Chapter 4

I froze when Nathaniel stepped onto the stage and opened a small velvet box beneath the banquet lights.

Inside was a delicate crystal tiara that glittered brightly against the velvet lining.

Someone in the crowd immediately gasped. “Isn’t that a Sterling family heirloom? I heard the old madam left it specifically for the wife of her eldest grandson.”

Another guest lowered their voice, though not enough to keep those nearby from hearing. “He’s giving the family tiara to his wife’s younger sister? President Sterling is practically humiliating Adeline in front of everyone.”

Nathaniel ignored the whispers and carefully placed the tiara on Camille’s head.

It fit perfectly.

Camille glanced toward me, where I stood quietly at the edge of the room, before turning to my parents and Nathaniel with an almost hesitant expression.

“Dad, Mom, Nathaniel, don’t you think this is inappropriate? Adeline is your biological daughter and Nathaniel’s wife. Shouldn’t something this important belong to her?”

My parents immediately took her hands.

“Camille, what are you saying?” my mother asked. “Adeline is already married into the Sterling family and has their support. She has plenty. We’re simply preparing for your future and giving you what you deserve.”

Nathaniel's voice followed, calm and indifferent.

“If things had gone differently that night, you would have received it sooner or later anyway.”

My chest tightened.

My parents' words felt like slaps, but Nathaniel's were colder, cutting through me with a precision that hurt even more. Around me, people stared openly. Some looked sympathetic, others amused, and a few seemed to be enjoying the spectacle.

I could almost feel Camille's satisfaction.

She had gotten what she wanted.

Yet I wasn't devastated.

I wasn't even angry.

I simply set my wineglass down and walked away.

Whispers followed behind me.

“Her eyes look red. She must have cried in the restroom.”

“Poor thing. Her own parents and husband both favor the adopted daughter.”

I ignored them and went straight to the restroom.

When I looked into the mirror, I found no tears. My makeup was untouched, and my eyes were completely dry.

I had forgotten everything.

I no longer remembered how desperately I had once sought my parents' approval, how often I had begged Nathaniel to notice me, or how little affection I had apparently been willing to accept.

Those memories were gone.

Without them, the people I had once worshipped no longer seemed important.

They were strangers.

I was touching up my lipstick when I noticed movement farther down the corridor.

I stopped.

Nathaniel had Camille pressed against the wall.

He was kissing her.

One hand was tangled in her hair while the other held her tightly around the waist. Camille leaned into him without hesitation, tilting her head back and allowing him to pull her closer.

I stood there silently, unable to look away.

After a long moment, Nathaniel pulled back just enough to brush his thumb across her lips.

“Are you satisfied now?” he murmured.

Camille smiled sweetly. “I know I'm asking for too much, but I wanted this too. You already gave me the family tiara, and I still wanted a kiss. If my sister saw us, she'd probably be heartbroken all over again.”

Nathaniel's expression remained cold.

“That isn't my concern. I never wanted Adeline, Camille. I never have. You're the only woman I've ever loved.”

Then he kissed her again.

My chest suddenly tightened, and I pressed a hand against my heart.

Was this pain coming from the Adeline who had loved him?

Could some part of those feelings still remain even though I remembered nothing?

I didn't know.

I only knew that watching them together hurt in a way I couldn't explain.

Their kiss seemed to last forever before Nathaniel finally pulled away and left.

I waited until they were completely gone before stepping out of hiding. After taking a slow breath, I straightened my dress and prepared to retrieve my bag and leave.

I never got the chance.

The moment I entered the hall, Camille rushed toward me and seized my wrist.

“Sister, if you wanted the tiara, you could have asked me. I would have given it to you. Why did you steal it?”

I stared at her.

“Steal what?”

Camille's eyes immediately filled with tears.

“Stop pretending! I went to the restroom, and when I returned, the tiara was gone. The waiter said you were the only person near my things!”

“I didn't take—”

A sharp slap struck my cheek before I could finish.

My parents had already rushed over.

“Adeline!” my mother shouted. “Can't you go even one day without causing trouble?”

My cheek burned as I stared at her in disbelief.

Then she turned toward the staff.

“Search her immediately!”

Several waiters surrounded me, grabbing at my arms and clothes as they searched.

“Stop! I didn't steal anything!” I cried, struggling against them.

Then came the sound of fabric tearing.

My dress ripped at the shoulder, exposing part of my skin.

Gasps and whispers swept across the hall, followed by a few snickers that made my stomach twist.

Then one of the waiters suddenly held something up.

“Found it! The tiara was inside her bag!”

Camille immediately took it from him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

She stared at me with wounded disbelief.

“Now, sister, what do you have to say?”

My entire body trembled.

I wanted to explain. I wanted to tell them that I hadn't taken anything and demand that someone listen to me, but the words refused to come out.

My mind felt like it was breaking apart under the pressure.

Then the crowd suddenly began moving aside.

Measured footsteps echoed across the marble floor.

I looked up.

Nathaniel was walking toward me.

His polished shoes struck the floor with each deliberate step, and every sound seemed to pound against my chest.

He stopped in front of me, his gaze as cold as it had been at the hospital.

“Why would you steal something like this?” he asked. “Have you forgotten that I've never even treated you like my wife?”

I stared up at him.

“There are things that simply don't belong to you, Adeline,” he continued. “No matter how badly you want them, they will never be yours.”

For some reason, I smiled.

It was a small smile, but it clearly caught him off guard.

His brow twitched slightly.

Nathaniel had seen me cry before. He had watched me scream, lose control, beg for his attention, and humiliate myself trying to make him care.

But he'd never seen me look at him like this.

As though I'd finally stopped caring.

“I didn't steal the tiara,” I said quietly.

My voice carried clearly through the silent hall.

The chandelier light reflected in my eyes, making them appear bright, but there were no tears.

I took a slow breath.

“And there's something else.”

I met Nathaniel's gaze directly.

“I don't like you anymore.”

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone stared at me as though I'd said something impossible.

Adeline—the woman who had chased after Nathaniel, begged for his affection, and cried endlessly because he refused to love her—had just told him she didn't want him anymore.

They couldn't believe it.

But I could.

Because it was true.

I didn't like him anymore.