He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 18

His decisive, responsible, and dependable attitude had been her greatest pillar of support. For five years, she had willingly followed him, loving him, protecting him, admiring him, and worshipping him, treating him as the center of her universe.

But now, with the bloody truth ripped open, Scarlett finally understood. What she had believed was responsibility and commitment was nothing more than an act of spite. He never actually loved her; he had merely used her as an emotional life raft to distract himself from heartbreak.

Scarlett's eyelids fluttered as she spoke in a raspy whisper. "You're saying... he loves you, and he only married me out of spite because you married someone else?"

Even though she already knew the answer, she needed to hear it one more time.

A smug smile graced Sylvia's lips. Her tone was spoiled and arrogant. "Of course. He's treated me like a princess since we were kids. On the day Julian and I got our marriage license, Yardley had red eyes when he threatened Julian, swearing he'd break his legs if he didn't treat me perfectly!"

Sylvia sighed softly. "It's such a pity. Even though we aren't blood relatives, we're still technically cousins by adoption. Otherwise, a nobody like you would never have gotten so incredibly lucky."

Scarlett remained silent.

The baby in her arms had screamed himself hoarse, but Sylvia didn't look remotely concerned. Instead, her face was entirely consumed by triumph and mockery. This was the woman who had captivated two of the most brilliant minds in the architectural world.

Scarlett felt even more repulsed by the five years she had wasted. A dark laugh slipped past her lips. "So, the one you truly love is Yardley. Marrying Julian was just your own little act of spite, wasn't it?"

Sylvia lowered her head to admire the diamond bracelet on her wrist. Scarlett had sharp eyes and recognized it instantly—it was the exact same piece of jewelry Yardley had kept hidden in his closet three months ago.

She had spotted it while organizing his clothes, assumed it was a surprise gift for her, and quietly put it back. For the last few months, she had been eagerly waiting for Yardley to surprise her. It turned out... Scarlett felt like a bucket of freezing water had been dumped over her head.

Sylvia leaned in closer. "I don't want to breastfeed; it ruins my figure. But the family insists he gets breast milk. Since you have plenty, you can nurse my son. As long as you play nice and cooperate, I'll put in a good word and tell Yardley to treat you and your daughter better. I'll even tell him not to divorce you. How does that sound?"

For the first time in her life, Scarlett witnessed the true definition of shamelessness. She sneered. "And if I refuse?"

"Then I'll have Yardley divorce you immediately and kick you and your daughter out. He does whatever I tell him, so he'll definitely agree."

"Everything you just said is completely recorded. It's fascinating."

Scarlett took a slow step forward, waving her phone. She crouched down and gave Sylvia's cheek a condescending pat. "Tell me... if I send this recording to Julian, do you think he'll still be so comfortable letting Yardley take care of you and your son?"