In the past, I would not have been bothered if Susan appeared unexpectedly in my husband's automobile. However, given what had transpired, I couldn't help but care.

Moreover, Susan was sitting in my seat—the seat Richard had once said was reserved only for his wife.

"We're all on our way to Grandpa's birthday party. My car had a minor problem, so Richard offered me a lift," Susan said with an innocent smile. "Sophia, you and Richard seem to have such a strong relationship, and you're so understanding. I'm sure you don't mind, do you?"

I opened my mouth, wanting to say that I did mind, but in the end, I said nothing.

If I admitted it, I'd look petty and jealous. After all, she was just Richard's sister, wasn't she?

"Jack, go get the car," Richard instructed, handing the car's keys to his driver, Jack, before leading me to the back seat.

Jack drove us towards the family estate. Richard held my hand as we sat together, but neither of us spoke.

Susan looked back at us, her expression darkening when she saw us holding hands.

She quickly looked away and broke the silence. "Sophia, why aren't you wearing that bracelet?"

"I'm tired of it," I replied calmly. "People always get bored of old things. It's just a bracelet."

"Richard spent two million dollars on that bracelet," she said abruptly.

I let out a quiet laugh. Was she trying to remind me that Richard had spent a fortune on such an extravagant gift for her?

For a brief moment, I considered asking her if she had sent me the photo and note anonymously that day.

"Two million is nothing to Richard," I replied dismissively.

"A small amount," Richard echoed at the right moment. "Next time, I'll get you something even more expensive, Sophia."

"It seems the rumors are true—Richard spoils his wife to the extreme." Susan forced a laugh, but I could hear the bitterness in her voice.

It seemed that Richard was defending me this time, but I didn't feel relieved.

Because I could see it clearly—Susan's feelings for him were obviously not those of a sister.

My instincts told me that what awaited me was a storm that had been brewing for a long time.

I didn't speak again, but Susan continued chatting with Richard from time to time.

"Richard, remember when I was obsessed with strawberry ice cream? But my favorite shop was miles away, and the lines were always long. You ran several blocks and waited in line for hours. By the time you brought it back, it had already melted."

Susan covered her mouth as she laughed, and to my dismay, Richard joined in.

I felt like I had fallen into an icy void, the scene before me too harsh, their laughter too jarring.

Richard must have sensed my discomfort because he quickly stopped, tightening his grip on my hand.

"That was in the past. No point in bringing it up."

"Sorry, Sophia. I didn't mean anything by it, just reminiscing." Susan quickly apologized.

"That's just how she is; she says things without thinking," Richard added, trying to ease the tension.

I wasn't sure what expression to wear. Their words made me feel like I was pounding cotton—completely powerless.

I remained mute, pulling my hand free of Richard's clutches.

After all, had this hand not once held Susan's? No matter how many times he insisted that there was nothing between them, the recent events made it impossible for me to believe him. I could no longer deceive myself.

Richard had never run several blocks or waited in line for hours just to get me ice cream. I always thought only couples deeply in love did that.

It turned out that the unattainable moon I had longed for had perhaps already been plucked by someone else.

The car drove into the family estate, winding through a garden filled with expensive flowers and plants, before stopping in front of the grand main building.

The butler personally came to greet us. Just as I stepped out of the car, I heard Susan cry out and saw her about to collapse to the ground. Richard rushed over almost instantly to catch her.

She leaned into Richard's chest, crying out in pain, and gave me a significant glance .

It was clear to me—Richard had rushed over instantly, his reaction seeming more like a reflex.

This was his most genuine response. He cared about Susan; he cared deeply.

"What happened?" Richard asked, helping Susan up, his tone slightly reproachful.

"My ankle from last time... I think I twisted it again just now," Susan whimpered, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes.

I couldn't bear to watch no longer. I turned away, silently clenching my fists, letting my nails dig into my palms.