Ethan promised he’d propose on our fourth anniversary. But this year is our eighth year together. He says he loves me, while aggressively pursuing a junior from his college days. To impress her, he even spent a fortune to snatch away my late mother's necklace. “Chloe hasn't seen much of the world, she just really likes this. Let her have it, I'll make it up to you later.” “Okay.” This time, I didn't cry or make a scene. Instead, I dialed a number. “Liam, what you said last time... say it again?” He was confused, but repeated, “Dump Ethan. Marry me.” “Okay. I will.” ... Liam paused, stunned. We were silent for two whole minutes. “Are you serious?” “Yes.” Liam chuckled deeply. “I’ll be waiting.” 1 “Who are you talking to?” Ethan suddenly hugged me from behind, startling me. I locked my phone and shook my head. “Unhappy? You know Chloe’s background isn’t like yours. Just let her have this one.” “Mmh.” Ethan’s phone vibrated non-stop. He looked down to reply, a gentle smile appearing on his lips. It was a message from Chloe. The photo was the most eye-catching part. My mother's necklace was around her neck, dipping perfectly into her cleavage. The photo was cropped just right, even showing a hint of her lace lingerie. “Ethan.” He sat on the bed, mesmerizingly staring at the photo. Laughing to himself. Completely ignoring my voice. “Ethan!” I raised my voice, and he snapped his head up. “What’s up?” “When do you plan to propose?” Ethan put away his phone, scratching his head to cover his awkwardness. “Aren’t we... still young?” “Youth is for having fun. Since my wifey was so generous today, the boys are throwing a party to celebrate. Want to come?” Ethan’s eyes told me everything. He was waiting for me to say no. “I...” Ethan suddenly hugged me. “I’ll pass on your regards. You don’t like the smell of alcohol, so just wait for me at home, okay?” I looked down and scoffed. Ethan thought I was agreeing happily. Goal achieved, he didn't waste another word on me. He turned and left with his phone. As he walked out, I saw him zooming in on that photo. Holding my pajamas, I subconsciously looked at myself in the mirror. Average figure. Average face. Chloe and I are indeed from two different generations. At midnight, one of Ethan's friends posted an update. A video. Music blaring, the room reeking of debauchery. Several young people cheering on the dance floor. Right when the music paused. I heard a familiar voice. “Zack, I want to propose to Chloe.” It was Ethan. Putting down my phone, I stared at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Our relationship survived the seven-year itch, but couldn't survive a single winter. 2 I was about to sleep when I got a text from Ethan's friend, Zack. Simple: Sis, can you bring some stomach meds? Ethan didn't have stomach issues. Neither did Zack. From Ethan's earlier words, it wasn't hard to guess what they were up to. I didn't know if Zack calling me was Ethan's idea. When I got there, I leaned against my car for a long time. Only when my legs went numb did I muster the courage to go in. Seems I really picked the wrong time. Ethan was on one knee. “Chloe, I really love you.” “Chloe, marry me?” “Chloe, I want you.” Love was spilling out of Ethan’s eyes. Chloe stood opposite him, covering her mouth in excitement. She was beautiful, and her shy demeanor was exactly Ethan's type. “Ethan... I do.” Unknowingly, tears were already on my face. Running down my chin. They were using my mother’s necklace for the proposal. Ethan, you really opened my eyes. The two embraced and kissed under the spotlight. A match made in heaven, how romantic. But, of the dozen people present... Drinking, smoking, playing on phones. No one clapped. Ethan noticed something was off, his face darkening. “Why aren't you cheering?” His friends all kept their heads down, acting busy. Ethan looked around, a layer of frost in his eyes. “You propose to her, what about Maya?” Ethan licked his lips, patted Zack on the shoulder, and laughed. “Zack, do you know what a heartbeat feels like?” “Maya has been with you for eight years.” “Shh...” Ethan hushed him. “Don't mention her on such a happy occasion.” “For the past eight years, I was blind, thinking that was love. Only after meeting Chloe did I know what love really is. I want to give her my everything! But Maya?” Ethan looked at his friends, trying to persuade everyone. “Maya is born with a silver spoon, she doesn't lack love. But Chloe only has me. Do you understand?” “Every time I go home and see Maya’s face, I feel so bored.” “Yes, Maya is great, but she’s not the one I want to marry.” No one responded to Ethan. Everyone smoked, heads down, silent. “Ethan... maybe, forget it, we don't need cheering...” Crash! Ethan threw a glass. “Cheer!” Usually, when Ethan got angry, everyone would back off. But this time, no one humored him. For a moment, I was dazed too. Eight years ago, none of them were optimistic about us. Seeing me, the spoiled heiress, they never gave me a good face. They even told Ethan to dump me. Eight years flew by, and everyone accepted me as their "sister-in-law." Only Ethan didn't. Clap, clap, clap. I clapped three times slowly. All eyes turned to me. Ethan’s pupils shrank, panic setting in. “You, how are you here?” Realizing something, Ethan’s face changed drastically. “Who called her?” I walked up to Ethan, and Chloe blocked him. Arms spread wide, a protective stance. Clearly scared, yet bravely shielding him. This look, any man would fall for it. “Maya sis, it’s all my fault, don’t, don’t blame him...” I reached out and unclasped the necklace from Chloe’s neck. “Ethan, didn’t anyone tell you, proposing with a dead person’s belongings brings bad luck?” 3 “Don't scare Chloe. Let's talk at home.” Saying that, Ethan started grabbing his jacket from the sofa. Like he wanted to flee. “Ethan, do I still have a home?” Ethan paused mid-grab, turning back to look at me. He pulled me towards the exit. Chloe tried to follow. But Zack stopped her. In the hallway, the lights were dim. I couldn't see Ethan's face clearly. “Chloe is young and immature. Her birthday wish this year was for someone to propose. I drank too much, I wasn't thinking.” I stayed silent, so Ethan hugged me. Usually, when I was mad, he'd coax and trick me like this. And every time, I forgave him. He breathed hotly on me. “Wifey, don't be mad.” But he didn't know. This time, I wouldn't forgive him. “Then come home with me now.” “Okay! Let's go home!” Ethan dragged me towards the exit. Chloe was right by the door; I knew she could hear. Three, two... Bang! The door opened, and Chloe collapsed in the hallway. Ethan ran back almost instantly. “Chloe!” “Ethan... I'm fine... is Maya sis angry?” Chloe grabbed a huge bottle of liquor. “I’ll apologize to Maya sis.” Then she tilted her head and chugged. 58-proof liquor, she downed half the bottle in one breath. To gain Ethan's concern, she really went all out. “Chloe!” Ethan snatched the bottle, heartbroken. “Did Maya sis forgive me?” Ethan turned and roared at me, “Say something!” The man who was cuddling me just moments ago couldn't pretend anymore seeing Chloe in trouble. “I never blamed you.” Chloe coughed, reaching out to me. “Since Maya sis isn't mad, can you give the necklace back? That was a gift from Ethan.” I immediately pressed down on my bag. “This is my mom’s legacy.” “But Ethan gave it to me.” “Seems like sis still won't forgive me.” Saying that, Chloe snatched the bottle back and started chugging again. Ethan was frantic. “Maya! Give it to her!” Ethan rushed over, trying to snatch my bag. “This is my mom’s legacy! Can’t you see she’s doing it on purpose!” Ethan wouldn't listen to anything, pulling my bag like a mad dog. “Maya, can you stop thinking so dirty of people? Chloe isn't like you.” “Maya, Chloe is just a little girl, can you stop pushing her?” Ethan was too strong. Even with all my strength, he snatched the bag. I grabbed at it, and Chloe grabbed at it too. Finally, the necklace snapped inch by inch, silver beads bouncing on the floor. I stared dumbfounded at the two silver beads in my hand. Looking up, I saw the smirk on Chloe's face. Ethan turned and yelled at me, “Maya, haven't you made enough trouble!” He pinned all the blame on me. He saw through everything, yet couldn't see through Chloe's act. Perhaps realizing he went too far. Ethan looked helplessly at the beads on the floor. He touched my head. “S-Sorry, I... I drank too much.” “Tomorrow... tomorrow I'll make it up to you, okay?” Chloe was clutching her chest and vomiting violently. Ethan picked her up and ran out. “Tomorrow at noon, I'll take you to buy a new one, okay?” He ran fast, wind rushing past my ears. I looked at the scattered silver beads and laughed, leaning against the wall. Ethan and I, aren't we just like these beads? A seemingly whole family, in the end, scattered like sand on the floor. I don't want the necklace anymore. Ethan, I don't want you anymore either. I can't guarantee I'll forget you completely. But Ethan, I guarantee you will never find me again. “Airline? I want to buy the soonest ticket to South Province.” 4 Hanging up, I went back. The earliest flight was in three days. Back home, I packed everything. Whatever I could take, I took. Whatever I couldn't, I burned. Our photo albums were all in the bedside drawer. But there was one on Ethan's desk. He hadn't been home in a long time; the desk was dusty. But this album was strangely clean. He must flip through it often when he's bored, right? I took it to burn with the rest. Only to find that inside, interspersed, were photos of him and Chloe. The first time Chloe visited, she praised our photos for being beautiful. Turns out, later they went too. I closed the album and put it back. The wall clock chimed. It was already 5 PM. Ethan broke his promise again. Ding dong. Liam sent a voice message. “I had someone mail the marriage agreement. Just sign it.” I composed myself. Turning around, I found Ethan right behind me. “Who are you chatting with so happily?” I shook my head. Ethan was sweating profusely, soaked through. “Move.” I pushed past him to leave. But a complete necklace appeared before my eyes. It was Mom’s necklace. I held it in my palms, looking up at him. “You... you found them all?” Ethan scratched his head. “Picked them up for ages.” He rubbed his eyes. “Almost went blind looking.” “So you didn't come back by noon because you were picking up my mom's necklace?” “What else?” He hugged me gently. “You don't know how tired I am. Squatting on the floor all day, my back is killing me.” “But still missing two beads. Wifey, you won't blame me for being late, right?” Holding Mom's necklace, my vision blurred. Big teardrops fell into my palm. I mumbled indistinctly, “Ethan, thank you...” “What are you saying? You're my fiancée.” I excitedly went into the room. I knew where the missing two beads were. Rummaging through my bag, I found the three beads from yesterday. I smiled excitedly, but then realized the color of the silver beads in my hand was completely different from the ones in my bag! The one in my hand had oxidation marks too, but different from Mom's... I squatted on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Ethan, how long are you going to lie to me? What do you take me for? A voice came from outside. “Delivery for Maya Jiang, please sign.” Soon, Ethan came in. Holding a document envelope. Opening it as he walked. “Why is there a document delivery? What is it?” My phone kept buzzing. [Liam: Did you receive the marriage agreement?] I snapped my head up, locking eyes with Ethan.
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