“If you don't want my money, then what do you want?” Ella asked as she proceeded to sit at the edge of the bed. “I really don't want your money, but I could receive something else instead.” Ray moved from his spot as he went towards Ella, pinning her down on the bed. She was too slow to react, as Ray was now on top of her. It was so sudden and unexpected that she hadn't attempt to struggle at all. While in this position though, she could feel her heart beating at a very fast rate. For a minute, the two exchanged glances, until suddenly, Ray stood from his position and then clicked his tongue. “Nah, I'll be cheating on my fiancé if I was to do this. Yesterday’s incident wasn't intentional. So I'll let it slide.” Ella was flustered by this domineering act. She let out a few disgruntled sounds before sitting up to recompose herself. “What was that for? Are you planning to blackmail me after this? Remember I offered you money, but you refused!” She said, challenging Ray.

“Grace Munroe, I’ll ask you once. Do you love and wish to marry me. It doesn’t matter whatever you want, I will provide you with everything.” Ray asked, hoping what Bruce said to him was a joke. Removing the veil that was over her face, Grace sneered disgustingly at Ray. “What are you doing here?” She asked. “Answer my question Grace! Do you love and wish to marry me?” Ray said again, his blood boiling slowly. From hind sight he could see that Grace was no longer fond of him. But he needed to ask this just in case. “No!” She exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone, including the groom’s family. “Why on earth will I marry someone as useless as you? You look so shabby and disgusting that I want to puke.” “Love? Far from it. I’ve never loved you! And did you just say you will provide me with anything? Are you rich enough to buy me a Rolls Royce car?” She replied bluntly, not caring that she was hurting his feelings. At that moment, a young man had walked towards the tw

About forty people had gathered before Ella to greet her, among which are Simon and Grace, the groom and bride. But among them, Ella couldn’t find the person she was here for. She tried looking around the hall for him, but because of those that surrounded her, she was finding it hard to spot that specific person. And the person was none other than Ray. Out of desperation, she decided to ask Bruce about him. “Where’s your new son-in-law?” “See, I told you she’s here for the Grayson’s family.” “Well, the Grayson’s family are quite influential, so it’s reasonable for her to be here to honour their wedding.” The guests kept on discussing amongst each other. And Simon who had heard that Ella was seeking for his presence, had started making his way to the front. “Hi, Miss Queen. I’m Simon Grayson.” Simon said, attempting to shake hands with Ella. Taking a look at who the groom was, Ella was expecting to see Ray but instead she had seen someone else. “Is he the groom?” She asked, and

While Ray went off to take his call, Ella as well was having a call with someone, though it doesn’t seem like a pleasant one. The call had ended pretty quickly and Ella couldn’t help but sigh wearingly. “Well, news nowadays travels faster, thanks to the internet. Now how do I tell everyone that I was rejected.” Right after saying this, she could see Ray approaching her. “Alright, let’s go.” Ray said as he opened the door of the car. “Where.. are we going?” Ella was dumbfounded. “I thought we’re meant to see your parents. You know,… after the big announcement you made.” He replied. “Wait, you’re not rejecting me?!” Ella exclaimed. “Why will I reject you? You know, you seem kind of odd around me lately, I thought you were going to threaten me to marry you. But your actions to me so far,… it doesn’t seem like the lady from this morning who kept on calling me a scum.” “Ahah, that morning, I was a little bit frightened and shocked. So I must have lashed out at you harshly.

As the door closed behind Helen and her family, Ella felt a wave of emotion wash over her, like a tsunami crashing onto the shore, sweeping away her defenses and leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. The weight of her family's manipulation and control had been crushing her for so long, a constant, oppressive force that had been slowly suffocating her, draining the life from her very soul. And now, alone in the living room, she felt her defenses crumbling, like a fortress breached by a relentless enemy. The walls she had built around herself, the protective barriers that had kept her emotions at bay, were finally beginning to crack, allowing the pent-up emotions to flood out.She sank down onto the couch, her body shaking with sobs, great, racking gasps that seemed to tear through her very being. She had always been an emotional girl, quick to tears whenever she was hurt or upset, and today's conversation with her family had left her feeling raw and vulnerable, like an open wound