But when he first met that girl, their relationship was the closest.

When she fell down, he was the one who carried her to the hospital.

When she was bullied, he was the first to rush to the scene and stand up for her.

Even when she got her first period, he was the one who went to buy necessities late at night.

She saw him as her support, and as she grew up, he became her whole world. He actually liked her dependence on him. When did things start to go wrong? Henry suddenly felt lost.

Charlotte's sobbing brought his thoughts back to reality.

Yes, she was the one who changed first.

After she grew up, she was spoiled by her family until she became uncontrollable. Her personality became increasingly willful, domineering and controlling. She wouldn't let him associate with any girls and would throw tantrums over nothing.

So he grew increasingly annoyed and distant from her, even insisting on sending her to study in Silverbrook Haven despite her tearful protests. He did this only hoping she would grow up and become sensible.

Once she fixed her bad temper, he would go get her. With so many years of feelings between them, how could he truly let go and leave her adrift alone in a strange place?

But now it seemed she hadn't improved at all. She even dared to continue acting willfully at such an important occasion. She was really something - she had barely arrived and already thrown the Crawfords into chaos.

Henry pulled Charlotte into his arms. "Go fix your makeup first, let the makeup artist redo it. I'll come find you after I handle this. The engagement ceremony will start on time, don't worry." Only after wiping away Charlotte's tears did Henry turn to leave.

Charlotte stood there, watching Henry's retreating figure. For some reason, she felt uneasy.

Emily was right earlier. Everyone knew he was cold towards her, yet he slapped his own cousin over a few words about her. Did he really hate her? Or was she still special to him?

Henry walked to the front gate. He didn't see her, only her pink BMW parked there. And standing by the car was her best friend.

Henry's steps suddenly halted, his heart seemed to be pulled down by something. That's when he remembered - before leaving Verdancliff, she had already given this car to her friend.

Seeing him, she immediately walked over. Henry saw she was holding a gift. Her expression was cold as she got straight to the point, "She asked me to bring gifts for you and Charlotte."

But Henry didn't reach out to take it. She frowned, "There's one more thing."

"Speak."

"She left in such a hurry, never got a chance to see you. I've tried contacting you many times but couldn't get through. So I never had the chance to get this back from you."

"Remember that ring she gave you on your birthday? It was a family heirloom from her grandmother."

Eleanor Mitchell said with an unfriendly expression, "Sarah told me this ring was meant for her future husband. It's not appropriate for you to still have it. Could you give it to me? I'll return it to Sarah when I see her in Silverbrook Haven."

Henry suddenly looked down at the understated ring on his ring finger. This morning while changing clothes, he had inexplicably put on this ring. It didn't really match his suit, but he hadn't taken it off. Yet now, looking at this ring, it only felt jarring.

For her future husband? His heart inexplicably unsettled at the thought of Sarah spending her life with someone else, sharing days and nights, growing old together. An indescribable discomfort welled up in his chest.

How could someone who once loved him so deeply marry another? Her avoiding him now and sending Eleanor to retrieve it was clever. He had to admit, this move had truly disturbed his thoughts.

"Mr. Crawford?"

"Tell Sarah for me."

"I never take back things I've given away."

"Of course, if she insists, she's welcome to come discuss it in person."

Henry turned to leave after speaking.

But Eleanor quickly called after him.

"Mr. Crawford, wait, I'll get Sarah to talk to you right now."

What a joke. Sarah was about to enter marriage. How could this ring, carrying such special meaning, remain in another's hands? Sarah had repeatedly urged her to retrieve the ring before the wedding. She wanted to personally put it on her husband's finger at the ceremony.

Over the years, Eleanor's disgust for Henry had grown daily. Yet Sarah had been so blindly devoted, it was almost unreasonable. Wasting her youth waiting, only to be heartlessly abandoned. Every time Eleanor thought about it, she wanted to slap Henry twice.

Fortunately, she finally saw reality and found a better destination. Eleanor was genuinely happy for her friend. This time, she must fulfill her mission.

When I received Eleanor's call, the car was almost at the Barnes'.

"Eleanor, what's wrong?"

"Sarah, I went to ask Henry for the ring as you said."

"But he won't give it to me, and says if you insist, you must come talk to him yourself."

I unconsciously glanced at William beside me, feeling somewhat nervous. We were still unfamiliar with each other. Though he appeared gentle and courteous, his presence was impossible to ignore. Earlier in the car, he took a work call, switching effortlessly between three languages, giving orders decisively. That natural air of authority made me feel childish and naive.

I'm not usually a quiet person, but around William, I became inexplicably reserved. Before I could respond to Eleanor, Henry's voice came through the phone.

"Sarah, do you truly want the ring back, or do you have other motives?"

I was stunned, then laughed bitterly.

"If you're trying to ruin my and Charlotte's engagement ceremony, don't waste your effort."

"If you want the ring, come get it the same way you gave it to me."

"After all, such a precious item shouldn't be handled through others."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Eleanor is my closest friend, just give it to her."

"I'll take all responsibility."

Henry chuckled, "Sarah, must I be more explicit?"

"Come get it back the same way you gave it to me."

The call abruptly ended.

I felt angry and embarrassed, my cheeks flushing red. How had I given him that ring?

It was on my graduation day. I gathered my courage and kissed him under the campus tree. It was my first time initiating a kiss. He seemed surprised but didn't push me away.

In that moment, I thought I'd finally found the right timing. Trembling, I took the ring from my pocket and gently placed it in his palm. I told him the ring's meaning. After a moment of silence, he accepted it.

Because of that, I believed he had silently accepted and welcomed my love. These past few years felt like a terrible dream. Now that I've awakened, I just want to settle accounts with the past.

I thought Henry would be eager to return the ring like throwing away trash. I never expected him to say such things. Only now did I realize belatedly that youthful impulses would one day come at a price. If this ring didn't carry that special meaning, I wouldn't even ask for it back. But I was about to enter marriage - leaving the ring with Henry would be too unfair to William.

"Having some trouble?" William suddenly spoke.

I looked up, meeting his deep gaze. An indescribable embarrassment welled up inside me. I didn't want to hide anything, but our relationship was still new, and it was difficult to explain.

"No," I shook my head gently, thinking to myself that I'd get the item back even if I had to ask Mark for help. Having made up my mind, I gradually relaxed.

"Nothing major, just some small matters to handle with the Crawfords," I smiled casually at William. "I can handle it myself."

William just nodded lightly, "Alright. If you encounter anything you can't resolve, Sarah, feel free to ask. After all, you'll soon be my wife."

He said it so naturally. It wasn't the first time he'd used such intimate terms, but my ears still burned. Especially hearing the word "wife" - even my neck grew hot. Our engagement was set, and in half a month, I would marry him. My feelings were mixed, yet there was a hint of anticipation and sweetness.

I couldn't look him in the eyes. Stealing a glance at him, I gave a soft response. William said nothing more. The car stopped in front of the Barnes' villa. He got out first, then came around to open my door. I noticed the diamond ring on his left ring finger catching the light. Since putting it on at our engagement ceremony, he had never taken it off.

He gently helped me out of the car. After I was steady, his hand still held mine, naturally interlacing our fingers. At first, I felt awkward, but the warmth of his palm was reassuring. His long fingers gently locked with mine, and I gradually relaxed. It all felt perfectly natural.

In the distance, Rachel saw us walking hand in hand and her face lit up with joy. She hurried toward us. Before we got close, Rachel hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face.

"Sarah, you look just like your mother when she was young."

I couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears. Her familiar scent reminded me of my mother's fragrance from my hazy memories.

William stood beside us, shaking his head helplessly. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over.

"Mom, please don't cry with Sarah. Others might think we're bullying you two."

Rachel laughed through her tears, then helped wipe my tears away. She held my hand tightly, "Sarah, come home with us."

My gaze unconsciously turned to William. He was looking at me too. Behind him were lush green trees. When I looked over, William's eyes held a gentle smile. He also reached out his hand to me.

"Sarah, let's go home."

There were still twenty minutes until seven o'clock.