Ditching My Four Fiancés to Marry Their Rival

I was the only girl among the heirs of the five great families. The other four were all my fiancs.

For the longest time, I thought I would choose one of them to spend the rest of my life with.

But everything changed when Charlie appeared.

That night at the bar, I saw it clearlyEaston, who had always been as cold and distant as the moon, kneeling at Charlies feet, kissing the back of her hand with obsessive devotion.

In this life, I will only love you. Even if Debbie chooses me, I will still be with you. On her birthday, no matter whom she picks, well all refusefor your sake.

The other three men circled around her as well, echoing his words.

Charlies eyes shimmered with tears of gratitude.

If Miss Debbie ever finds out that her car accident on the day of the Design Gold Award happened because of me, Im afraid shell blame you all...

Easton gently wiped the tears from her face.

Connor, eager to prove himself, rushed to add, She already has more than enough. Its just a design award. Youre the one who truly needs it.

My hand instinctively pressed against my chest.

Design had always been my dream. If I had won that award, I could have gone abroad to study design. But because Charlie wanted it, I was forced into that accident.

She was nothing more than the daughter of a servant, yet she had managed to win over all four of them.

I couldnt understand where I had lost.

I felt as though I had fallen into an ice cellar.

At that moment, a drunken man suddenly stumbled up to Charlie. He grabbed her wrist tightly, refusing to let go. The others, afraid of hurting her, could only hover around anxiously, warning the drunk without daring to act.

That was when Eastons gaze found me.

Without hesitation, he strode forward, seized my handand shoved me toward the drunkard.

This woman is even prettier, and much wilder. If you want to play, take her instead!

With that, he pulled Charlie away while the drunkard was distracted.

The other three followed right behind him. Not a single one of them cared about my safety.

I watched their silhouettes fade into the distance.

And at that moment, I finally understoodI had long since been erased from their hearts.

So perhaps it was time for me to leave too, and find someone who truly loved me.

But what puzzled me most waswhy did they only regret it once they realized I no longer loved them?

Debbie, your twentieth birthday is coming. Its time for you to make your choice.

On the other end of the line, my fathers stern voice rang out.

Having only just escaped that drunkard at the bar, I was still trembling.

Before I could respond, he continued, I know you like Easton, but Kenji, Connor, and Hayden are all excellent choices as well. You may choose freelyafter all, my daughter deserves the very best.

His tone softened as he spoke, but my eyes instantly burned with unshed tears.

He didnt know. He had no idea what they had just done to me.

I thought of the way they looked at megentle smiles on the surface, yet hiding their disgust underneath.

My breath hitched, and I drew in a steadying breath before answering firmly, Dad, I want to choose Martin Addams.

What? Dads voice rose in shock.

Why would you choose Martin? Hes far too frivolous! I cant entrust you to a man like him!

His voice carried real concern.

Our Sinclair family doesnt need you to sacrifice yourself. Just choose the husband you love. Werent you always happiest trailing after Easton? Yes, he may be calculating, and youll need to guard yourself against him in the futurebut even then, hes far better than Martin.

I lowered my eyes and gave a bitter smile.

Dad still saw them as the boys of our childhood. He didnt know that everything had changed the moment Charlie stepped into their lives.

Once, the four of them had surrounded me, laughing and quarreling with me each day. But when Charlie arrived, she would linger silently in the corner, eyes shimmering with unshed tearslooking as if we were bullying her.

At first, Easton and the others ignored her act, and even warned me.

Dont be fooled. Women like her only look pitiful on the outside, but inside theyre full of poison.

And I believed them.

Until that stormy night.

They had taken a call, their expressions darkening before they left me one by one. On a strange impulse, I followedand what I saw shattered everything.

Easton was cradling Charlie in his arms, soaked and bedraggled, his eyes full of tenderness.

Meanwhile, Hayden and Connor stood to the side, their voices cold with disapproval.

Debbie is getting worse. She knows Charlie likes us, but she keeps flaunting herself in front of her. Shes truly vicious.

If we werent afraid shed lash out at Charlie once she learned the truth, we wouldnt have kept pretending this long.

And then Easton, with infinite gentleness, brushed away Charlies tears and murmured, Dont be afraid. Even if Debbie chooses me, Ill reject her for you. None of us will ever agree to her proposal.

At that moment, the truth struck me like lightning.

They had long since been captivated by Charlies tears. All that affection toward me had been nothing but a performanceto keep me from hurting her.

I broke down and wept, unable to bear it.

Days later, still heavy with grief, a friend dragged me to a bar.

And there, when danger struck, Easton shoved me into the arms of a drunken strangerjust to keep Charlie safe.

It was then, and only then, that I truly believed... I no longer had a place in their hearts.

Snapping back from my memories, I gripped the phone tightly and declared with resolve, Ive made up my mind. On my birthday in seven days, I will go abroad and marry Martin.

Thinking of how Martin might react, I added, You and Mom should go overseas first and arrange the ceremony. As for breaking off the engagements with the other four families, Ill handle that myself.

My decision was final.

There was a long silence on the other end of the line before Dad finally agreed.

Exhaling, I turned my thoughts toward the preparations for the banquet seven days away.

But just then, a sudden noise sounded at the door. My instincts screamed, and I ducked into hiding.

Easton, are you sure its alright not to save Miss Debbie?

Charlies timid voice broke the silence.

Hiding behind the curtains, I clearly saw the fleeting flash of triumph in her eyes.

Easton let out a cold laugh, his tone indifferent.

Shes treated you terribly so many times. This is nothing more than a small punishment. Besides, her skin is thick enoughgetting roughed up a little wont kill her.

Connor smirked and added disdainfully, She has offended too many people. If something really happens to her, its her own karma. Charlie, youre too kind. For someone as vicious as her, even death would be well deserved.

My pupils contracted sharply.

Not only was I no longer in their heartsthey even hated me. They wanted me gone.

Pain twisted in my chest, and I bent over as if struck.

Charlies lips curved into a hidden smile, though her voice remained pitifully soft.

No matter what, the young lady is still your fiance. In seven days, shell officially marry one of you. For my sake, you pushed her toward that drunkard... Im so touched, but Im just the daughter of a servant...

Her words faltered delicately, her lashes trembling.

Im just afraid... once she returns from the bar, shell retaliate against me. If it were only me, I wouldnt mind. But what if she targets you instead, just because of me?

Her eyes glistened with tears, full of fear and concern as she looked up at them.

The men melted instantly. They pulled her into their arms, their voices dripping with comfort.

We wont let Debbie hurt you again, dont worry.

Everything she suffers is of her own makingit has nothing to do with you.

Connor thumped his chest with conviction, his gaze was tender.

The Sinclair family may be one of the five great clans, but they cant withstand the combined might of the remaining four. If Debbie dares to lay a hand on you... His tone darkened.

...then well destroy the Sinclair family first.

Seeing the approving looks on their faces, my eyes widened in disbelief, unable to believe what I was hearing.

So it wasnt just methey even wanted to destroy the Sinclair family!

Easton stroked Charlies cheek with tenderness.

I know what youre worried about. But dont be afraid. No matter whom Debbie chooses among us, the one we love will always be you. Ill make all the arrangements. And if she doesnt know her placethen she has only herself to blame.

A ruthless glint flashed across his face.

My heart lurched, and in my panic I tugged too hardthe curtain swayed.

Their heads snapped toward me.

Whos there!

All their eyes landed on me.

No longer able to hide, I stepped out slowly, my face was blank.

Their expressions shifted instantly. Old habits made them move toward me, as if they wanted to explainbut Charlie was faster.

Her gaze flickered with malice before she plastered on a mask of fear. She rushed toward me, voice quivering.

Miss Debbie?! Why are you back so soon?

Her eyes welled with tears.

Miss, youre not hurt, are you? Please dont misunderstandwhen Easton pulled you toward that drunkard, it was only because the situation was urgent. It should have been me who took the blow for you.

Her voice broke as she sobbed.

Dont blame them... Its all my fault. Let me apologize.

Without waiting for my response, she lunged forward.

The window behind me wasnt closed. Her sudden shove sent me reeling backward, my balance slipping.

Ah! Charlie screamed shrilly.

Instinctively, my eyes darted to Easton.

Once, before everything fell apart, he would have crossed the world to protect me before I even stumbled.

Now, without hesitationhe caught Charlie instead.

The others didnt even glance at me. They crowded around her, voices filled with tenderness.

Charlie, are you hurt? Youre too foolishwhy would you beg on her behalf?

Thats right. Even if you had said nothing, she wouldnt dare touch us.

Not one of them noticed me clinging desperately to the window frame, fighting for my life.

Only when Charlie had basked in enough of their affection did she finally gesture toward me timidly, tears sparkling in her eyes.

Easton, Connor... maybe you should save Miss Debbie. Otherwise, Im afraid shell hold a grudge. If she ever went after my mother, what would I do?

Her crystalline tears slid down her cheeks.

The mens hearts ached at the sight.

Their gazes hardened, turning on me with fury.

Debbie, Easton barked first, you know the situation was urgent! It was only a stopgap. Why are you lashing out at Charlie?

Connor and Hayden followed, frowning deeply.

Debbie, we know youre not like this, but today youve gone too far. Apologize to Charlieor dont expect us to pull you up.

I gave a hollow laugh. Did they think I still hoped for their rescue?

I clung on with bloodied fingers, inching upward with all my strength.

But just as I was about to climb back in, Eastons hand clamped down on my wrist.

In disbelief, I met his eyes as he slowly, ruthlessly pried my fingers off the window ledge one by one.

Easton! Are you insane?!

I screamed, nails tearing against the wood, my hands raw and bleeding as I refused to let go.

But the man who once couldnt bear to see even a scratch on me acted as though he saw nothing, coldly peeling my grip away.

His voice was calm, but his words were sharp like knives.

Debbie, we spoiled you too much. Thats why youve become this vicious. Its only the second floorat worst youll break a few bones. If you wont apologize, then take this as a lesson.

Connor and the others came over.

Hayden hesitated, glancing at me with faint concern. Maybe we should pull her up... Debbie is afraid of pain. If she falls, shell cry for days.

Without batting an eyelid, Easton spat coldly, She needs the pain to remember.

Connor even stopped Charlie when she tried to intervene, gently comforting her as though she were the one about to fall.

At that moment, I knewwhether I apologized or not, they were going to let me fall.

I looked at them one last time, erasing every shred of feeling I had left.

Then I let go.

Perhaps even he hadnt expected me to do such a thing.

When I slipped and fell, Eastons expression froze into shock.

Debbie!

He couldnt help but cry out my name.

In the final second before I lost consciousness, I saw all four of them rushing toward me in panic.

When I woke up again, I was already lying in a hospital bed.

Three of themConnor, Kenji, and Haydenstood guard at my side. The moment my eyes opened, their faces lit up with relief.

Debbie!

Connor reached toward me instinctively.

I flinched away.

His hand froze midair, his eyes clouded with confusion.

Debbie, whats wrong? I just wanted to check your injuries.

As if realizing something, he rushed to explain, Today... we lost our heads, thats all.

Hayden quickly chimed in, Yes, none of us thought youd actually let go.

Kenji offered me a bowl of porridge.

Frowning, I took it, and noticed at onceit had long since gone cold.

Easton was nowhere to be seen. I didnt need to ask. Of course, he was with Charlie.

Deep, I would have thrown a tantrum over that.

But now, I no longer care.

Lowering my gaze, I quietly drank the cold porridge.

Debbie, I know you havent forgiven us yet, Connor said anxiously. Maybe right now you dont even want to see usbut well apologize.

Kenji quickly added, Yes! Well find a proper gift as an apology. You should just rest.

Hayden lingered at my bedside, lips parting as if to say something, but held back.

I only nodded lightly, signaling they could leave.

Connor and Kenji left with smiles of relief.

Hayden called my name softly, but when I didnt answer, he hesitated, then turned and walked out, glancing back again and again until the door closed.

Minutes later, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Charlie.

I didnt know when she had added my contact, but from the moment she began sending me photos, I understood: the four of them were already drifting toward her.

In the photos, Connor, Kenji, and Hayden surrounded Charlie. Their expressions were gentle and doting.

Connor offered her a towel with care.

Kenji animatedly told her a story, making her laugh.

Hayden, unable to join in, simply gazed at her with infatuated eyes.

And Eastonhe never left her side, guarding her like a knight sworn to his lady.

All of it... all of it had once been mine.

I turned off my phone and began practicing how to get out of bed.

Every throb from my fractured leg reminded me: That life was over.

Those promises to protect me, never let me be hurtwere already broken, and nothing but dust.

Now, Easton and the others wouldn't hesitate to strike against me.

Two more days had passed. Easton never once came to my room.

Slowly, my heart began to calm down.

I booked a ticket to France, five days later, and started reviewing Sinclair Corporations overseas projects.

It was then that the four of them suddenly appeared in my hospital room.

I quickly locked my phone, but not before Eastons sharp eyes caught a glimpse of the screen.

He frowned. You haven't even recovered yet, and youre already planning to run around? Don't you care about your health?

At once, the other three rushed to defend me.

Debbie knows her limits, Connor coaxed. If she wants to go out, then let her. Well take care of her.

Exactly, Kenji nodded, looking at me with the same doting gaze I once knew so well.

Hayden even reached out, trying to take my hand.

They acted as though nothing had ever happened.

For a brief moment, watching their familiar expressions, I almost felt like I had fallen back into the past.

For over ten years, that had been our rhythm: Id make some unreasonable demand or wild plan, Easton would scold me, the others would side with me, and in the end, Easton would give in, helpless but indulgent.

And I would laugh in triumph.

I once thought those days would last forever.

But then I thought of Charlie.

And the calmness returned to my eyes.

Easton noticed the change. His frown deepened, unease gnawing at him, as though something precious was slipping away.

Instinctively, he reached toward meand just then his phone rang.

Without needing to ask, I knew it was Charlie.

He froze for just a heartbeat, then left without hesitation.

The other three rushed to cover for him, presenting me with carefully chosen gifts of apology.

I said nothing, and simply accepted them with a calm face.

The next day, I signed my own discharge papers.

The Sinclair familys auction was to be held that evening. As the host, I couldn't run away.

Thankfully, when I had fallen, Id angled my body well enough to avoid life-threatening injuries.

That night, I dressed to killa crimson custom gown that clung to every curve, making me striking and untouchable.

From afar, I saw Easton carefully escorting Charlie toward our seats.

Years ago, I built the Sinclair Auction House with my own hands. Back then, Easton and the others stood firmly by my side. At every auction, they were always there.

Because of that, I had set aside a special private areaour place. Filled with our favorite things, it was where we retreated whenever we needed to breathe.

I knew Easton had changed, but watching him so casually take Charlie into a space that had once belonged only to mepain still lanced through my chest.

He noticed me stiffening, but showed no sign of caring.

The others gathered around, smiling obsequiously.

Charlie wanted to take a look. We knew Debbie was the most generous, so we let her sit there.

Their ingratiating smiles, Haydens hand reaching toward meI subtly avoided him and simply nodded.

I didnt want the four of them anymore.

Why would I care about that seat?

With that thought, I turned and walked away.

The three of them froze, stunned by my reaction, then exchanged uneasy glances before trailing after me.

The auction began, everything proceeding in perfect order. I secretly nodded in satisfaction.

This would be the last auction I hosted in America, and I wanted it to close with flawless perfection.

But in the very next moment, Charlies shrill, excited voice rang out.

From the very first item, she raised her paddle again and againwinning bid after bid.

By the time she had nearly swept through the entire floor, displeasure was written across many guests faces.

My heart sank.

Most of the attendees were long-term business partners of the Sinclair family. At our auctions, the competition was meant to be friendly and balanced. Yet today, Charlie was recklessly outbidding everyone, leaving no chance for others.

She wasnt buying for the collections, she was flaunting herself.

And when she finally noticed no one dared to compete with her anymore, she cast me a smug, provocative glance.

I furrowed my brows tightly. From the next item onward, I raised my paddle as well, clashing with her at every turn.

An artifact worth barely one million skyrocketed to five million, even ten million, under our rivalry.

Through it all, Easton watched her with indulgent affection, occasionally feeding her fruit as if she were some precious treasure.

Charlie was only the daughter of a servantwhere would she get the money to bid like this?

The answer was obvious.

My expression hardened. I was about to outbid her, but before I could, the othersConnor, Kenji, and Haydencaught on to my intention. They hurriedly pressed down my hand, even covering my mouth to stop me from speaking.

And so, Charlie secured the winning bid once more, before smugly curling into Eastons embrace.

He stroked her hair gently, never sparing me a single glance.

Around us, murmurs spread like wildfire.

Isnt Easton supposed to be one of Miss Sinclairs fiancs? He always treated her so wellwhys he here with another woman? Who is she?

Unbelievable! Miss Sinclair cant even control her own men. Just now, I even saw the other three holding her backcovering her mouthso she wouldnt compete with that girl. They looked like they were protecting the mistress, not the fiance.

My fists clenched as I tore myself free from their restraint and stormed out.

The three trailed after me in a flurry of apologies, claiming they hadnt meant it, and said Charlie was pitiful and inexperienced, that they only tried to spare her embarrassment.

But before I reached the exit, Charlie herself blocked my pathsmiling sweetly, but with triumph glittering in her eyes.

When she saw the three men behind me, her expression instantly shifted into fragile innocence. My nails dug deeper into my palm.

Miss Sinclair, I didnt mean to, she said meekly. Easton just told me to bid on the things I liked. I dont know much, I liked everything, thats why it turned out this way... But I brought you a gift. Will you forgive me?

She stepped closer, holding out a necklace.

One glance, and I recognized it. A complimentary gift prepared by the Sinclair family for all our guests tonight.

Though finely crafted, it was unmistakably a free giveaway.

She had just won countless luxury items at the auction, and many exquisite pieces of jewelry were among them. She could have chosen any of those.

But noCharlie chose a trinket, deliberately meant to insult me.

Realizing her intent, I slapped her hand away without hesitation.

Her eyes instantly filled with tears.

Debbie! Eastons furious roar echoed through the hall.

What on earth do you think youre doing? Charlie offered you a gift out of kindness, and this is how you treat her?

Clutching the necklace, Charlie wept as if her heart were breaking.

Its not Miss Sinclairs fault. I shouldnt have competed with her earlier. Ill apologize...

Then she dropped to her knees before I could react.

Ill kowtow to you right now, Miss Sinclair. Just forgive me. Please... dont punish my mother because of me.

She slammed her forehead to the ground. Blood immediately streamed down her pale face.

Charlie!

Easton rushed to cradle her, his voice trembling with distress. Then he turned to me, his eyes cold and cut like a blade.

Debbie, clearly the last lesson wasnt enough. This necklace is Charlies heartfelt gift. Whether you want it or not, you will wear it!

He gestured sharply.

At once, his bodyguards swarmed forward, forcing me to the ground. No matter how I struggled, they clamped the necklace around my throat.

Its sharp edges sliced into my skin, blood running down my neck. Easton didnt spare me a glance.

Just now, Charlie kowtowed for you. Youll repay her tenfold! His voice was merciless.

Horrified, I stared up at him in disbelief.

Eastondon't you dare!

He only sneered. With a flick of his hand, the guards forced me down again.

I thrashed desperately, only to receive a stinging slap across my face. My cheek burned and swelled, my vision swimming, but my glare never faltered.

I wanted to burn him alive with hatred in my eyes.

For a moment, Easton froze. Something flickered in his gazepain? Guilt? He reached toward me, as if to take it back.

But then Charlie sobbed softly in his arms, and his eyes turned cold once more.

Do it.

The guards pressed me hard against the ground, slamming my forehead down again and againten times in total.

By the time they released me, blood streamed down my face, my body too weak to move.

Easton carried Charlie tenderly in his arms, ignoring me as if I were nothing.

Only after they had left did Connor, Kenji, and Hayden rush over.

But I knew the truth.

They had been watching the entire time. Watching as I was humiliated, beaten, and broken.

Connor gently lifted me, eyes full of distress. He reached for my wound, but I jerked away coldly.

How could Easton treat you like this? Hes gone too far, he muttered.

Kenji's eyes reddened at the sight of my injuries.

Hayden even tried to scoop me into his arms. Let us take you to the hospital, please.

I raised my head, catching the anxiety in their eyesand the way they kept glancing toward the direction Charlie had left.

In that instant, I understood.

They didnt truly care about me. They only wanted the excuse to follow her openly.

A bitter laugh slipped from my lips. I shook them off.

Their expression froze, then softened again with the same tender affection as always.

For a moment, I couldnt telldid they truly love me, or had it always been a lie?

Clutching my aching body, I walked toward the parking lot without looking back.

Connor frowned, reaching for me.

Debbie! Youre being too recklesshow can you ignore your own health like this?

The others tried to speak, but I cut them off, my face expressionless.

Do whatever you want. My life has nothing to do with you.

This time, they hadnt expected me to get mad at them.

They exchanged uneasy glances, then chased after me with apologies.

But I ignored them, got into my car, and drove away.

In the rearview mirror, I clearly saw their silhouettes turning backheading in the direction Charlie had gone.

Just as I thought. It was her they wanted to see.

I exhaled, extinguishing the last fragile remnants of hope in my heart.

At home, I tended to my wounds alone before collapsing into bed.

That night, I dreamed of the pastEaston and the others, smiling happily.

But just when I thought the dream was sweetthey abandoned me without hesitation, no matter how desperately I called after them.

When I woke up, the searing pain in my chest had dulled.

Recalling everything with them, I realizedI felt nothing anymore.

Maybe... I had finally let go.

On my phone, countless messages from Connor and the others lit the screen. I swiped past without interest.

Charlie had sent photos againvideos, and even recordings.

Easton and the others surrounding her, caring for her, spoiling her.

She thought this would torment me.

But nowI felt nothing at all.

I was just about to block her whena deafening crash suddenly came from the door.

Easton burst into my room, his eyes bloodshot, with Connor and the other two right behind him. Their faces were grim, but Eastons was the darkest of all as he grabbed my arm with a violent jerk.

What are you doing? Let go of me!

I struggled with all my strength, but they forced me out, dragging me into a waiting car.

Before I knew it, they hauled me onto a helicopter. When we landed and I finally saw where we wereI froze.

We were standing on a platform a thousand meters above the ground. Below us stretched a dizzying abyss.

My legs instantly weakened, trembling uncontrollably. My face was drained of all colors.

They knew. They knew I was terrified of heightsand yet they brought me here.

You lunatics! I shouted hoarsely, clinging to what little breath I had left. What the hell are you trying to do?

Eastons eyes were blazing red as he stared me down.

Where did you take Charlie?!

His hands shot to my throat, squeezing tight, as though he wanted to snap my neck.

Yesterdayit was clearly me! Yet you dared to blame her for it? he snarled.

My pupils shrank, vision darkening as my breath caught in my chest. I gasped desperately, forcing broken words past his grip.

I... didn't...

He inhaled sharply, his gaze like ice.

I know you like me, he spat. But Ive told you beforeI dont like you. None of us do. Not me, not Connor, not any of them.

He loosened his grip just enough for me to draw air again.

If it werent for Charlie, we wouldnt have bothered pretending with you. If you dont tell us where she is, dont blame us for what happens next.

Gasping, I screamed back at him with all the strength I had left.

I dont like any of you! I was never going to choose you! What does Charlies kidnapping have to do with me? I told youI didnt do it!

His expression darkened instantly. I could see ithis rage, though I couldnt tell what fueled it more: my rejection, or my denial.

The others exchanged uneasy looks, but then closed in around me.

Connor spoke softly, almost coaxing, Debbie, I know youre upset about what happened last night. Just be good. Tell us where Charlie is, and well treat you just like before.

As he spoke, his hand tugged at the safety harness strapped to me.

My body lurched, swaying over the endless drop below.

A strangled gasp escaped my lips as my body stiffened in terror. My face was pale as death.

For a brief second, I saw something flicker in their eyeshesitation, pity, maybe even regret. But none of them loosened their grip.

Easton drew in a breath, his voice sharp and merciless.

Debbie, Ill count. If you dont give us an answer by the count of three, well strip you bare. If you still dont speak by ten His eyes narrowed to slits. Well throw you down.

I froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Youre insane! I told you, I didnt do it! If I die, the Sinclair family will never let you go!

He laughed coldly.

Even if they try, we are the heirs of the other four great families. Do you really think the Sinclair family can touch us?

Tears of fury stung my eyes as I glared at them, one by one.

And then his countdown began.

Ten.

I told youI dont know! I screamed, but my cries fell on deaf ears.

Nine.

I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood, shaking violently.

Eight.

At his signal, Connor caught my wrist. His voice was tender, gentle, but his actions were ruthless.

Debbie, dont fight it. Think of this as a lesson.

In one swift motion, he tugged at my clothes.

I was only wearing a thin nightdress when they dragged me from my room. If they stripped it awaynothing but my undergarments would remain.

No! I shrieked, twisting frantically. But my terror of height sapped all my strength.

Against them, I was powerless.

Connors hands moved with chilling ease, unfastening buttons one by one, even as he looked at me with feigned affection.

I clutched my chest desperately, screaming until my throat burned.

But Eastons countdown continued.

Every number. Every snap of fabric undone.

Until the final count fell.

And with merciless indifference, Easton shoved me off the platform.

The abyss swallowed me whole.

The terror was so absolute, so consuming, that I didnt even have time to scream. My mind went blankand fainted directly.

...

When I awoke again, before my eyes even opened, I heard Kenjis voice nearby.

Connor, you really are cruel. If Hayden and I hadnt tied a safety line to Debbies back shed be dead for real.

Connor chuckled softly.

She struck first at Charlie. And even if she died, with the four of us together, we could escape responsibility easily enough.

Kenji sighed. If she had died then, maybe wed finally be free. Pretending all these years... I dont know how much longer I can keep it up.

Fortunately, Charlie is unharmed, Hayden's cultured voice added softly. Now, I wonder which of us Debbie will choose as her fianc after this.

Silence followed.

Only after they left did I open my eyes.

There wasnt a mark on my body. But my heart was already torn to shreds.

Thank heavenI was leaving today.

Dragging my exhausted body upright, I left without hesitation.

From a distance, Connor and the others turned, as if sensing something. All they saw was my retreating figure.

Strange that looked a lot like Debbie, Hayden murmured.

Connor sneered.

Even if she woke up, shed be bedridden for days. Dont forgetshes afraid of heights.

...

When I returned home, I packed swiftly.

The engagement tokens they had once given me, I tossed carelessly into four boxes for the butler to deliver tomorrow. I no longer cared.

Grabbing my documents, I boarded the plane without looking back.

Easton, Connor, Kenji, Hayden.

From this moment forward, I was done with all of them.

The next day, at my birthday banquet, the four of them arrived.

Though clearly reluctant, they had no choiceforced by their families to attend, dressed to perfection.

They stood together, impassive, enduring the envious stares of the crowd.

Minutes stretched into hours, but I never appeared.

Hayden was the first to notice. His brows furrowed as he kept glancing between the entrance and backstage.

Debbie still isnt here.

Easton sneered. She has clung to us for so many years. Even if she were dead, shed show up today to choose one of us. The only question iswhich one of us will be unlucky?

The four exchanged loaded looks.

But then, whispers rippled through the hall.

The Sinclair familys butler stepped forwardholding four boxes.

The moment Easton and the others saw them, an inexplicable dread stirred in their chests.

Tradition dictated that once I chose my fianc, the other three would have their engagement tokens returned.

They knew this, and they expected it.

But nowthere were four boxes.

As the butler approached, their eyes widened in shock!

Expressionless, he announced, Master Lovato, Young Master Wright, Young Master Ramirez, Young Master LopezMiss Debbie has returned all your engagement tokens. Please verify it.

His words detonated like a bomb.

The hall fell into absolute silence.