}]
“Anya… I can buy it for both of you. We know what this relationship really is. Bella knows too.“}
Anya let out a quiet sigh. “Harry… from now on, please watch your behavior. Don’t bring up our feelings–especially when Bella’s around. She’s already hurt enough from her ex–husband’s betrayal. Let’s not do the same thing to her.”
That voice, those words–they hit me like a sledgehammer. I bit my lip. Anya… that woman still thought about me. She was sincere. Even as I slowly stabbed her in the back, she still tried to protect me.>
Tears fell from my eyes. But I wiped them away quickly before Harry or Anya could notice. I stood tall.
“I’m sorry, Anya… But I won’t give up,” I whispered to myself.
The jewelry store wasn’t the end. I had already prepared the next stage.
At the bridal boutique, I tried on dozens of ivory–white dresses–lace, tulle, satin. Anya sat quietly, occasionally giving her opinion when I asked. But when she suggested a simple–cut gown with delicate lace on the sleeves and bodice, I sneered.
“That one? Oh, come on, your taste is seriously strange, Anya. That dress… is awful. Way too plain.“}
Anya went silent. Her smile faded. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she said nothing. I knew I had hurt her–and yes, I wanted to hurt her. Harry couldn’t hold back anymore. He grabbed my hand and pulled me aside, out of the room.
“What is this, Bella?” his voice was nearly a whisper, but it thundered in my heart. “You said you wanted me and Anya to be together. But all you’ve done today is hurt her. You’re making it look like she’s the one making a mistake by choosing you for me.“>
I looked up at him. “That’s exactly my goal, Harry. All this time, she thought I was kind. And that’s why I want her to regret ever thinking that. That way, she won’t be able to let you go to me so easily.“)
Harry ran a hand down his face in frustration.}
Harry rubbed his face in frustration. “Women like you really know how to drive men like us crazy!“}
I simply smiled. Subtle, but full of meaning.
“Relax…” I said softly. “Back then, you two had plans for me. Now it’s my turn… to make plans for both of you.“}
Harry shook his head in disbelief. “What is this now, Bella? What are you planning? At least tell me, so I’m not left in the dark like this.”
I stepped closer, looking him straight in the eyes. “Your confusion… that’s part of my plan.””
