Love's Fallen Petal, Drifting In the Wind of Despair

My father left me billions in inheritance.

Yet, I was on the brink of death, and the person I loved no longer wanted me.

I had once accompanied him to Milan, walking with him as the plane trees shed their leaves onto the streets. But just when I loved him the most, he let go.

Later, I left resolutely, but he went mad with grief.

Now, a new business mogul held my hand tightly, a carefree smile on his face, and said, "Sorry, Rachel doesn't go back to the past, nor does she pick up discarded things."

1

Kaden Wilson's secretary, Megan Turner, arrived.

The media buzzed about her being Kaden's new lover and painted me as a discarded woman.

"Rachel," Megan called.

"Call me Mrs. Wilson," I replied, stubbornly clinging to the last shred of my pride.

Megan paused for a moment, then her smile widened. "Mrs. Wilson, I'm here to borrow a gown. Tonight, I need to accompany Mr. Wilson to a business event and I need something a bit more formal."

Megan, with her impeccable figure and striking looks, was Kaden's efficient assistant.

She was sharp, and I always seemed to be at a disadvantage when dealing with her.

More than once, Kaden and I had argued because of her.

"Kaden sent you?" I hesitated, but the question slipped out.

"No," Megan replied smoothly. "I actually had the gown ready a week ago, but when I tried it on today, I accidentally spilled red wine on it. I was worried it might reflect poorly on Mr. Wilson, so I came to borrow one from you."

I couldn't help but laugh at how she'd convinced herself she was concerned about Kaden's reputation.

Suppressing my rising anger, I said, "Alright, follow me."

I led Megan to my walk-in closet. "Help yourself. You can try on anything you like."

"This place is huge," Megan remarked, her gaze lingering on the jewelry displayed beside the wardrobe.

"Is it?" I said, smiling with indifference. "It's just alright."

"But you're spending Mr. Wilson's money," Megan added with a hint of challenge.

I chuckled. "Is that so? You've got it wrong. The money I spend is all mine. Kaden—he's not as wealthy as I am."

I settled on the sofa. "Even if I were spending Kaden's money, so what? Maybe someone would want to spend it but can't."

Megan shot me a defiant look before turning to select a gown. Her taste was impeccable; she immediately gravitated toward the strapless champagne-colored gown I had displayed prominently.

The gown exuded elegance and sophistication with its strapless design that highlighted the collarbone, its fitted cut, and the countless tiny diamonds embedded in it. The lantern sleeves added an extra touch of grace.

It was a unique piece designed by a renowned designer, and the brand was called Stardust. Each diamond symbolized a star, representing eternal love.

Once upon a time, I, too, believed in eternal love, but now it seemed rather laughable. Rainy days never had stars, and my love was anything but eternal.

Megan circled the gown, a mysterious smile on her face.

"Rachel, can I wear this one?"

"This gown has been worn by me several times and isn't the latest style. You can choose something else. The new arrivals are in the east section; I haven't worn those."

"But I want this one. I don't mind if it's been worn before."

"And what about jewelry?" I asked, my tone growing colder.

Megan walked over to the jewelry area, and her eyes settled on my favorite diamond necklace.

"What about this one? It's pretty ordinary. I doubt you'd miss it, would you?"

Megan's eyes were full of challenge.

It was my fault for being too accommodating, making her genuinely believe I wouldn't get upset.

I used to be fierce and unyielding, and she seemed to have forgotten that.

The champagne-colored gown was custom-made for me by Kaden, and the diamond necklace was what I wore on our wedding day.

Choosing the stunning champagne gown was one thing, but including my prized necklace was an outright provocation.

I let out a derisive laugh.

"Megan, you seem to have a real thing for other people's stuff. Since you want it so badly, just take it," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, "Some people are just born trashy, always thinking someone else's is better and desperately trying to snatch it away. If you want to pick up what others have discarded, who am I to stop you?"

I was so angry that I couldn't remember how to temper my words, just wanting to tear into Megan.

I looked up and saw Kaden standing in the doorway.

He walked towards me, his gaze unreadable. "Rachel, you keep saying how much you value the things I gave you, but you're just handing them out to people you barely know. Is that so?"

Megan's face shifted through a range of emotions, and I found it amusing.

I'd thought Kaden might be upset about me picking on Megan, but instead, he was clearly jealous.

Megan, who prided herself on winning Kaden's heart, was clearly thrown off by his words. This was too entertaining.

I met Kaden's gaze with a smirk. "So what should I be doing? Kaden, you say you value me, yet you've been inviting people into your home."

"I didn't invite her."

"Mr. Wilson." Megan's voice was frantic.

"Get lost," Kaden snapped with an authority that brooked no argument.

Kaden seized my wrist. "Rachel, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just given away the dress and necklace I gave you? Even sent them off?"

"Then what should I do? What do you want from me?"

I turned and slapped Megan across the face, challenging Kaden with my eyes. "Is this what you want?"

Megan was stunned into silence.

"Surprised? When you come to provoke me, you should be ready for a fight. Do you take pleasure in sticking your nose where it doesn't belong?"

I hurled my wine glass at Kaden's feet. "Are you happy now? Is this the result you were aiming for?"

I stormed upstairs, and Kaden followed.

"Kaden, tell that woman to stay away from me. I'm not in the mood to deal with her. I've warned you, my temper isn't great."

"Is this a threat?"

"Call it what you like. Just keep her away from me. I find her repulsive."

Kaden let out a sarcastic laugh. "You're mistaken, Rachel. It's not that she stole me away—I chose her willingly. Sure, she doesn't compare to you in many ways, but so what?" He looked at me, his words cutting sharply.

"Why have you turned into this?" I stared at him, stunned.