Chapter 5 Shirley stood frozen , her heart clenched by an invisible fist until each breath became a ragged gasp . Pressing a hand to her chest , she thought : This must be the lingering warmth from loving him . Once that warmth faded , nothing would remain . Timothy and Patricia kissed for three full minutes before turning away . Only when their figures vanished completely did Shirley emerge from the shadows . She drew a deep breath , smoothed her gown , and headed back to the ballroom for her purse . But upon entering , Patricia seized her wrist . " Shirley , if you liked the ring Timothy gave me , you could have just asked . Why steal it ? " Shirley stood frozen . " What do you mean stealing ? What are you talking about ? " " Stop pretending ! " Patricia's eyes were red - rimmed . " I just went to the restroom , and my ring vanished ! The waiter said you were the only one near my purse ! " The Campbells rushed over at the commotion . Without a word , Shirley's father slapped her across the face . " Shirley , can't you go one day without causing trouble ?! " 0.00 % NN 00:28 Chapter 5 288 Vouchers Her cheek stung fiercely . Before she could react , Mrs. Campbell shrieked , " Someone ! Search her ! " Several waiters immediately surrounded Shirley , roughly yanking at her gown . Shirley struggled desperately . " I didn't steal it ! Let me go ! " Riiip- The sound of tearing fabric echoed . Shirley's bare shoulders were suddenly exposed to the room , met by gasps and snickers from the onlookers . " Found it ! " A waiter pulled the jadeite Ring from her purse . " It was with her after all ! " Patricia took the ring , tears streaming down her face . " Sis , what do you have to say for yourself now ? " Shirley trembled all over , just opening her mouth when the crowd suddenly parted- Steady footsteps echoed closer . She looked up to see Timothy approaching step by step , his polished leather shoes clicking against the marble floor . Each step felt like stepping on Shirley's heart . " What was the point of stealing it ? " His voice was soft , yet it silenced 30.90 % 11 00:28 Chapter 5 288 Vouchers the entire banquet hall . " You do know I never considered you my wife ? " Shirley lifted her gaze , meeting his icy stare . " Shirley , some things don't belong to you , " he spoke with thin lips , each word like a poisoned blade , " and they never will . " Shirley suddenly laughed . This smile made Timothy's brows furrow almost imperceptibly . He had seen her cry , seen her rage , seen her hysterical , but never seen her smile like this . Like relief , yet like mockery . " I didn't steal . " Her voice was soft , yet crystal clear . - The banquet hall's chandelier cast fragmented light in her eyes - like tears , or like stars . " And what's more- ' She took a deep breath , enunciating each word deliberately . " I don't like you anymore ! " As her words fell , the entire room plunged into dead silence . Everyone widened their eyes , unable to believe their ears . That Shirley who had been obsessed with Timothy was now saying she didn't like him ? All eyes fixed on Shirley , faces etched with shock . 58 91 % 00:28 Chapter 5 288 Vouchers Only Timothy stood before her , immaculate suit and icy demeanor , not a ripple of emotion in his eyes . " How many times have you played this hard - to - get game ? " His deep voice dripped with undisguised mockery . " I told you , no tantrum of yours will ever work . ' ་ ་ He leaned in slightly , thin lips parting as each deliberate word aimed to crush the last shred of her dignity- " I don't like you . Period . " 88.05 %