After Ninety-Nine Rejections

Helena's eyes were red, and her breathing was uneven. It was clear she was upset for me.

Everyone in our circle knew the truth. I had pursued Hayden for three years and gotten nothing. Then, Selena returned. Not only was I kicked out of my house, but Hayden was swept up by her too.

So, everyone was laughing at me.

I let out a small, careless laugh and patted Helena's shoulder.

"Relax. The one I'm marrying is Caleb York. Not Hayden. By then, those people laughing at me will be green with envy."

The York family had far deeper business roots than ours. They even had connections in politics. In Ashford City, very few people dared to mess with them.

Helena's face lit up with pride.

"That's right. When the time comes, you'll wipe the smug looks off all their faces!"

Her eyes then caught something through the glass display. She pointed at a pale aqua-blue gown.

"Try this one! You'll be the most beautiful woman in the room!"

I glanced at it and felt a flicker of awe. The next second, a soft, teasing voice sounded behind me.

"Hayden, that dress is so pretty!"

Helena and I exchanged a blank look and turned. Sure enough, Selena and Hayden were standing right behind us.

Selena told the sales assistant to take the dress down. Helena stepped forward angrily.

"We saw it first!"

Selena's eyes turned red-rimmed. She clung to Hayden's arm and pouted.

"Hayden, can you get my sister to give me this dress? I really want to wear it to my introduction party."

I froze. Dad had actually planned an introduction party for her.

Officially acknowledging Selena as part of the Johnson family was like a slap in the face to Mom and me.

But since Mom was about to divorce, I didn't even care.

Then, Hayden spoke in his cold, detached voice.

"Sydney, give the dress to your sister. Next time you draw your fortune stick, you can have an extra turn."

I couldn't help but snort in disbelief.

It sounded as if he'd just done me the biggest favor in the world.

"No thanks. As if anyone cares."

Hayden's normally calm, cold face flickered with surprise. It was as if he didn't expect me to refuse.

I had the sales assistant fetch another dress for me, a simple ivory silk mermaid gown.

Helena glanced at Selena and let out a scoff.

"Good choice. This one suits you way better. Cute doesn't hold a candle to sexy."

Behind us, Selena's face turned bright red.

-

Before long, the day of the engagement party arrived.

As I stepped out of the car, I realized there was another event happening on the first floor.

It was Dad's introduction party for Selena.

Not wanting any bad luck, I hurried toward the elevator. But before I could reach, a triumphant voice called out from behind.

"Sydney? What are you doing here? Have you finally decided to admit you were wrong to Dad and accept me?"

I turned slowly, looking at Selena with pure disdain.

"I told you, you're not worthy of being my sister."

Selena's face flushed immediately, looking pitiful and helpless.

"Then, are you here to stop Dad? I just want a family. Why can't you accept me?"

Hayden appeared behind her, his face calm but cold. He rested a hand on her shoulder, comforting her for a moment before shooting me a sharp, displeased look.

I pressed the elevator button, ignoring them. Selena was nearly on her knees, tears streaming down her face.

"Sydney, I'm begging you! I just want a little love from Dad. I don't want anything else!"

I felt my patience snap, and I shoved Selena lightly with my hand.

"Move! You can have the Johnson family if you want, I'm not here for your introduction party!"

Selena collapsed to the floor, sobbing quietly.

People nearby stole glances. Hayden's face hardened, his eyes dark with stormy anger.

"Sydney, that's enough! Apologize to Selena immediately and accept her into the Johnson family!"

I stepped into the elevator and looked at Hayden, a smile tugging at my lips.

"I already said, I'm not here for her introduction party. I'm here for my engagement."