His Last Choice, My First Gambit Chapter 06

His Last Choice, My First Gambit Chapter 06

I returned home to find my parents sitting in the living room, their faces grim.

Before I could speak, they launched into a tirade.

My father spoke first. “Preston has already told us what happened. Coralie, I’m truly disappointed in you.”

“Coralie, you could have died out there! And you told Preston to save someone else first?”

My mother chimed in, “You’re so reckless. How can we ever trust you with the company? You’re far too immature!”

They don’t trust me? Is that why they let Preston run my family’s company and cut off my finances, just to force me into submission?

“Since you’re clearly so irresponsible, we’re moving the wedding up. You can settle into your role as Mrs. Sterling.”

“I am not marrying Preston. I’m calling off the wedding!” I said firmly, meeting their shocked gazes.

“I came back specifically to tell you that. I will not marry him. Whether you like him or want to hand over the company is your business. It has nothing to do with me!”

My father slammed his hand on the table. “You’ve disappointed us so much! Preston is an outstanding man! If you won’t marry him, who will?!”

“I won’t marry anyone!”

With that, I turned and stormed back to my room. They could think what they wanted. I didn’t care anymore.

The next day, I woke up early and went downstairs. My parents were at the dining table, their faces like stone.

Seeing me, my mother seemed about to speak, but my father just snorted.

“Fine. Since you want to break off the engagement, you can just–”

“Enough!” my mother suddenly interrupted him.

She looked at me, her face pale. “If you want to break off the engagement, your father

and I won’t stop you. But from now on, you walk your own path.”

She stood and walked towards the door. “Let’s go. We’ll accompany you to handle the paperwork.”

They were actually agreeing? For some reason, I felt a sudden pang of sadness.

The union of our families had been Preston’s grandmother Matilda’s idea. She had taken a liking to me at a banquet and often invited me over. We became very close. My infatuation with Preston only made me shy in his presence.

Of course, his grandmother saw my feelings for him, which set everything in motion.

Now that I was the one proposing to end it, I was afraid it would break her heart.

When we arrived at the Sterling family home, Preston and Lily were already there.

I didn’t waste words. I had my lawyer step forward and present the documents to dissolve the engagement.

Seeing them, Preston immediately grabbed my wrist. “What is the meaning of this?”

His grandmother, realizing what was happening, spoke quickly. “Coralie, dear, is there something you’re unhappy with Preston about?”

I pulled my wrist free and calmly replied, “No. I’m here to break off the engagement.”

Preston frowned, looking at me in disbelief. “Why?”

I stared into his eyes. “Why? Do you really need me to tell you?”

A flash of panic crossed his face. “You told me to save Lily first.”

I laughed coldly. “I was testing you. And you failed.”

Preston was at a loss for words. His grandmother sighed. “I heard about what happened. If you truly wish to break off the engagement, I won’t stand in your way.

Since that’s the case…”

“Grandma!” Preston cut in, his eyes locking onto mine. “Coralie, I am not calling this

off.”

I looked at him, amused.

In our last life, he tortured me for five years over Lily’s death.

I gave him his chance. What more could he possibly want? I thought he’d be rushing to

the altar with her.

“In that case, I’ll go to the media tomorrow and announce the cancellation myself.

We’ll see how the Sterling family’s reputation holds up then.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out of the Sterling mansion, not bothering to see the look on Preston’s face.