Chapter 132

At 25, Elise loved Jonathan completely. From what I'd been told, I'd had a crush on Jonathan for ten years before our sudden marriage. I followed him everywhere; we were inseparable. I couldn't tolerate other women around him—not his employees, not the socialites in our circle. I saw them all as threats. We fought constantly, and I compromised repeatedly, eroding my boundaries, desperately hoping for his attention. His rejection fueled my insecurity, making me cling even tighter. Gabrielle said I even put a tracker on his car.

Did I seriously do that? Hearing it for the first time stunned me. But what truly shocked me was that I'd attempted suicide over him. Apparently, the wrist-slitting incident wasn't the first; I'd staged similar incidents before—jumping from a building, jumping into a river, overdosing on sleeping pills—each an empty threat. Initially, he'd try to calm me, but eventually, he stopped responding.

That version of myself was pathetic; even I wouldn't want anything to do with her. I shut my eyes, took a deep breath, and said to Frederick, "Let's not talk about the past anymore. Just consider that version of me gone."

Frederick snorted disbelievingly. "You made quite an impression. It's not something you can erase with a few words."

"So what would it take for you to believe me?"

He paused before quietly saying, "I just can't believe… that someone who loved so deeply could forget it all so easily."

I wasn't sure if he meant me or someone else, but I chose to believe it was me. After another silent moment, I said, "Maybe it's not that I forgot Jonathan… maybe I never loved him in the first place."

Frederick looked up, his expression suggesting I was trying to deceive him. I knew he didn't believe me, and honestly, I didn't know how to explain it. The person standing here was completely different—the version of me who'd lost all my memories.

When I was 18, I only had a crush on Jonathan, no different from the other girls who liked him. I hadn't fallen in love with him yet. Frederick's disbelief was fine; only time could prove it.

"Today is our beloved daughter's 26th birthday. Thank you to all our esteemed guests for coming! And thank you for the love and support…"

It was the usual fare for these events. I wasn't paying attention. Leaning toward Frederick, I asked, "So, what's that money-making opportunity you mentioned?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

We'd barely spoken when Alicia's father stood up, announcing, "Thank you all! Thank you!" He seemed to have had a bit to drink; his face was flushed as he raised his glass for a toast.

From the emcee's announcements, I gathered it was gift-giving time. Never having attended such a party, I was unsure of the customs. Then I saw the emcee announce the gifts.

"The Fann family sent a Hamptons beachfront villa and a pair of diamond bracelets!"

I was stunned. What the hell? They were publicly announcing gifts? Wasn't that rude? I might not be an heiress, but even in a normal family, we wouldn't open gifts in front of everyone. That's basic etiquette, right? But they were doing it in front of a room full of people… What if someone's gift wasn't extravagant? Wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing?

Chapter 133