chapter 2

The clock struck 11 when the shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake.

The number flashing on the screen was familiar—Adeline.

This late at night?

Shouldn't she be tangled up in bed with Christian by now?

Or were they just looking to spice things up by dragging me into their drama?

I hesitated for a second but still decided to pick up.

Instead of the sultry sounds I'd braced myself for, chaos and background noise poured into my ear.

I almost hung up when Adeline's syrupy voice was heard.

"Sweetheart, want to know what Christian really thinks about you?" she cooed.

"He's here telling me all about your little love story. Curious to hear what he's saying?"

My mind went blank, a sharp buzz drowning out every thought.

My fingers clenched around the phone so tightly they turned white, but I didn't feel a thing.

Christian ... how could you?

My body started trembling, beyond my control.

It took me a while to hold back the tears welling in my eyes, and I got up from bed.

It was the last night anyway.

I'd planned to leave quietly, with dignity.

But now? Why bother?

Let it all burn. If they want a war, I'll give them one.

Following the address Adeline had texted, I arrived at the door of a private room.

Inside, the lights flickered wildly, music pounded, and laughter roared.

Christian and Adeline stood in the center, basking in the crowd's cheers, edging closer and closer.

They were practically nose to nose.

Adeline pretended to shy away, glancing sideways, and her eyes met mine, who stood at the doorway.

She gave me a sly, triumphant smirk.

And then—Christian grabbed the back of her head and kissed her.

Hard. Possessively.

The room erupted in cheers.

Someone even popped champagne.

If you didn't know any better, you might've thought they were throwing a party for a newlywed couple.

I laughed bitterly. What a cheap spectacle to flaunt this at me.

I was ready to leave, but then I heard one of Adeline's friends—loud and clear.

"So, Christian, what are you planning to do about your wife?

"Now that Adeline's back and all the misunderstandings are cleared up, are you seriously still going to keep her around?

"Seriously, Adeline's giving you a second chance—don't blow it. If you did, you'll regret it."

I froze.

Even after everything, I still held onto one last thread of hope; some foolish part still wanted to know his answer.

The room quieted.

Through the glass, I saw Christian's face in profile.

He frowned and lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around him like a fog.

He looked so different from the man I once loved.

Then he spoke, calm and cold, "She's pregnant. The baby gives me leverage with my family. Once she delivers ... "

His voice faded out, but it didn't matter.

The damage was done. Like a hammer to my chest, his words shattered the last remnants of my hope.

My knees buckled. I grabbed the wall to stay upright, gasping for air as if I were drowning.

Nausea rose sharp and hot in my throat.

So this was what it meant to be truly devastated—when even breathing felt like a punishment.

Just a little longer, Maia.

I told myself.

You're leaving tomorrow. You'll never have to go through this again.

But I couldn't hold it in. I stumbled to the restroom and threw up nothing but bile.

Cold water on my face finally brought me back to my senses.

I looked in the mirror and barely recognized the red-eyed, hollow woman staring back.

Is this really me?

I had defied my entire family to move across the country and marry Christian. I'd gambled everything.

Only then did I realize how terribly wrong I'd been.

Another wave of nausea hit me, and I bent over the sink.

I patted my face.

No more. I had to get out of here.

I still had enough strength left to pack up and go.

I must not waste another second on this ugly mess.

I slapped my cheeks and shook my head, trying to clear the fog.

Then—something soft touched my back.

Startled, I straightened up and turned, ready to thank whoever it was—and recoiled instantly. Adeline.

She pulled her hand back, arms folded as she leaned against the frame with a smirk, the picture of fake concern.

"Oh, poor thing, are you okay?" she asked mockingly.

"You look awful. Really, just pitiful."

I stared at her coldly.

She chuckled, her eyes dropping to my stomach.

"Three months along, huh?" She tilted her head.

"You think the baby'll be happy? After all, you heard him. The moment it's born, he's taking it—and dumping you.

"Oh, sweetheart. That's rough." She laughed, covering her mouth like it was some joke.

I took a slow, deep breath. Then said, clear and steady, "Sounds like you're the one to pity, Ms. Wilde."

Her smile faltered.

I went on, "Being the other woman isn't easy. Hiding in the shadows for seven long months, not even allowed in the light. That's a tough job for a mistress."

I leaned into the word mistress, dragging it out. Mistress.

That did it.

Her face flushed with rage. "You—!"

I stared at her, dazed.

Did I really look like her?

Adeline stormed closer to me, her finger jabbing in my direction.

"What did you say?! You're the homewrecker! You're the one who came between us! You're the one sneaking around like a dirty little secret!"

I backed up as she advanced.

Then—she tripped.

Adeline tripped.

She stumbled forward—straight into me.

The sudden force knocked us both off balance. We crashed into the decorative display behind us.

CRASH!

A vase shattered, its porcelain pieces scattering across the floor.

I landed first, pinned under her.

Agony bloomed instantly.

Sharp fragments dug deep into my back.

I gasped, tears welling in my eyes as pain blurred my vision. Cold air hit my skin, and I drew in a sharp, broken breath.

"Adeline! What happened?!"

That voice belonged to my ex-husband. He must've noticed Adeline was gone and came looking for her.

The moment she noticed him coming, she immediately burst into sobs, clutching her hand. "She pushed me, Christian! My hand—it hurts! I'm bleeding!"

Without a moment's hesitation, he swept her into his arms.

As for me—I was still on the ground, head bowed, unable to move or speak. The pain had numbed everything but my ears.

Even then, I couldn't lift my gaze. I couldn't meet his eyes.

After a second, a sudden, searing jolt shot through my ankle.

Christian had stepped on me.

No, he hadn't just stepped—he grounded the heel of his leather shoe down onto my ankle like I was nothing.

Pain tore through me.

His voice, cold and biting, penetrated me like a knife.

"You dare lay a hand on Adeline? Unbelievable."

Each word was venom, sharp and deliberate, like a serpent coiled around my throat.

My vision blurred. The pain swallowed everything. Darkness closed in fast.

Just before I slipped under—

I heard her voice. Adeline. Still playing the victim, she raised her injured hand like a child seeking attention.

"Christian, it hurts." She pouted sweetly. "Will you stay with me tonight? Please? Don't go back."

And him? He didn't pause. Didn't think.

"Okay," he said.

"You're the only one who matters."