Even though I expected it in my heart, I still felt heartbroken when I saw her choose Grayson without hesitation.
I moved aside and carefully placed the little black snake in a plastic bag, planning to dig a hole in the backyard to bury it.
As I passed them, Grayson suddenly started coughing violently, his face turning pale.
Joyce hurriedly handed a handkerchief to him, gently patting his back.
Once his coughing subsided, Grayson casually glanced at the bag in my hand before turning away.
Joyce, always observant, picked up on this and quickly asked.
"Grayson, what's wrong?"
Grayson opened his mouth as if to say something, but then stopped, shaking his head regretfully.
"Nothing. I just suddenly remembered the doctor told me to take good care of my health, or I would suffer later.
"Unfortunately, I haven't found any decent supplements in over half a month…"
My previously calmed anger flared up again with his words.
But Joyce pretended not to see my furious expression and turned to me hopefully.
"Colten, why don't you just give the meat back to Grayson? He's in poor health, and he can't wait any longer.
"I've apologized to you, and I won't hold the slap you gave me against you. Just give me the meat. Once Grayson recovers, I promise we'll live a happy life again."
My fists clenched tightly.
"Joyce, can't you understand me?
"I told you to get out. Bitches and dogs are not welcome here."
Joyce's face instantly changed, and she looked up at me, her eyes full of anger.
"Colten, how far do you intend to take this?
"It's my fault for not discussing it with you beforehand, but it's just a snake. So what if it was your dad's keepsake?
"It's just a snake, a soulless beast.
"It's not your dad!"
I was completely enraged by Joyce and grabbed her hair, slapping her several times until her face turned red and swollen before letting go.
Joyce covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks as she cried out.
"Colten, how dare you hit me?
"I'm your fiancee! Do you still want to marry me?"
I interrupted her coldly, "Fiancee? Never heard of it."
"What about the wedding invitations on the floor?"
"Oh, that? That's my proof of calling off the engagement."
Joyce stumbled back in disbelief, staring at me, her body swaying.
She forced herself to maintain her dignity, asking carefully.
"Colten, are you serious?"
"Of course I'm serious."