My Engagement Ended With His Mistress Wearing My Ring novel

When I returned home from abroad the day before my engagement party, I unintentionally discovered that my boyfriend of five years had been seeing a woman who resembled me by nearly seventy percent.
During all the days and nights I was abroad, the two of them had been secretly together.
When I called him, he only let out a faint sigh. While you were gone, she kept me company. One shouldnt be too heartless.
The company needs a secretary anyway. Why not let her stay for the time being? Otherwise, people might say you were being small-minded.
Five years of deep affection had, in the end, been lost to the constant presence of his kept woman.
As I looked at the man who once vowed with his life to love me forever, I still couldnt bring myself to say the words break up.
I wanted to see with my own eyes, between a medical prodigy returning from abroad and a mistress who had to hide in the dark, which one he would choose?

In the middle of the engagement banquet, the wedding ring suddenly disappeared.
The host, sweating nervously, forced himself to fill the silence with clumsy small talk.
Coming closer, Gideon Fontaine caught my hand and murmured beside my ear, Its only a ten-carat ring. Addison got curious, tried it on, and now its stuck. Tomorrow, Ill make one myself for you, bigger and more beautiful than this.
My heart suddenly dropped. Just last night, he had called me on video chat, promising sincerely, Ive spent a lot preparing a surprise for you. Tomorrow, you just need to be the happiest bride in the world.
Trembling slightly, my fists clenched as I looked at him stubbornly. Gideon, is this the surprise you said you prepared for me? Without a ring, how can there even be an engagement?
Before I could finish, Gideons assistant rushed in, panic written all over his face.
President Gideon, Secretary Addison just handed in her resignation. She said shes returning to her hometown.
Suddenly, Gideon pushed me aside and was about to run out.
I grabbed his sleeve. Gideon, if you walk out today, everything between us ends here.
He turned his head for a brief moment, then yanked his arm free and left without another look.
The guests exchanged glances, whispering quietly to one another.
Gideons parents looked restless, pacing back and forth. His mother came over and held me, trying to comfort me.
Youll always be this familys only daughter-in-law. Ill make sure Gideon gives you an answer.
But my heart was already growing numb. Fighting back tears, I forced a smile.
Ill give back the engagement gifts. Lets just treat todays banquet as my first day of freedom.
My older brothers expression turned dark as he prepared to confront Gideon.
For him to leave my sister during her engagement banquet for another woman, thats complete disrespect toward the Quinton family.
Suppressing the pain in my heart, I quickly stopped my brother and tried to look calm. Brother, let it go. I dont want everyone here watching us make a scene.
He let out a heavy sigh, and my heart sank with it.
Then Gideons assistant came over, looking uneasy.
Miss Ophelia, please dont be upset with President Gideon. You were gone for three years. If Secretary Addison hadnt been there for him, he might not have made it through.
She disappeared so suddenly, without a word. President Gideon only worried she might hurt herself.
To them, Addisons three years of standing by Gideon proved enough to excuse everything, and my coming back was what threw things off.
But if she really wanted nothing back, then why would she quit on the very day we got engaged?
I didnt see the point in arguing. I just said a few things to my brother and headed home.
That afternoon, Gideon sent a flood of gifts, luxury cars, villas, designer bags, and even a rare old medical manuscript Id been looking for.
I took one look at them and told the servants to throw everything out.

Gideon knew that walking away in front of so many people would destroy my reputation, but he still never thought about me.
Things always had to go the way Gideon wanted, but I was the one who got hurt.
Because our families had arranged the marriage, he always assumed I would give in to him.
Normally, with my temper, I would have stopped myself from making things worse for him, but he went as far as slipping the wedding ring onto another womans finger.
It was in that instant that I realized that once something was stained, it could never be wanted again.
Remembering the dress I had ordered before returning home, which should have been finished by now, I went by myself to the private studio.
The moment I stepped through the door, there was Gideon, holding my custom-made gown against Addison Cooper to see how it looked on her.
My eyes trembled uncontrollably.
That gown, designed by Gideon himself, had been made for me to wear at Grandpa Enzo Fontaines birthday banquet.
Back then, his smile seemed like a flower.
When Grandpa sees me marrying you, hell be overjoyed. The gown I designed myself, only the one I love most deserves to wear it.
But that same gown was now being given to Addison. In the courtyard, I stood there, unsure whether I should go inside.
When a sound reached him, Gideon turned his head and came out quickly.
Ophelia, I didnt mean to leave you there alone. I just knew youve seen the world, and you could handle such a small scene on your own
No words came from me; instead, I turned to Addison.
Im glad Miss Addison is all right.
Surprise crossed Gideons face as he spoke seriously, You grew up without parents, and youve always been strong. But Addison isnt like you. If I hadnt gone after her, she would have lost herself.
I love you so much Id give my life for you. Youll forgive me, wont you?
I cant.
Growing up without parents had now become yet another reason I was expected to give in to them.
My eyes dropped to the gown that Addison was holding. The gown you designed with your own hands, shouldnt it be worn by the one you love most? Whats left for you to love me with?
Avoiding my eyes, Gideon quickly explained, Ophelia, youre the one I, Gideon Fontaine, am going to marry. Addison has been with me for three years; I just wanted to make it up to her a little.
I no longer wanted to look at his hypocritical face. Turning toward the studio manager, I said, The gowns been worn by someone else. I dont want it anymore. The deposit and penalty fee, eighty thousand in total, send them all to the Quinton family.
After I finished speaking, I turned and walked away. To keep myself steady, I pressed my nails deep into my flesh.
Behind me came a tearful voice. Miss Ophelia, are you angry because of me and President Gideon?
Its my fault. I was worried that Miss Ophelia would hear gossip after returning, so I thought about resigning and leaving first.
I never expected President Gideon to stop the engagement ceremony and chase after me. If Miss Ophelia is upset, please scold me instead, dont make things hard for President Gideon.
With such sincerity in her words, Addison spoke in a way that moved Gideon, who drew her into his arms to comfort her.
My decisions have nothing to do with you. Why are you apologizing to her?
After offering her a few soft words of comfort, he lifted his eyes to me, disappointment clouding them.
Ophelia, since childhood, youve always been independent and never cared about what others say. Dont you see that because of us, Addison has already suffered enough gossip? How can you still hold her responsible for my leaving?
Unable to hold it in any longer, I turned toward the two of them as they clung to each other.
Gideon, from the moment I stepped into this courtyard, have I said even one harsh word about Addison?
I may have grown up without parents, but does that give you the right to throw all your filth onto me?
A slight tremor ran through my voice, and Gideon panicked at once.

Keeping my expression cold, I suddenly raised my voice.
Does President Gideon believe that I, Ophelia, cant marry without you? Or does President Gideon think the Quinton family has sunk so low that our daughter must beg for approval?
For the first time, Gideon saw me truly angry, and for a moment, he didnt know what to do.
Watching my expression, he spoke cautiously. Ophelia, it was wrong of me to leave the engagement banquet, but I only did it because I care about you too much and lost control.
Youre only upset that I gave the wedding ring to Addison. Tonight, Ill go to the black market and buy Queen Elizabeths wedding ring for you.
Queen Elizabeths wedding ring? A bitter laugh escaped me. Gideon, it seems you have no idea what Im actually angry about.
Silent, Gideon kept his eyes fixed on me. After a long pause, he finally spoke. I cant give Addison a title. All she wanted was a ring, such a simple request. Cant I at least grant her that?
You and I are the ones who will spend our lives together. For our sake, cant you just let this go?
My eyes moved from the gown draped on Addisons body to the hands Gideon used to shield her so carefully.
Quietly, I replied, Fine. Ill let go. Ill never concern myself with you again.
The pallor on my face went unnoticed by Gideon. He believed, as always, that acting pitiful would make me give in to him.
As expected of my dearest Ophelia, your understanding truly is remarkable.
Pain tightened my chest as I turned and left in haste.
When I reached home, Addison was directing people to move things into the villa next door.
Seeing me, she didnt even bother to fake a smile.
The place I was staying wasnt safe, so President Gideon gave me this villa.
Miss Ophelia isnt married to President Gideon yet. His premarital assets arent under your control, are they?
Too tired to argue, I turned to go inside, but my eyes caught on the blood-red pendant around her neck.
Catching my look, Addison smugly brushed her hair back, letting the pendant show completely.
I havent been sleeping well lately, so President Gideon gave me this pendant.
I heard its the one Miss Ophelia was wearing during her car accident. It even has your mothers blood on it. I must say, things from the dead really do keep away evil. Ive been sleeping perfectly ever since
My hand came down across Addisons face, stopping her words cold.
As she stood frozen in shock, I reached for the pendant, but Addison reacted first; she threw it to the ground.
Pieces of the shattered pendant scattered across the floor, and my heart broke right along with them.
Kneeling down, I trembled as I gathered the shattered pieces of sapphire, not realizing my fingers were bleeding.
Ophelia! Gideon rushed forward, pain flashing across his face as he took my injured fingers into his mouth and shouted for someone to call the family doctor.
Addisons reddened eyes as she began to cry softly.
Miss Ophelia will never forgive me now. Even if I sold myself, it wouldnt be enough to repay her pendant.
Freezing for a moment, Gideon quickly let go of my hand and drew Addison into his arms to comfort her.
Stop blaming yourself for everything.
Turning his eyes toward me. Ophelia, its just a pendant. If you want, Ill find you an even bigger and better one. Stop taking it out on Addison.
At his words, my eyes slowly rose to meet him.
Gideon, you know exactly what that pendant means to me. How could you
Miss Ophelia, would you believe that I never wanted to steal President Gideon from you if I died?

Addison screamed loudly, Since Miss Ophelia insists on forcing me, Ill die right here for you to see!
Gideon was stunned. Ophelia, are you even human? Are you really going to drive a living person to death over something that belonged to the dead?
Before he could finish speaking, my hand came up, and I slapped him twice, hard.
Gideon, if you dare insult my mother again, your good days are truly over.
Time went by quickly, and Enzos birthday banquet soon arrived.
Early that morning, Gideon came rushing to my house. I had wanted to send him away, but remembering the business ties between our families, I could only agree to attend the banquet with him.
When I opened the passenger door, as always, Addison was already sitting there, eating cookies.
Seeing the safety charm I had once knelt nine hundred and ninety-nine steps to pray for, now crushed beneath her feet, pain stabbed through my heart.
When I suddenly looked up at Gideon, guilt briefly crossed his face.
Addison has never attended such an event before. I wanted to bring her along to broaden her horizons. In the future, when youre busy with work and cant attend, she can go in your place as my companion.
Its your familys banquet. Whoever you wish to invite is your choice. I swallowed the bitterness in my throat.
Relief spread across his face. I knew Ophelia would always be the most understanding. If Granspa asks, just say shes here accompanying you, all right?
I took a deep breath. Gideon, theres nothing between us anymore. I have no obligation to lie to your grandfather for you.
Gideons brows drew together, displeased. Ophelia, even if youre angry, you should know your limits.
Im truly exhausted. Meeting Gideons unhappy eyes, I felt numb, unable to feel any movement inside my heart.
From the moment you walked out of our engagement banquet, there was nothing left between us.
After speaking, I turned toward Addison, the delight in her eyes barely hidden. Congratulations, Miss Addison Cooper. From now on, Gideon is yours.
Ophelia! Gideons face changed completely. Are you serious?
Gideon! My voice suddenly rose. Youre the one who betrayed me first!
While we argued, a black Maybach stopped beside me. Miss Ophelia, get in the car.
The cold voice carried authority. Turning around, I got in without hesitation.
Senior, I just broke up with President Gideon and already accepted my proposal. Does that mean youve been secretly in love with me all along?
Helpless, I looked at Archer Sinclair , who had leaned close.
He was the son of my mothers closest friend. He had stubbornly entered the same university as me, but after I confirmed my relationship with Gideon, he changed his major.
I had heard he was now the chosen heir of the Sinclair family, and suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.
At first, I saw him only as a convenient tool to make a clean break with Gideon. But now, perhaps joining forces with him might not be such a bad idea.
The moment Archer and I entered, the attention of the entire banquet turned toward us.
After all, I had just caused a scene with Gideon, and now I was standing beside the rising star, Archer.
Everyone in this circle knew each other, and quiet whispers of speculation spread quickly.
But Addison just couldnt stay quiet.
Coming up beside me, she suddenly dropped the wine glass in her hand, collapsing hard onto the floor.
Miss Ophelia!
Addison cried out. I know Miss Ophelia misunderstood my relationship with President Gideon. Please, I beg you to let me go. I promise Ill never appear before President Gideon again.
Her scream pulled countless curious eyes.
People around began whispering and pointing.
They say Addison is just a substitute for Ophelia, but look at her, shes dressed far better than Ophelia.
Isnt that the engagement ring President Gideon prepared a few days ago for Ophelia? Poor Ophelia, she came all the way back for her engagement, and the ring ended up with someone else.

Whispers around the room reached Enzos ears, and his face turned pale with anger.
Gideon quickly pulled Addison forward.
Grandpa, shes only a secretary in my company. Theres absolutely nothing improper between us
Gideon, remember what you promised me when you first joined the company.
Enzos eyes moved toward me, and I immediately stepped up to support him.
Grandpa Enzo, please take care of your health. Nothing else matters.
Ophelia, he said, his voice heavy with sadness, back then, your parents had that car accident because they went to pick up your uncle and aunt for me. It was our family that caused you and your brother to be left alone. How could I stand by and let Gideon hurt you again?
His voice sounded weary, yet I could still hear the helplessness in it.
Before I could say anything, Addison broke down in tears. I know Im just a poor college student from the mountains, unworthy of the powerful President Gideon, but I truly love him. Is it wrong to love someone?
Crying out hysterically, she screamed, I said I didnt want a title! I only wanted to stay in the Fontaine Corporation!
Miss Ophelia came back, and it wasnt enough that she took away the man I love; now she even wants to destroy the job I worked so hard for?
The room went completely silent.
Enzos hand shook as he pointed at Gideon, his voice trembling.
You You brought this worthless thing here. Are you trying to make me die of anger?
Uncle Vale Fontaine, his anger barely contained, rushed forward and slapped Gideon hard across the face.
Youd better think carefully. Either apologize to Ophelia, or take this mistress and leave the Fontaine family.
After being hit in front of everyone, Gideon couldnt keep his composure anymore.
He directed all his anger toward me. Ophelia, are you happy now?
Youve used your parents favor to keep the Fontaine family tied down for so many years. Does that make you proud?
I already told you I would marry you in the end. Why do you keep pushing? Arent you afraid Ill truly stop wanting you?
Gideons words hit my ears like thunder. So this was what he had really thought all along.
It must have been painful being with me, right? I forced a smile.
I never used my parents kindness to demand repayment. You were the one who said youd take care of me for life. But now, I dont want you anymore.
I took out the Fontaine familys heirloom sapphire bracelet that Enzo had given me.
Grandpa Enzo, I came here today to end the engagement, and to reclaim the fifty-one percent of the Fontaine family shares that belong to my parents.

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