Yes, why was I still standing there? My mind spun as I blinked, suddenly remembering why I had come—to propose to Carl. I had spent months preparing for this moment. Half a year ago, I asked a mutual friend to help me choose the perfect ring style. I had a dress custom-made, spent hours taking etiquette lessons to walk gracefully in heels, and practiced every word I would say.
I had poured all my energy into looking my best today, believing I would surprise him with the proposal. When I saw the beautifully wrapped gift box on his dressing table earlier, I took it as a sign that we were meant to be. But now, it was clear—the "Dear Dear" on the card wasn’t written for me.
After years of watching TV dramas about love and betrayal, I found myself in the middle of one—a real-life wealthy marriage, unfolding right in front of me. I stared at Carl’s hand resting possessively on Remi’s slim waist, a bitter knot tightening in my chest. My fists clenched at my sides, but instead of letting the anger consume me, I took a deep breath.
Without a word, I pulled out my bank card—the one I’d been using to save up for his ring—and held it out to him.
"Mr. Lewis, congratulations on finding true love and successfully proposing. This is all the money I owe you from the past years. Thank you for taking care of me. Since your heart is set elsewhere, I’d like to resign. Please approve it tomorrow."
Upon hearing my words, Carl sneered, refusing to take the card. "Mia, do you think my Lewis Group is a vegetable market? You can leave if you want; stay if you want." He then pulled out his cell phone, tapped a few times, and showed it to me in front of everyone.
"Your parents just messaged me, wanting to advance your salary for ten years—50 million—to pay off your gambling debt. Now you want me to clear that debt and join you for Escape from the Shell?" After reading that message, my heart sank.
"Emma, has that annoying girl Mia been behaving lately?" Carl's voice rang out, dripping with sarcasm. "My uncle wants to borrow her salary first. It’s not much, just 50 million! She'll pay you back, of course."
A wave of mocking glances swept in my direction. I bit my lip, forcing myself to keep my voice steady as I tried to swallow the humiliation.
"Sorry, I'll go back now and tell them to stop bothering you," I muttered, desperate to escape the scene.