Easton and the others looked up, surprise flickering into joy across their faces.
They knew it–Debbie must just be throwing a tantrum!
She had been spoiled by them for over ten years; there was no way she could truly live without them. Even if they had gone a bit too far yesterday, that was only because of special
circumstances.
With this thought, their confidence grew. They stayed put, waiting for Debbie to come over apologize, and reconcile like she always did.
“Debbie, so you finally decided to show up!” Easton’s voice was cold and commanding. “You’ve caused enough trouble already. If you don’t apologize to the four of us, then no matter what you say next–we won’t listen.”
He was certain she would throw herself into their arms in the next second.
But as the figure at the doorway drew closer, not a word came.
Their anger began to waver. And when the familiar face finally came into view, their expressions shifted–this time to shock.
‘Deb–Charlie? Why are you here?”
ndeed, it wasn’t Debbie at the door, but Charlie. Her face was streaked with tears, seemingly delicate and pitiful. The closer she came, the heavier her tears fell, until she finally collapsed
before them.
Easton, Connor, Kenji, Hayden…” Her voice trembled with despair. “I can’t bear this anymore. now–I’m just the daughter of the Sinclair family’s maid. If not for that one accidental encounter, one of you would even know I exist.”
I never should have hoped for more. I tried, truly tried to control my heart. But the more time I spent with you, the less I could stop myself.”
Her sobs grew uncontrollable, her frail body trembling as though she might faint. Yet her words poured out without pause.
I’ve wronged the young lady. As the maid’s daughter, I should have repaid her kindness, not betrayed her. But I let things go too far. Because of me, you clashed with her. Because of me, you hurt her. Because of me… you all bear the guilt.”
‘But everything the young lady did to me–I deserved it. Even if she forced me to kneel, even if she pushed me down the stairs, even if she had me kidnapped–I had no right to resist. And you… you shouldn’t have stood against her for my sake.”
‘I ache for all of you. I know that to protect me, you’ve had to suppress your hearts and stay bound to her. But love should never be forced. Once you’re with her, we can never go back to laughing and speaking freely like before.”
“Just thinking that I’ve stolen your freedom… it suffocates me.” Her sobs tore through the air. “So today, I came to say goodbye. My existence isn’t worth your sacrifice. If keeping me alive means all of you must suffer, then I’d rather not live at all!”
Her voice broke as she gave one final glance at them.
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‘Easton, Connor, Kenji, Hayden… meeting you was the happiest moment of my life. But this is
he end.”
With that, she wrenched herself free from Easton’s grasp and bolted out the doors.
By the time her figure vanished, the four men were stunned into silence. A beat later, Easton‘: ace darkened–then he sprinted after her.
Connor and Kenji followed in quick succession.
Halfway to the door, Hayden hesitated. His instinct made him glance back, hoping for a glimpse of Debbie. But the image of Charlie’s tear–streaked, desperate face burned in his mind, and in the end–he chose her too.
Though his heart had never truly belonged to Charlie, when life and death hung in balance, there vas no choice.
And so he ran out as well.
The grand banquet hall fell into silence. The remaining guests exchanged bewildered looks.
The birthday celebration had begun without its host. And now–even the four central figures ha
bandoned the stage.
What are we even staying here for?” someone murmured.
Another voice chimed in, almost relieved. “Good thing Miss Sinclair was clever enough not to appear. If she had seen this with her own eyes… imagine the heartbreak.”
Exactly. At first I thought it was a bit harsh of her to turn them all down, but now, I’d say she wa nore than justified.”
It’s Easton and the others who’ve lost all sense of propriety.”
Murmurs of disdain spread among the crowd, disapproval etched into every gaze.
Meanwhile, the Sinclair family’s butler had quietly captured everything on video–the four men‘: departure, Charlie’s dramatic breakdown, and the guests‘ commentary. With a few taps, he sen
t all to Debbie overseas.
Once he was sure the four would not return, he stepped forward, smiling calmly as he begar dispersing the crowd.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, today’s disruption was entirely unforeseen. On behalf of the Sinclair family, I apologize for disturbing you.”
“But please rest assured–our young lady’s wedding will be held three months from now Invitations will be delivered in due time, and we look forward to welcoming you all then.”
The guests nodded, some still whispering as they filed out.
Word of tonight’s events would surely spread far and wide–exactly as the young lady intended.
Chapter 7
