Chapter 2

2

I sat there stroking the cat, lost in a daze, until Cora came out. She marched right over the moment she saw me holding the pet.

"Aria, you should probably go wash up. Dinner is almost ready."

She naturally scooped the cat out of my arms. The cat didn't struggle at all; instead, it snuggled into her chest like she was its favorite person.

This cat was usually terrified of strangers. It took forever for it to warm up to anyone.

Watching Cora expertly feed the cat, my heart―which I thought was already numb―began to ache with a dull, throbbing pain.

"I'm not hungry. I'm leaving."

I walked out of Everett's apartment without another word. I hadn't been back in my own place for ten minutes before my doorbell started ringing like crazy.

"Aria, stop being so damn dramatic," Everett snapped the moment I opened the door.

"We spent all day in that kitchen just to celebrate your recovery."

"And you just walk out without saying a word? Do you have any idea how rude that is?"

"Can't you just be mature for once in your life?"

I didn't say anything. I just stared at the door until his footsteps faded away. It was only then that I realized my face was soaking wet.

The next morning, after Everett left for work, I let myself into his place and took the cat.

I have a friend who is a total cat fanatic. Sending Marshmallow to live with her was the best choice for the cat.

Once the cat was safe, I packed my bags and moved back to my parents' estate.

The Sterling mansion was as grand as ever, every corner dripping with elegance.

The Thornes lived right next door. Everett and I had been inseparable since we were in diapers.

Everyone who knew us knew I was the girl he spoiled rotten.

Everett was the only person I ever wanted to be around.

My mom used to joke that during my first birthday party, I ignored all the toys and crawled straight to Everett, refusing to let go of his leg.

Everett, who was only four at the time, sat there frozen, looking like he was facing a national crisis.

People still tell that story at parties.

My first word wasn't 'Mama' or 'Dada.' It was 'Everett.'

My parents were jealous for months.

Coming back to this house made every memory of him rush back.

My parents were surprised to see me, but mostly they were just happy to have me home.

After dinner, I followed my father into his study.

"Alright, out with it. You've looked miserable since you walked in. Did someone hurt you?"

Without a word, I slid a few photos of Everett and Cora across his desk. They looked far too close to be just friends.

My father, who usually had a smile for me, turned stone-cold the moment he saw them.

He knew exactly what kind of man Everett was supposed to be.

Everett was treating Cora as if she were special.

That 'special' treatment used to belong only to me.

I've always been someone who couldn't stand people touching my things, whether it was a toy or a dress.

If someone else can take it, I don't want it anymore. Showing my dad those photos meant one thing: I was done with Everett.

My father was silent for a long time. Finally, he looked up.

"What do you want to do, Aria?"

"I want to call off the engagement."

Everett and I started dating the day after high school graduation.

That very same day, he brought his parents over to our house to formalize our commitment.

My dad had spent years acting grumpy about it, even though he liked Everett.

"In a few days, when Mr. Thorne gets back from his trip, we'll go over there and end it," my father said quietly.

"Okay," I whispered.

I kept my head down, trying to sound calm, but hot tears were hitting the back of my hands.

When my father gently pried my hands open, he realized my nails had dug so deep into my palms that they were bleeding.