Ashley
I didn't find her reaction funny in the slightest, but I understood exactly why she was acting that way. She was trying to appear charming and cheerful in front of Christian, hoping to catch his attention.
I also noticed the way she kept glancing at him, which made it painfully obvious that she was interested in him.
That realization made me wonder if Christian also had a reason for being here with her.
I didn't remember Ariana ever mentioning him in the past, but back then I had been far too busy trying to build a home with Owen to notice the things happening right in front of me.
Now that I had a second chance, everything Ariana once took from me would eventually belong to me.
Including Christian.
"Let us order our meal," Owen said quickly as he called a waiter over to the table.
While he was placing the orders for us, I noticed that Christian's gaze was still resting on me. When my eyes met his again, I couldn't help but notice the captivating aura that surrounded him.
His undercut hair was perfectly styled, framing his chiseled face in a way that made him appear both elegant and powerful. But what fascinated me the most were his piercing gray eyes, which reminded me of a stormy sky on a summer evening.
His smile was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.
It was effortless and genuine, not forced like Owen's.
Even his outfit—a perfectly tailored suit—highlighted his sophistication and authority, yet despite his polished appearance, there was something humble about the way he carried himself.
That thought made me question once again why he was here with Ariana.
Unless he had his own reasons.
I continued staring at him until I suddenly felt Owen's finger brush lightly against mine.
My entire body reacted instantly.
I withdrew my hand quickly and looked at him.
The brief contact made my skin crawl.
How could someone who was destined to kill me sit beside me and act like nothing was wrong?
Even though he didn't yet know what he would do in the future, the mere thought made my stomach churn.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat but remained silent. From the tension in his body, I knew he had plenty of things he wanted to say, but he was holding himself back because of Christian's presence.
"So," Christian said after a moment, starting another conversation. "Which one of you sisters is the genius ceramist of the Brown family?"
I almost rolled my eyes at that question, remembering how Ariana would steal my work three years from now and take that title for herself.
"My sister is the best ceramist," Ariana said quickly as she pointed toward me. She laughed lightly and placed her hand on my shoulder. "She is perfect."
Yet again, she was pretending to support me.
In the past, I would have smiled along with her like a fool.
But not today.
I removed her hand from my shoulder. "I hope you truly mean that," I said calmly.
Her eyes widened in surprise, clearly shocked by my response.
I looked away as if I hadn't said anything and focused on the meals being brought to the table as the tension between us thickened.
Just then, the soft strumming of a guitar drifted through the restaurant.
I rolled my eyes immediately because I knew exactly what was coming next.
I glanced around the room and noticed that everyone had turned toward the entrance, including Christian, although he didn't look for long before turning his attention back to me.
Patrons began surrounding our table, each holding a long-stemmed rose.
The restaurant screens suddenly changed, displaying a glowing message written in elegant cursive letters.
Ashley Hamilton, will you marry me?
The message floated across the screens as animated rose petals filled the background.
I lowered my head slightly, thinking carefully about the best words to use to reject Owen in front of everyone.
Just as I expected, reporters suddenly rushed into the restaurant, their cameras flashing rapidly.
Right on cue.
Owen dropped to one knee and opened a small velvet box, revealing a modest diamond ring.
"Ashley, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one," he said, his voice sounding sincere as if he truly believed his own words. "You are my everything."
No, I am not.
"Will you marry me?"
The restaurant erupted into applause as people cheered and whistled.
Ariana grabbed my hand excitedly and pulled me up from my chair.
"This is for you, sister!" she shouted happily. "You are getting married!"
Christian remained seated, completely unmoved, his expression unreadable as he watched everything unfold.
A smile slowly spread across my face as I looked toward Owen.
I stretched my hand toward him as if I were about to accept the ring.
Everyone watching us leaned forward in anticipation.
But instead, I raised my hand and swung it sharply against his cheek.
CRACK!
The sound of the slap echoed loudly through the restaurant.
Everything fell silent.
This was my moment.
"How dare you ask for my hand in marriage when you are sleeping with my sister?" I shouted angrily.
Gasps spread throughout the restaurant as people began pulling out their phones to record the scene.
Cameras flashed everywhere.
Owen stood there frozen in shock.
"You are disgusting!" I continued loudly. "Did you really think I didn't know how much you love my sister more than me and how you—"
I stopped suddenly and pretended to cry, wiping fake tears from my eyes before turning toward Ariana dramatically.
"I hope you are happy now that Owen is finally going to be with you!" I yelled before grabbing my bag and rushing out of the restaurant while pretending to sob.
The moment I reached my car, I tossed my bag onto the passenger seat and climbed inside.
And then I burst into laughter.
I hit the steering wheel repeatedly, cheering quietly to myself after successfully accomplishing the first step of my revenge.
But then—
Someone tapped on the window of my car.
I turned my head slowly toward the sound.
Christian Royal stood outside the car, staring at me through the glass.
And judging by the expression on his face…
He had seen everything.