Chapter 4

The Caldwells were a renowned classical music dynasty in New York. Liam was the most promising young violinist in the city.

Five years ago, he came to my father with his violin, seeking investment for a musical theater.

My father praised him effusively and specifically introduced him to me.

I fell in love with him at first sight, shamelessly insisting on learning the violin from him.

He was so angry he pointed at me and yelled, "Stupid, absolutely no talent!"

I grinned cheekily, "Then be my boyfriend, we'd complement each other perfectly, right?"

He glanced at Chloe, head bowed, tears in her eyes, then suddenly took my hand, giving a self-mocking laugh. "Fine."

I jumped up in joy and hugged him, completely missing Chloe's retreating figure as she ran out, and the instant stiffness in his arm.

Now I understood. His heart had always belonged to Chloe.

No wonder he later refused to teach me the violin, not even letting me into his music room.

My heart felt raw. I wanted to turn and leave, but then I remembered the pink teddy bear my mom had sewn for me—I couldn't abandon it.

"Ava!" Liam suddenly turned, a sneer twisting his lips. "What are you doing standing at the doorway? Your things have been thrown out. Are you regretting it now?"

I dug my nails into my palm. "My teddy bear? Give it back to me."

He froze for a second, his face growing even colder. "A worthless teddy bear, why would I care?"

"My mom made it by hand," my voice started to tremble. "Give it back, and I'll leave immediately."

Seeing that I was on the verge of tears, he frowned. "You're crying? Are you sick? Is it really that big of a deal?"

"Yes, it is!" I yelled, tears finally streaming down. Liam tugged at his tie in frustration, about to say something.

Chloe, beside him, suddenly seemed to remember something and quickly spoke up,

"Ava, please don't yell at Liam. I told the maid to put your things in the guest room."

As she spoke, she gently stroked her belly, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

"Please don't move out? If it's because of this baby… I, I can get rid of him. His arrival was a mistake to begin with. None of you welcome him…"

Before she could finish, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

"I forbid it!"

Liam's voice was almost out of control. He trembled as he pulled Chloe tightly into his embrace, then turned and glared at me fiercely.

"She can leave, but don't you dare lay a hand on my child! Right now, you and the baby are my everything!"

"Ava, if this is why you came, then get out of my house!"

I let out a cold laugh and walked straight to the guest room.

The teddy bear was carelessly tossed on the floor, stained with grime and vomit. Its original light pink plush fabric was now utterly filthy.

My fingers trembled as I pointed at the teddy bear. "Chloe, explain yourself!"

She shrank her neck timidly. "I didn't mean to. I just suddenly felt nauseous…"

As she spoke, she bent down to pick it up. "Don't be angry, I'll wash it clean for you."

But just as she bent over, she cried out in pain.

"Ah! My stomach hurts so much."

Liam lunged forward, roughly shoving me to the floor.

My head hit the bedpost with a heavy thud. The moment excruciating pain exploded, warm liquid trickled down my temple.

I bit my lip, making no sound. I just looked at Liam, a faint smile playing on my lips, wanting to see if he had a heart at all.

He held Chloe, his stern eyes filled with extreme disgust.

"How much? I'll pay! I'm begging you, stop being so unreasonable. Do you really get a sense of accomplishment from tormenting Chloe and me with something so insignificant?"

My heart felt like it had been pierced.

He had always been cool and distant with me, but he had never looked at me with such eyes. Now, he must truly hate me.

Suddenly, it all felt pointless. Why bother staying here to annoy him further?

I gave in.

The teddy bear was ruined. I didn't want it anymore.

And this tainted man, I didn't want him either.

I pushed myself up. "Liam, I don't lack money."

As I turned to leave, he suddenly grabbed me, a hint of helplessness in his expression. "You're not in a good mood today. Go back to your parents' for a few days to cool off. I'll come pick you up in three days."

I shook off his hand and quickly walked away.

This home we had built together for years, I was merely a fleeting guest after all.

…

Back home.

I had already explained the wedding fiasco to Mom and Dad.

Seeing me return, Mom breathed a sigh of relief.

"Darling, I should actually thank heavens! What if you'd only discovered this after the wedding? What then?"

"The Caldwells always look down on us merchants as tasteless, yet their distinguished music family raised such shameless people!"

Dad sighed softly. "Don't talk about that now, our daughter is upset. I've already instructed my assistant to withdraw all investments from Caldwell Music Theater. From now on, our family will have nothing to do with the Caldwells!"

I was just hesitating whether to mention Ryan when Mom suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, Ryan was here today. He wants to marry you."

She took a velvet box from the coffee table drawer. "That boy certainly moves fast."

Opening the box, inside was the sapphire necklace, a cherished heirloom of the Hayes family.

It was then that I truly realized, the wedding in three days, Ryan was serious.