I Only Love You, Is That a Problem"

A week before our engagement, Robert Lockman told me that our engagement ceremony would not be held at the appointed time, instead it would be postponed for another months.

He explained, Diana told me that it's so happen that day she would be performing her first solo concert. It is a very important thing in her life and I refuse to miss it. Besides, we're getting engaged anyway. It doesn't matter if it is a week early or at a later time.

This was the third time he had postponed our engagement for Diana's sake.

The first time he did it when Diana, who was abroad, fell ill and said she was scared and missing him.

The second time when Diana wanted to go on a spontaneous trip, Robert became very worried and chased after her.

So, this was the third time.?

I put down the phone and turned to look at my childhood friend and the prince of the Royal City, Anthony Norton. Then asked, "Do you need a fiance?"?

On the day of our supposed engagement ceremony, Robert was affectionately hugging Diana at the celebration banquet for Diana's concert when he saw Anthony's engagement with me. The event was broadcast all over the city and as he watched, his eyes turned red.

Anthony looked at me and asked, "Have you thought this through? Can you really forget about Robert?"

I spread my hands helplessly. I gave him enough chances. This is the third time hes canceled our engagement for the same woman. Maybe this is fate telling me we were never meant to be together. Even the warm feeling can't thaw a frozen heart, can they?"

Anthony smiled. "If you're sure about this, I want to hold a grand engagement ceremony. The Norton Family has quite a list of guests to invite and I want everyone to know exactly who Im marrying.

I looked at him, trying to peer into Anthony's heart. What I saw was unwavering determination. Summoning a courage, I didnt know I had, I answered, Alright.

I went home and began packing my belongings. When Robert came back home and saw my suitcase, he sneered, "Are you running away from home again? Trudy Peyton, aren't you tired running away every time we quarrel? You've done this thing for the entire four years we are together."

"It's just postponing the ceremony! Why do you have to make a big deal out of it? By postponing the ceremony for a week doesn't mean I refuse to marry you, okay?" The irritation in his voice was evident. It seemed he wanted to slam the door and leave.

I replied calmly, "I'm not running away. I'm just organizing my things." Though in my heart I told myself that this time I would leave him for good.

Robert loosened his tie and carelessly ordered me, "On? Well, since youre tidying up, why not prepare the guest room as well? Diana told me this place is closer to her concert venue, so shell be staying here for a while.

I pushed my packed suitcase to the corner and answered without looking up, Alright. Ill have Julie clean the guest room tomorrow.

My easy willingness stunned Robert. His tone softened when he talked again, "Okay, I know I made you upset. So, tomorrow, how about you go to the jewelry story and pick up a set of jewelry there. It's my gift for you. I've also been busy this day, you know with Diana back and all. What's more her house hasn't been lived in for ages, so I have to accompany her to clean and decorate it."

He added, "For now, you just have to worry about our engagement preparation. Once Diana's concert is over, Ill make it up to you. Is that okay?

It felt like a heavy stone was pressing on my chest, so I told him, Theres no need to accompany me. I have plenty of things to keep me busy. Im just sorting through some old things and doing some cleanup.

Robert did not inquire about the reason I suddenly wanted to clear up things in a house I just moved into. Instead, he looked at me with relief. The last time she was here, Diana mentioned she didnt like you using the sunroom as a studio. She wanted to practice her piano there. So youre finally ready to move all your junk away from there?

As I took a deep breath, I replied, "Yes, I though it through. The sunroom will be hers starting tomorrow. Silently, I added, so will you.

The next day, Diana returned to the city I had not even had the time to get out of bed when photos of her and Robert embracing at the airport went viral online. This breaking news landed them at the top of the trending charts.

The internet search engines were filled with trending news, all of them titled, "Love that Spans Through Childhood" and "A Perfect Match of Talent and Beauty." "They Make Us Believe in Love."

As I scrolled through the headlines, my phone buzzed. It was Anthony. His calm and steady voice asked, "Should I have those trending posts removed?"

I gave him a smile. "There is no need. That matter has nothing to do with me anymore. Why do we have to waste our money on irrelevant matters?"

He chuckled. "Fair enough. Lets save our money. How about we try on engagement outfits today? The ones I had flown in yesterday should have arrived."

Only yesterday, we had only decided to get engaged and this morning, the outfits were already here. I was at a loss for words and was touched by his efficiency. In contrast, during my engagement preparations with Robert, I handled everything on my own. All hed ever contributed were a few impatient remarks. He had never thought about how exhausted I might feel.

Yet now, Anthony has shown me how a true fianc should act.

The dress Anthony had brought and shipped in from abroad fit me perfectly. The designer smiled and said, "Mr. Norton insisted I come along to ensure the fit. If it needed any adjustments, he wanted them done on the spot. I was under so much pressure, but now that I see you, I understand why hes so anxious. He really loves you."

"Hes also asked me to design your wedding dress. Ill need to take your measurements and Ive brought a few sketches for you to choose from. Which one do you like best?"

My cheeks flushed red and Anthony stood by and smiled with an enigmatic expression.

After an entire day of trying on dresses and jewelry, I returned home utterly exhausted. Just as I sat down, my phone rang. It was Robert. As soon as I picked up the phone, he yelled, "Where are you? Why arent you here yet? Do you enjoy keeping everyone waiting?"

Confused, I asked, "Where am I supposed to be?"

Robert sneered, "Well, well, Trudy. Are you playing dumb just now? I had sent you a text. Diana is returning to the country today. I'm going to a welcome banquet for Diana. She insisted you come. Get here now. Ive sent you the location."?

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I checked my phone and found there was an unread WhatsApp message from him. It was sent hours ago.

Besides sending the location, Diana also sent a voice message. She said, "Trudy, its been years since weve seen each other. Come and hang out together. Dont tell me youre still bothered by my relationship with Robbie, huh?"

Then I heard Robert take the phone and say, "Trudy, if you don't come over, I'll keep the painting that I promised you."

My resolve crumbled. Robert had photographed an oil painting that I had long wanted. He promised me that he would give it to me but he never did. Apparently, he was using it to blackmail me. I sighed, got up and went there. Fine. A few more days of dealing with these repulsive things wouldnt kill me.

When I arrived at the restaurant, they had already started drinking. Diana and Robert sat at the head of the table. They were a picture-perfect couple.

As soon as she saw me, Diana made a show to stand up and with a feigned warmth called up, "Trudy, you're here! Sit here." Then she prepared to move to the seat beside her to make room for me.

Robert immediately grabbed her hand, "She can sit anywhere. You stay here. Youre the star tonight."?

Diana gave me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Trudy. Robbie's been drinking some wine and is a bit drunk. Dont mind him."

I calmly took a random seat and sat down. "Its fine. Whenever I sit do not matter. Besides, Robert's right. You're the main star tonight."

Roberts friends began to tease. "We were just talking about Robert picking you up at the airport. Honestly, you two look so good together. That trending photo? I was in a daze.? Its like something out of a movie."

"You two really should be together. Breaking up before was such a waste. Now that Diana is back in the country to develop her career, you two can start over."

Robert glanced at me briefly and said indifferently, "Dont talk nonsense. Diana is destined to be a violinist.

His words cut deeper than I expected. He neither denied their supposed compatibility nor acknowledged me, his actual fiance. All he did was highlight her career aspirations as if that alone justified everything. How could I have been so blind? How could I have wasted years loving a man whose heart had always belonged to someone else?

Diana bit her lip, her gaze turning toward me. Trudy, dont listen to them. Theyre just joking. Dont take it to heart, okay? Oh, I got you a little gift! I hope you like it.

She handed me a jewelry box, her face glowing with an innocence that felt carefully rehearsed. I opened it to find a pair of earrings. They looked familiar, too familiar. So I raised my eyes at Diana. Then I noticed that aquamarine necklace draped around her neck.

I froze for a while. That wasnt just any piece of jewelry. It had been custom-designed by Robert to match my preferences. It was a symbol of his supposed sincerity and commitment to our engagement. I remembered the designer mentioning some small leftover gemstones so they would be used to make earrings and they were thoughtful gifts.

At the moment, my supposed engagement necklace was on Diana's necklace, while "the leftover" earring was gifted to me.?

I couldnt suppress the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. When Robert's friends, who looked down on me saw this, one of them smirked in a low voice, "Look at her. Treasuring a pair of scraps like theyre something special.

Across the room, a girl exclaimed in admiration. Diana, your necklace is stunning!

Diana touched the aquamarine centerpiece delicately and cast a shy glance at Robert. Oh, its just a welcome gift from Robbie. He said hed give me an even more beautiful one after my concert to celebrate my accomplishment.

I let out a deep sigh and said, "Wow, Robert, you've really outdone yourself. This necklace, if Im not mistaken, was cut from the Lockman Familys heirloom gemstone. It took six months to make, didnt it? Its meant for the future daughter-in-law of the Lockman Family. Robert, you certainly have a feeling for Diana.

Robert looked a bit uneasy while the other people in the room also realized something was not right and the room went silent.

Everyone caught the implication. The heirloom necklace was meant for the future Lockman Family daughter-in-law, who was me, Robert's fiance. However, at that moment Diana flaunted that it was given to Diana. The implication was clear.

Diana raised to her feet in an awkward manner. Though her hand still lingered on the necklace, her eyes had turned red. Then, with trembling hands, she lowered her head and tried to open the clasp of the necklace, "I'm sorry, Trudy. I had no idea this was meant for you. I shouldnt have worn it. How could I be so careless?

As she said that, tears rained from her eyes. Her shaking hand and the hair that tangled with the hair made her fail to take off the necklace. She ruthlessly pulled the hair off and with a cracked voice, she cried helplessly, "Robbie, please take me off."

Robert's expression darkened and he gently stilled her trembling hands. With a gentle voice he said, "Diana, I gave it to you. Its yours. Theres no need to care about what others think.

Then, he turned to me and stared angrily at me, "It's just a sapphire, Trudy. I didn't realize the Peyton Family's eldest daughter was so petty. She is making a scene over a piece of jewelry."

This stone belongs to the Lockman Family and it was passed down to me, he continued coldly. I'm the one who decides who gets it. Since you and I arent married yet, dont ever think you have any claim to it. Frankly, I think it suits Diana better.

He continued, "Ive already agreed to marry you. Isnt that enough? Does it really matter if I give a necklace to someone else? The position of Mrs. Lockman is yours. What more could you possibly want?

Dianas tears shimmered in her eyes as her lips curled into a faint smile. Really? My concert gown happens to be blue. This necklace will match it perfectly. Thank you, Robbie. Youre the only one who truly understands me.

I raised my feet and said, "Forgive me. I don't have any intention. I was just marveling at how deeply you feel for Diana. You don't have to overreact."

As I said that, I pushed the jewelry box toward Diana. "These earrings are made from the leftover of the same gemstone of the Lockman Family's heirloom. Since theyre part of the set, you should keep them too. After all, it wouldnt feel right to break up such a perfect match.

Diana bit her lip. "Trudy, even though Robbie said this necklace was a gift for me, I know it was supposed to be your engagement present. Dont worry, Ill return it to you after my concert. Would that make you feel better?

Before I could respond, one of Roberts friends piped up, his tone laced with mockery. Oh, come on, Trudy. Its just a necklace. Why the sour face? Look! Youve made things so awkward for everyone. Are you only happy when everyone else is miserable?

Another one chimed in, Exactly. You call yourself the eldest daughter of the Peyton Family, huh? Is the Peyton Family going bankrupt or something? It's so embarrassing that you're clinging to the Lockman Familys heirloom like your life depends on it.

They were Robert's closest friend and Diana's dog. They never missed a chance to belittle me, always ready with biting comments about how I wasnt good enough for him every time I was with Robert while praising Diana.

Dont be so harsh on Trudy, Diana said softly, her tone dripped with feigned concern. She just doesnt understand Robbie yet. However, Im sure if we spend more time together, there wont be any more misunderstandings, right?

Roberts gaze landed on me, it was cold and dismissive. If youre unhappy, you shouldnt have come. Why do you come here and ruin everyone elses mood?

I stood abruptly. Fine, Ill leave. Before stepping out of the room, I paused at the door and turned back. Oh, by the way, the guest room at your place is ready. However, dont you think it might be too small for Diana? How about giving her the master bedroom? Shed be much more comfortable there.

Robert scrunched up his brows. "What do you mean my guest room? Isn't that room our guest room? As my fiance, you need to fix that habit of storming off every time youre upset. Do you plan to act like this after were married? Who would want to live with someone like that?

My laughter rang out. "Marry? Didnt we already cancel the engagement party? Lets leave the whole wedding thing for later, shall we?

Seeing my strange expression, Robert grabbed my arm, "What are you talking about? Cancelling the engagement ceremony? Are you making a fuss just for a necklace? I told you were postponing it, not canceling it. "

Before I could respond to him, my phone rang. When I picked up, it was Anthony.

He said warmly, "Trudy, the designer asked if you prefer pearls or diamonds for the tiara on your wedding dress?

My mind went to the pearl button on his tuxedo. So, I said softly, "Pearls."

Robert was upset. "What wedding dress tiara are you talking about? Trudy, have you completely lost your mind? Are you seriously having a wedding dress made to force my hand?

Across the room, Diana covered her mouth, her expression a mix of shock and heartbreak. Robbie, are you getting married?

Robert turned to me and his eyes full of disgust. Trudy, let me make something very clear. I agreed to an engagement. Thats all. Dont think you can manipulate me into marrying you with these petty tricks.

He leaned closer, his voice dripping with disdain. What were you planning? Wearing a wedding dress to the engagement party to pressure me? Is the Peyton Family that desperate to marry you off? Or is this just how far youll go to cling to me?

I tried to pull my arm free, my voice steady but firm. Let go off me, Robert. That dress is for my wedding, it has nothing to do with you.

Robert scoffed. Your wedding? Who else could you possibly marry if not me? Enough with your antics! I've seen your tricks to force me to marry you for years. I've enough Let me be frank the reason I agreed to our engagement was a courtesy to our families. Dont push your luck.

Just then, the door to the room swung open. "Let her go!"