I had spent three years funding Adrian’s dreams, believing we were building a future together. When he got accepted into an exclusive business program abroad, I didn’t hesitate. I used the inheritance my parents left me—every cent of it—to pay for his tuition, his apartment, even the little luxuries that made his life easier. I told myself it was an investment, that we were a team, and soon, he’d come back to me, successful and grateful. But now, standing in the lavish dining room of the Warren estate, I realized just how wrong I had been. “How can I possibly have an opinion on her after meeting her just once?” I forced a smile, gripping the stem of my wine glass. “But since Adrian has already made his decision, there’s no point dwelling on it, is there? He and his fiancée will make the perfect power couple while I step aside and watch. Isn’t that wonderful?” Beatrice, his mother, smiled warmly, as if I hadn’t just handed over three years of my life to a man who had discarded me like last season’s fashion. “Of course, dear. And you’ll still be part of our family. You’ve done so much for Adrian, after all.” My stomach twisted at the condescension in her voice. “Yes, I’m sure,” I replied, my tone laced with bitterness. “But let’s not pretend this situation is fair.” Beatrice laughed, the sound like nails on glass. “Oh, darling, don’t be so dramatic. Adrian’s new fiancée is a perfect match for him. A woman of status, a business leader in her own right. You should be happy for him.” Happy? Was I supposed to be happy that I had drained my bank account for a man who had traded me in for someone more ‘suitable’? I turned to Chloe, Adrian’s sister, who had always been kinder to me than the rest of his family. “Tell me, Chloe, is this really how things work? A woman gives everything, only to be cast aside the moment she’s no longer convenient?” Her expression wavered, guilt flashing in her eyes. But she stayed silent. I exhaled sharply. “Well, then, I suppose there’s no need for me to stick around. Beatrice, I’ll be settling the accounts tomorrow and stepping away from any further involvement.” “Oh, but you’ve done such a wonderful job running things,” Beatrice objected smoothly. “Why don’t you continue?” I smiled, a sharp, mocking curve of my lips. “Everyone is satisfied because I paid for everything. Adrian’s tuition, this house’s expenses, even the new designer clothes you all wear. But that ends now.” Beatrice stiffened. Chloe looked away. No one spoke. I stood, pushing my chair back slowly. “I hope Adrian’s new bride enjoys the life I built for him. But I refuse to play the fool any longer.” With that, I turned on my heel and walked out, leaving behind the people who had used me for far too long. Let them figure out how to survive without me. I had spent years giving everything to Adrian—my love, my time, and most of all, my inheritance. Every dollar my parents had left me went into supporting his dream, funding his studies abroad, and making sure he had the best of everything. I believed in us. I believed in him. But now, I saw just how blind I had been. “Stop right there!” Beatrice’s voice cut through the air, her face dark with anger. “You’re being unreasonable, darling. Men like Adrian are meant to have options. If you can’t accept that, people will think you’re bitter and jealous.” For years, I had played the obedient fiancée, letting the Warrens dictate my place in Adrian’s life. They assumed I would always comply, that I was too soft to fight back. But tonight, something inside me snapped. I lifted my chin, my voice calm but firm. “People can think whatever they want. I don’t live my life for their approval.” Evelyn face contorted with rage, and she let out a sharp cough. Once, I would have rushed to her side, patting her back, murmuring words of comfort. But not anymore. I remained where I stood, bathed in the soft glow of the chandelier, watching her struggle with the weight of her own words. “Look what you’ve done to Mom!” Chloe, Adrian’s younger sister, stepped forward, her youthful face twisted with indignation. “This isn’t even about you. Do you really think your family name still holds any weight? Your parents are gone, your inheritance is spent, and you have nothing left. Aren’t you afraid Adrian will leave you if you keep acting like some spoiled heiress?” I looked her up and down, taking in the pale yellow dress she was wearing—the same one I had gifted her last fall. She stood there, wrapped in my generosity, daring to question my worth. “Take off that dress before you try to lecture me,” I said, my voice like ice. Chloe’s face burned red. “I didn’t ask for it! You can have it back if it means so much to you.” “Good. And while you’re at it, return the jewelry, too. Everything I paid for—every last thing. I expect it all back.” A tense silence settled over the room. My gaze swept across their stunned faces. The only one who seemed remotely pleased was Beatrice, Adrian’s cousin. Everyone else looked as if I had shattered some carefully constructed illusion. I exhaled slowly, my decision crystal clear. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving.” Without another glance, I turned on my heel and walked out, finally reclaiming the dignity they had stolen from me.