Chapter 4
Keira returned home after being discharged from the hospital and started clearing everything that had to do with Vincent. The journal she’d written in when she was younger, love letters she’d penned, photos she’d secretly taken of him, gifts she’d wanted to give him, surprises she’d prepared…
These were things she’d wanted to give him after getting together with him. She’d wanted to tell him the story of her secret love for him.
But now, she knew that there was no way they would ever be together. These things would never be put to use.
Keira threw them all away. When she turned around, she ran into Vincent, who was dropping Kimberly off. He glanced at the trash can before looking at her, his gaze as cold as ever.
Kimberly also saw the things and clung to his arm, smiling as she turned on the charm. “I think she’s really learned her lesson this time, Vincent. I’m sure she won’t bother you anymore. She’s my sister, after all. Don’t be so cold to her.”
Vincent looked at Keira coldly. “I’ve always been cold to people I don’t like. I can’t bring myself to be nice to them.”
Keira listened to them without saying anything. She merely took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions as she returned to her room.
…
It was Kimberly’s birthday the following day, and she had a grand birthday celebration. The guests milled about in the banquet hall and chatted among themselves.
“This is a birthday celebration Mr. Slater has thrown for his fiancée. It’s truly a grand affair! I heard that the flowers were imported from Iropa this morning, and fireworks are going to be set off for three consecutive days in celebration.
“You see the jewelry set that Ms. Kimberly has on now? It’s worth billions of dollars. Mr. Slater went to Sutherbye to bid on them himself!”
“He’s gone all out to please his beloved, hasn’t he? Ms. Kimberly is truly fortunate to be able to marry him, and the York family’s status has skyrocketed because of this. It’s too bad they have a ticking time bomb like Keira, who constantly covets Mr. Slater. She’s so shameless!”
“Tell me about it. She and Ms. Kimberly are sisters, yet she can’t compare to Ms. Kimberly at all, whether in terms of appearance or personality. Yet she has the nerve to pester Mr. Slater! She’s truly twisted! If I had a daughter like her, I’d want nothing more than to kick her out. Mr. and Mrs. York are truly kind to still have her around!”
Keira listened to them, her heart calm and unaffected. She stood in a corner like she was invisible. She didn’t want to attract anyone’s attention.
Nearby, Frank, Melinda, and Vincent surrounded Kimberly like she was a star in the sky. They helped her arrange the train of her gown, field the people who wanted to toast her, light the candles on the cake for her, and sing her a birthday song.
Keira saw how happy they were and was reminded of her own birthdays. Kimberly had always found excuses to take Frank and Melinda away, leaving her to blow out the candles alone.
During the few years she’d spent with Vincent, he’d celebrated with her. He’d been by her side as she’d made her birthday wishes and cut the cakes, and he’d given her gifts. She had thought that she would never be alone again.
Alas, she’d only had his care and warmth for a few years before having them taken away. Well, she would no longer cling to that.
Kimberly shut her eyes and made a wish as everyone cheered and clapped. Then, the guests started presenting their gifts. She opened them to reveal expensive bags and jewelry. The smile on her face never slipped.
The last two gifts were from her parents and Vincent. They caused a stir the moment the gifts were announced.
“Melinda and I thought long and hard about this, but we’ve decided to appoint Kimmy as the successor to York Group. She will inherit every dime of the York family fortune!”
“My gift to Kimmy is 50% of Slater Group’s shares and a ring that has been passed down in the Slater family for generations. Grandma once told me that couples who wear these rings will be happy together until the day they die. Kimmy, you’re the only woman I want to marry. Thank you for saying yes to me.”
Vincent slipped the ring onto her finger as everyone watched. Then, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
That made everyone abuzz. They clapped and cheered while blessing the happy couple.
Keira watched them from her corner, feeling depressed. She clenched her fists tightly and turned to leave, but Kimberly stopped her. “Keira, where’s your gift? When are you going to give it to me?”
Everyone turned to look at Keira. She stopped and pulled out the gift she’d prepared from her bag, handing it to Kimberly.
Kimberly opened it and was about to mock her when Vincent suddenly focused on Keira’s outstretched hand. “Why do you have that bracelet?”
Keira looked up to meet his incredulous gaze. She instinctively rubbed her bracelet.
During the time Vincent lost his vision, Keira still dressed up nicely before going to see him, despite knowing he couldn’t see her. She’d often worn that bracelet, and he’d felt it every time he held her hand. He’d even asked her which gems were embedded in it.
When Keira remained silent, Vincent grabbed her wrist, urgently saying, “Speak! Why is this bracelet with you? Who are you?”
