Roses and Ruin

I could not help but laugh. It would make no sense that Lydia could fool Allen with just a snap of her fingers and announce our breakup during the live-broadcasted Golden Magnolia Awards Ceremony.

Allen ruined my big moment.

I kept silent and watched my parents.

My mother, Helen Bell, broke the silence. "That's not quite accurate. Allen and Lydia have supposedly been dating for six months now while Rosie and Allen are supposed to be engaged.

"Lydia is Allen's mistress, and he's allowing his side piece to take place!"

Jade's face darkened. She turned to Allen, feigning anger. "Apologize to Rosie, you fool!"

However, Allen raised his chin and replied, "I did nothing wrong. I will not marry Rosie because of such outdated, feudal relics from our elders! Love is love! I will leave if you two keep forcing me on this.

"Rosie, you were raised with modern education. Why are you acting so old-fashioned?"

His words enraged Jade.

Allen's father, Jack Walter, slapped him lightly on the head. "Stop talking!"

My mother chuckled dryly and said, "If that's the case, let's call off the engagement. Return our family heirloom, alright?"

My father nodded. "That's right. Young people have their own ideas. Forcing a match is never good."

They knew a forced marriage would only lead to more trouble. Neither of them wanted me to compete with Lydia for a man.

We should move on.

My mother added, "That's right. Since the engagement is called off, there will be no more interactions between our families. Any future cooperation ends here."

This was our family's line in the sand.

My parents wanted to resolve this quickly to avoid me getting caught up in an affair, but Jade thought we were the ones in the wrong.

She instantly took out the heirloom of the engagement, clearly prepared and wanting to end it right then.

My mother carefully inspected it and confirmed everything was in order before returning their family's heirloom.

Allen took it.

Jade continued, "Even though the engagement is called off, we must maintain our relationship! Rosie is such a wonderful girl. I will treat her like my own daughter."

I yanked my hand away and said, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I have my own mother who loves me. My mother always taught me that someone who truly cares for you won't act differently behind your back!"

"W-what's wrong with you?" Jade froze.

My mother laughed coldly. "That's Rosie for you. I might've slapped you if I was her."

Jade was stunned, but before she could say anything else, my father stepped in to escort them.

The furious Jade retorted, "How arrogant of you Bells, acting all high and mighty. We'll never see each other again!"

"I'm glad you're finally aware."

My mother coldly sent them off.

I wondered if the Walters thought they fully understood our family's capability just because they had worked with us twice.

Anyway, dealing with such short-sighted people was not worth our time.

The butler escorted them out, but just before leaving, Allen glared at me. "What a temper, Rosie. If you were as gentle as Lydia, I never would've—"

Smack! I slapped him hard across the face, stunning him effectively.

Jade screamed, "How dare you hit my son?!"

"He deserves it. I'm being generous by not making this a bigger issue. How long do you think it'll take before everyone knows the truth if I release the video of what you did earlier?"

Jade shut up immediately.

Allen glared at me and snarled, "Wait and see, Rosie. You're no one to dictate everything!"