---- Chapter 8 "How could you..." I quickly cut in, "Raymond, I came today to tell you that Dennis and I are ending our engagement. He's already in love with someone else. He has a child now." Raymond's face turned bright red with fury. He grabbed his cane, ready to strike Dennis. ''You brat! How dare you cheat on Anna!" I stepped forward and stopped him, placing my hand gently on the cane. "Raymond, we've already talked it through," I said quietly. ''He's with someone he truly cares about now. He has a child. And I... 1 don't love him anymore. That's why we're ending it." Dennis hadn't said a word-he just stood there, eyes fixed on me. Raymond finally let out a heavy sigh. "Anna, you ---- don't deserve this. One day, Dennis will regret letting go of a girl like you." Dennis spoke then, firmly, "I won't regret it." After explaining everything to Raymond, I went to my old room to gather my things. Once I was done, I ran into Scarlett. She was bundled up in a thick down jacket and fleece-lined pants. Her gaze held none of the hostility it used to. Step by step, she walked over and held out her hand. Lying in her palm was a gold locket. "T overheard you asking Dennis for the locket last time," she said. "He didn't want to give it to you, so I stole it for you." I stared at her, startled. She smiled faintly. "Anna, you're truly a good person. You moved me. To be honest, I didn't get together with Dennis because I love him. I just want his money. Once I get it, I ---- plan to leave and see the world. You've given me that chance. I'll repay you." I took the locket from her hand. "You're a good person too," I said. I slipped the locket into my bag, said goodbye to Raymond, and was ready to leave. But in the garden, I ran into Dennis. He was watering a few plants-plants that had already withered. He stopped when he saw me. "Remember this place?" he asked. "You once told me you wanted to fill it with roses. Anna, if you're not ina rush, maybe you could come to my wedding with Scarlett." His words struck me as odd and disjointed, out of place. I pulled out my phone to check the time.