Chapter 4

That afternoon, Estelle visited her former mentor, George Reid. Before she left, George took her to a nearby chapel, saying it was a special place where he wanted to get her a blessing for protection. As soon as they arrived, a priest—whom she had never met before—called her by name. "You're probably wondering how I know who you are," the priest said with a warm smile. "A year ago, a man named Ruben Daye made an 80 million donation to our chapel. "He also kneeled and prayed his way from the foot of the hill to the altar, asking for a blessing of protection for you. But he didn't take the charm with him. He asked us to keep it here and continue our prayers over it." George beamed. "Ruben really cares about you. Seeing how much love there is between you two puts my heart at ease." Estelle lowered her gaze as a mix of emotions swirled inside her. It was the warmth of past love and the sting of betrayal. Just when she thought she had regained her composure, her heart wavered again. "Since fate has brought you here today, you should take this charm with you," the priest said. She took the small charm in her hand and turned to leave when the priest suddenly stopped her. "Wait! There's more. Ruben actually requested three blessings that day. You should take them all with you." Estelle accepted them, but she almost laughed out loud when she saw the names written on each one. They weren't just for her. The other names were Louisa's—and the twins'. When Ruben returned home that night, he found Estelle already asleep. For years, they had waited for each other, never being able to sleep unless they were wrapped in each other's arms. This was the first time she hadn't waited for him. A strange unease crept into his heart. He pulled her into his embrace, burying his face in the curve of her neck. "I missed you so much, love. It's only been a few hours, but it felt like centuries. If you ever left me, I don't think I could survive." "Is that so?" Estelle murmured. "Oh, right, love, there's something I wanted to discuss with you. I spoke to an expert about that island; apparently, the location isn't great. So I bought two new ones instead. What do you think?" Estelle closed her eyes. "Do whatever you want." Sensing the coldness and impatience in her tone, Ruben grew even more uneasy. He hesitated, then asked carefully, "Love, did I do something to upset you?" "No, I'm just tired." She took a deep breath. "Our wedding anniversary is in a few days. I want to take the private jet out of the country tomorrow afternoon. I ordered a gift overseas and want to pick it up myself." "You're pregnant. Such a long-hours flight is too exhausting. Let me go instead." Estelle's voice softened with a hint of playfulness. "No, I want to go myself." Ruben's heart melted at her words. He would have agreed to anything. He wouldn't have refused even if she asked for his life. "Alright, as you wish." The next morning, Ruben made breakfast before heading out, saying he had work to do. Estelle began packing as soon as he left. She opened the closet and took out all the clothes she had once lovingly made for Ruben. She cut them into pieces and tossed them into the trash. As for the expensive jewelry and gifts he had given her, she gathered them up and distributed them to the house staff. The 16 photo albums they had collected over three years, the ones they had promised to save for when they grew old together, had all been thrown into the fireplace. By sheer chance, Ruben had forgotten an important document and returned home—only to see their memories burning in the flames. His mind went blank. Panic surged through him as he reached into the fire, grabbing the last half-burned album with his bare hands. "Love…" His voice trembled as he looked at Estelle. "Why are you burning these?" Estelle smiled lightly. "No reason. I just thought they looked terrible and didn't want to keep such ugly photos." She walked over and gently took his burned hand in hers. "We have plenty of time ahead of us, so we can always take new ones. Why did you reach into the fire like that? "Look at your hand. It's a mess. Call the doctor to take care of it." Seeing the concern in her eyes, Ruben's panic slowly subsided. He leaned in closer and murmured with a childlike pout, "If you blow on it, it won't hurt anymore." If his subordinates saw him like this, they would probably think their cold and ruthless boss had been possessed by something. "You're a grown man now. Aren't you embarrassed to act this way?" Estelle walked over, casually positioning herself to block the sight of the shredded clothes in the trash. After that, Ruben grabbed his documents and kissed her forehead. "I'm heading to the office. I'll be back by noon." Not long after he left, Louisa sent her another message. "Come to Emorie Hotel. Your husband is here. Something interesting is waiting for you." Estelle sat in silence. So every time he said he was going to the office, he was actually going to see Louisa. She knew that going there would only break her even more, but she still went. It turned out that today was the twins' birthday. Ruben, his parents, and his friends were all gathered to celebrate. They held a grand party at the hotel, where the staff addressed Louisa as "Mrs. Daye". Ruben didn't correct them. Instead, he and Louisa exchanged a smile. It was one filled with unmistakable warmth. Ruben's parents, too, beamed at Louisa in a way Estelle had never seen before. "If it weren't for Louisa, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the joys of family like this. Ruben, you better not let her down. Treat her well, do you hear me?" Ruben nodded with a smile. "When have I ever treated her badly? Doesn't Louisa already have everything Estelle has? I always prepare things like clothes, jewelry, and rare treasures in pairs." Estelle had thought she could face everything calmly. But in that moment, something inside her exploded. Everything—the love, the tenderness, and the past they shared—shattered into pieces and lodged themselves deep into her heart. It now left behind nothing but raw, bleeding wounds. So, this was it? Everyone had known. From the very beginning, what she believed was special had never truly been hers. Everything she was given, Louisa had as well. And the things she never received—Louisa still did.