Her mind reeled back to the past—the laughter, the warmth, the way Howard and Brad had once looked at her with genuine care. But those memories shattered against the harsh reality of the present.
The crowd’s taunts grew louder, their laughter cutting through her like a blade.
And the two men who once meant everything to her stood silently, making no effort to stop it.
Then—something cold from her hand.
The diamond ring.
It landed with a sharp clink, jarring her back to reality.
Right.
The man she was going to marry wasn’t them.
That thought alone was enough to steady her.
Nikki swallowed back her emotions, lowered her gaze, and without a word, turned on her heel. Tears clung to her lashes, but she only let out a cold, bitter smile as she walked away.
Howard’s expression darkened. His brows furrowed as he called after her.
"Don’t you have anything to say?"
"Sister, that diamond ring on your hand is gorgeous!"
Lora’s eyes sparkled as she caught sight of the dazzling gem. Without hesitation, she grabbed Nikki’s hand, gasping in awe. "Is this the Graff Pink Heart diamond—the one and only in the world?"