Roses Are Red, Peony Is Deadly

PEONY’S POV

My heart was pounding fast. Tonight would be such a wonderful night for me. How could it not be? After three years of being together, Michael and I were finally about to get engaged. We were one step closer to a sacred bond, and I felt like I was floating with joy.

Michael himself was a handsome businessman, desired by so many women. His jawline was sharp, his eyes like those of an eagle. Not only that, his tall frame was built with perfectly toned muscles. Despite his brilliance in business, he was warm and approachable. His network of influence was vast, and Michael was known by many.

Everyone said I was lucky to be his lover. And they weren’t wrong at all. “Yes, I really am lucky.”

While other women competed to catch Michael’s attention, I was already so close—his lover. I didn’t need to fight, because Michael had chosen me.

Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, my heart felt even more restless. Michael had picked out this dress for me. Yes, even though I didn’t quite like it—it was such a dark shade of black.

I had always dreamed of wearing a bright-colored dress. But it seemed Michael had a different taste. And I couldn’t refuse, since it was my lover’s wish. He surely wouldn’t want to embarrass me. No man would want to see his partner fall apart alone. So I was certain Michael must have seen beauty in me when I tried this dress on.

“Ah, I’m really nervous.” There was no one I could talk to. Everyone was busy in the hall, whether it was Michael’s family or mine. It was just me here in this room, waiting for the right moment to appear and greet the other guests.

I looked at the wall clock and realized it was time for me to appear. Glancing once more at my reflection in the mirror, I gave a small smile. Not bad, I was certain I looked enchanting tonight.

“All right. He must have been waiting for me.”

I hurried out of the room, walking slowly with a smile on my lips. I greeted a few people I happened to pass by and made my way closer to where my family was. This was a happy day, and I would keep smiling until the very end of the event.

There, I saw Michael—so strikingly handsome. I was utterly captivated, until I noticed one thing. Nervousness began to creep in. Michael was wearing a light blue shirt and suit that looked bright and fresh. Completely different from my black dress.

“Maybe he changed his mind,” I muttered, squeezing my fingers tightly.

Or maybe something had happened with the outfit he was supposed to wear tonight. That was possible. Everything he did was never without reason.

But being the center of attention made me uneasy. With my lips slightly parted, I tried to steady my breathing again and again. This was a delightful night—I was sure of it.

“Michael.” I called softly.

Here at the altar, my heartbeat quickened. My family ignored me, their gazes turning elsewhere. They often did that. I thought I had gotten used to it, but it still felt like my head was being pushed underwater.

I tried to inhale slowly and exhale calmly. I couldn’t act strangely and ruin the celebration. Because now, one thing mattered most—Michael. My beloved was here, and I felt safe. I looked at him and gave a small smile. Normally, he would return it with the happiest expression.

“Michael, aren’t we supposed to begin the ceremony?” I glanced at him by my side. I tried to relax, smiling, yet there was no response from him.

His expression was so flat. As cold as ice, and it made me unable to breathe.

Michael finally took a step forward. Just as I had thought, I began to feel more at ease.

“Thank you for coming to my engagement party tonight.” Michael greeted, followed by applause from the guests. Everyone turned their attention to him, waiting for him to continue his speech.

I saw the joyful faces of the guests as Michael raised his glass into the air. “Let’s celebrate, for the party has begun.”

Michael looked so handsome that I once again found myself entranced by him. He had such an effortless way of drawing attention, and everyone acknowledged it. Smiles spread wide across the room as glasses clinked together. Laughter and cheerful chatter echoed among the crowd of guests.

My heart began to pound again when Michael’s firm voice rang out once more. “And tonight, I will be engaged. Between me, Michael Adler, and my beloved, Violet Chesney!”

My eyes widened in shock. I turned to Michael, stunned that he had spoken my stepsister’s name instead of mine. There was no way he had misspoken, this was beyond anything I could have imagined. He had said, his beloved was Violet Chesney?

“What do you mean?”

My lips murmured in pain, and I could even feel the tremor in my body when Michael only glanced at me with that icy look. He gave me no answer, no attempt at explanation.

My breath caught, and it felt as if my world was spinning out of control.

He ignored me completely, acting as if I had never existed, as if I were nothing more than a decoration without feelings. That was when I noticed Violet was wearing an outfit that matched Michael’s. She was smiling, a smile that pierced my heart.

I swallowed hard in disappointment. Michael looked so unfamiliar in my eyes. “Why did you say my sister’s name? Have you gone mad?” I quickly grabbed his shoulder, but he instantly shoved me away with brutal force.

This time, Michael looked me straight in the eyes. He loomed tall, his gaze colder than ever. “You’re still asking? You should already know, because I never loved you at all!”

My body trembled, pain crashing into me all at once. I could barely speak, my mouth opening but no words escaping. Michael didn’t care. He scoffed and turned his attention elsewhere.