He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 2

Inside the ballroom.

Scarlett's gaze was fixed unwaveringly on Yardley. He looked radiant, holding a wine glass as he guided Sylvia from table to table, offering toasts.

"My buddy Julian is currently overseas on a classified infrastructure project. It'll be a year before he's back. For today's christening party, I'll be drinking on his behalf."

"Sylvia just finished her postpartum recovery. She can't have alcohol or cold drinks. So, whatever you toast to her, I'll drink."

...

Scarlett suddenly found the orange juice in her mouth tasting icy and bitter, a frigid emptiness hollowing out her chest.

Having worked alongside Yardley for years, she knew that at every business dinner, he would not hesitate to push her forward, bragging that she could drink anyone under the table. She had never seen him drink so heavily, accepting every glass offered, and she had certainly never imagined he would willingly take a drink to protect someone else.

Watching his face flush with warmth, Scarlett felt an overwhelming wave of bitterness and irony.

Unable to take it anymore, she was just about to step forward when the emcee suddenly announced loudly from the stage, "Today is baby Caleb's christening party. As the baby's family, Mr. Flynn will present him with a generous gift. Let's give him a round of applause!"

Yardley and Sylvia were already standing before the crowd, cradling Caleb. In front of everyone, he opened a long gift box, revealing a gleaming solid golden locket encrusted with red rubies.

Seeing that heirloom locket, the blood in Scarlett's veins froze instantly. She darted to the front, her eyes wide as she stared intently at the locket for a few seconds. An explosive fury instantly surged within her!

Yardley's cheerful voice rang out. "This heirloom locket has been passed down through my wife's family for generations. It carries wonderful blessings and extraordinary value. Now, I'm gifting this golden locket to little Caleb, wishing him a long, healthy, and brilliant life!"

Scarlett furiously ripped off her mask, ready to curse him out, but when she opened her mouth, her voice came out as a strained, choked sob. "What? Am I not supposed to be here?"

"If you want to throw a tantrum, at least consider the setting!" Yardley warned quietly, anger simmering beneath his tone. "Yelling like that just now, were you deliberately trying to embarrass me?"

Scarlett yanked her arm free, staring at him in sheer disbelief. "Yardley, that golden locket was a gift from my mother for our daughter. What gave you the right to give it away without asking me?"

Yardley's expression darkened. "Scarlett, you've always been sensible. Is it really necessary to make a scene here?"

The word "sensible" sent Scarlett's fury skyrocketing. She struggled to keep her fury in check.