When Regret Knocked, But the Door Stayed Closed

Chelsea's POV

I went through a lot of trouble to get this place. I pulled every string I could and spent a small fortune to secure it. Then I hired a renowned designer from France to perfect every detail. But after pouring all my energy into decorating this home, Philbert and I didn’t even make it two weeks of living here together before things fell apart.

As I entered the code on the keypad, the lock beeped softly, and the door clicked open. Almost immediately, I heard a woman’s delicate sobs.

“Philberti, what should I do…”

Through the decorative screen in the entryway, I could just make out a petite figure leaning against Philbert’s broad shoulders, crying. Neither of them even noticed I’d come in.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. Keeping my tone polite, I asked, “What’s going on here?”

After all, I was only here to grab some of my things. Besides, this house—if I remember correctly—was paid for by me.

Shana startled at the sound of my voice and looked up, her tear-streaked face soft and pitiful. The kind of look that could make anyone feel protective of her.

Philbert, however, raised an eyebrow at me before his expression darkened. “Why are you here?”

For a second, I wasn’t sure how to respond. Isn’t this my house? I could already imagine how angry he’d look if I pointed that out. But before I could say anything, he snapped again.

“Don’t think you can be forgiven that easily.”

Forgiven? For what?

I didn’t even have time to process his words before Shana wiped her tears and forced a calm smile.

“I’m sorry, Chelsea. I got too emotional and caused trouble for you two.” She turned to Philbert, glancing at the damp patch on his shoulder where her tears had soaked his shirt. “You should talk to Chelsea. I’ll leave now.”

Then she hesitated, her voice trembling slightly as her eyes reddened again. “I really shouldn’t have come today, especially with your wedding tomorrow, but…”

Philbert’s gaze shifted back to her, softening. “What’s the rush? There are plenty of rooms here. Just stay tonight.”

“But… won’t Chelsea mind?” Shana’s eyes darted between me and the decorations in the room.

The apartment had already been prepped for the wedding—red streamers hung on the walls, colorful balloons were scattered across the floor, and a large red “Congratulations!” was displayed prominently in the center. The festive atmosphere filled every corner.

That’s when it clicked. Philbert was doing this on purpose. Maybe because I didn’t apologize like I usually did, or maybe he wanted to push my buttons. After all, he owned plenty of properties—there was no reason to bring Shana to the one meant for our new life together.

Still, I didn’t hesitate. I smiled and said, “Sure, why not?”

It’s just one night, after all.

Philbert froze for a moment, clearly not expecting me to agree so quickly. His expression hardened, and his tone turned cold as he explained, “Shana’s aunt was in a car accident and is in the hospital. She doesn’t have anyone else to help her right now. Let’s postpone the wedding for a few days.”

He knew perfectly well that I’d carefully chosen the wedding date after consulting an expert. I’d told him once, full of hope, “The expert said if we get married on this day, our life together will go smoothly.”

At the time, he’d scoffed and called it superstition. But he’d still agreed.

Now, I just nodded calmly. “Okay.”

I couldn’t help but find it odd, though. Wasn’t he the one who told me to cancel the wedding? Now he wanted to just delay it instead? But I was smart enough not to ask.

As such, the room fell into an awkward silence, but I could see Philbert’s face had darkened further, a storm brewing in his eyes.

Soon, Shana forced an uneasy smile. “It’s fine. I’ll take care of my aunt on my own. As for the driver who hit her, we can track them down later. I don’t want to disrupt your plans.”

“Since she agreed, we’ll go with her decision,” Philbert said, his tone icy as he looked straight at me.

It was almost laughable. He was the one who brought it up, but somehow it felt like I was the one in the wrong again.

Even though I prided myself on knowing Philbert well, I couldn’t help but sigh at how unpredictable and infuriating he could be.