Chapter 4

Five days later, Spencer and Talulah returned from their trip. As soon as they walked into the house, Callie's eyes were drawn to the dazzling necklace around Talulah's neck. She quickly looked away after a glance. She had guessed it right. Spencer had intended to give that necklace to Talulah. What had he been trying to say that day when he hesitated? Talulah had always treated Callie warmly in front of Spencer. She immediately took Callie's hand and said, "Callie, you must have been so bored alone at home. I bought a lot of things. Come see if there's anything you like." While speaking, Talulah removed her coat and pulled Callie toward the pile of boxes. Callie shook her head and politely declined, but Talulah gave her a reproachful look, her tone carrying a subtle edge. "Why are you being so modest? Just think of them as gifts from your future aunt, okay?" Callie instinctively looked up and noticed the unmistakable love bites on Talulah's neck. Her heart skipped a beat. Among the photos Talulah had sent from Mayfair, one featured a direct shot of the hotel bed. Callie hadn't understood the significance then, but now, seeing those hickeys, it all made sense. She looked down and said nothing. As Talulah began opening boxes, she started talking about the evening's event. "Spencer, we should bring Callie to Carmen's birthday banquet tonight. They're around the same age, so they should get along well." Callie froze at the mention of the banquet. Ever since she moved in with the Blair family after her parents passed, Spencer had never taken her to any events. People liked to gossip behind her back, calling her a freeloader. This time, Spencer shook his head again. However, Talulah clung to his arm and pouted, insisting that she would be bored alone and needed Callie's company. Unable to resist her, Spencer eventually gave in with a fond yet exasperated smile. Watching their affectionate interaction, Callie lowered her head with a wry smile. She could tell Talulah was truly special to Spencer judging from the way he broke boundaries for her sake. It seemed Spencer really did love Talulah. Callie thought that as long as he was happy, even if the person by his side wasn't her, she could leave in peace. At Carmen Smith's birthday banquet, glasses clinked and conversation flowed. Callie stood alone in a corner while quietly sipping juice and watching Spencer down countless drinks on Talulah's behalf. A group of girls passed by and accidentally spilled red wine on Callie. They hurriedly apologized, but she didn't mind. She excused herself to the restroom to clean up and handed Spencer her phone and purse before leaving. Ten minutes later, when she returned, Spencer frowned as he looked at her. His tone was strange. "Your Aunt Becca just called. I told her you were busy, so she said she'd call back later." Callie tensed. Thankfully, Rebecca hadn't mentioned anything about Callie's intention to move abroad, so she relaxed a little. Spencer noticed her sudden nervousness and asked, "When did you get back in touch with your aunt?" "A couple of weeks ago. She asked me to send her some photos of Grandpa and Grandma." Callie casually made up an excuse. Spencer seemed relieved and didn't question it further. He turned back to Talulah and fixed her hair. Callie took back her phone and purse, ready to retreat to her corner once more. But just as she was about to leave, the towering champagne tower suddenly toppled over, crashing down toward Callie and Talulah. "Watch out!" Spencer was closest, and without thinking, he pulled Talulah out of harm's way and shielded her in his arms. Crash! The champagne tower collapsed with a deafening sound, and Callie, unable to react in time, was struck down by the falling glasses. Shards flew in all directions, and she fell to the floor, blood pouring from her wounds and soaking her white dress in a horrifying display. The accident left everyone in the room stunned. Talulah, though unharmed, burst into tears. Looking between Talulah and Callie, Spencer hesitated for only a moment before making his decision. "Take her to the hospital," he instructed one of the bodyguards. Then, cradling the sobbing Talulah, he hurried out of the venue. It wasn't until the two disappeared from sight that Callie managed to stagger to her feet under the pitying stares of the onlookers. By the time she returned home after having her wounds treated, it was already 1:00 am. The doctor had stitched her up with over ten stitches and suggested she stay in the hospital, but Callie refused, opting instead to take some medication and head back. Spencer wasn't home yet. Callie turned off the lights and lay in bed, staring blankly at the dark ceiling. The stinging pain radiating from her injuries made it impossible to sleep. She tossed and turned until 3:00 am before finally drifting off into a light slumber. Suddenly, the lights in the living room flicked on. Spencer had returned, his body reeking of alcohol as he staggered upstairs. Instead of going to his bedroom, he walked to the room at the far end—the study he used to spend time in—and gently opened the door. Callie was a light sleeper. When she turned over to her side, she tugged at her wound and let out a soft whimper in her sleep. That faint sound caught Spencer's attention. Following the sound, he walked to her bedside, leaned down, and wrapped his arms around her. One of his hands moved to the small of her waist and gently pressed against her soft skin, while the other hand lifted her chin as he kissed her.