He Gave Her My Engagement Gift, I Left Him

Chapter 4 A Gift Meant to Break Me

When I said nothing, Victor's voice softened. "I've already transferred the wedding money to your account. Don't stay mad at me."

Even now, he still believed I had broken up with him over money. A faint, mocking smile tugged at my lips.

"Hey, don't be mad at Victor," Logan cut in. "He hasn't been coming home these past few days, but he's been glued to his phone waiting for your messages. He never drinks, but he got completely drunk and made a scene in the middle of the night. He even cried and said…"

"Shut up." Victor snapped, cutting him off in irritation.

I listened quietly, but nothing stirred inside me. I had never seen him suffer over me. What I had seen with my own eyes was him losing control for Chloe.

Back then, Chloe had a nasty fight with her ex. We were all at a barbecue when her ex showed up and demanded to talk. One argument led to another, and soon the whole table was involved.

Victor fought like his life depended on it.

I was terrified he would end up with a record, so I rushed in to stop him. He shoved me to the ground without hesitation and shouted, "This is between us. Stay out of it."

Chloe stood beside him with her arms folded, leaning close as if she belonged there, as if he were meant to protect her.

I lay there on the ground, humiliated, and in that moment, I understood something clearly. There was a closeness between them I would never reach.

Later, he apologized, and I softened. Looking back now, I was unbelievably foolish.

"Well, looks like she's upset again," Logan joked lightly.

I had no interest in responding. I ended the call.

That night, Mia Hart asked me out for drinks. I had not been to a bar in years, not since I started dating Victor.

She poured me a drink, her voice tinged with sadness. "Once you leave, who knows when we'll see each other again."

I smiled, about to comfort her, when a mocking voice came from behind.

"Wow. Victor's losing his mind over you, and here you are drinking with friends."

I turned to see Chloe, Logan, and Derek standing behind us, each wearing a different expression. It was as if I had no right to enjoy myself, as if I should be at home crying instead.

Mia rolled her eyes and grabbed my hand to leave.

Chloe stepped forward and blocked my way. Victor's jacket hung loosely over her shoulders. She blinked at me with a strange, playful smile.

"You're getting married the day after tomorrow, right? I brought you a gift. I was going to give it to you at the wedding, but since we ran into each other, you might as well have it now."

She handed me an open box. Inside was a piece of white cloth, stained with blood.

I glanced at it and asked calmly, "What is this?"

She had clearly been waiting for that question. Her voice turned bright and almost cheerful.

"It's from my first time with Victor. We were young and didn't know better. You don't mind, do you?"

The room fell silent. Everyone looked uneasy.

Mia swore under her breath. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Chloe only smiled wider, her gaze fixed on me, unblinking.

I showed no reaction. I picked up the cloth and examined it as if it meant nothing.

At that moment, Victor rushed out of the private room. The moment he saw what was happening, panic flashed across his face. He lunged forward to grab it.

I caught his wrist before he could, met his anxious gaze, and said something that left everyone stunned.