Chapter 2

2.

My mother was ecstatic to hear that her daughter was finally coming home after three years.

"That's wonderful! It's about time the Sterling empire was handed over to you," she cheered.

"By the way, you mentioned introducing us to someone recently. Your boyfriend? Will he be coming with you?"

When Silas's company was about to go public, I had planned to tell him the truth today. I was going to bring him home to meet my parents. But now...

I gripped my phone, fighting back the wave of bitter emotion.

"There is no boyfriend. It was a mistake."

There was a pause on the other end. My mother didn't push, only sighing softly.

"Alright. Our company has a major press gala in five days. Avery, I want you to attend as our official representative. It's the perfect time to announce you as the heir."

I agreed and hung up after a few more words.

"Avery? When did you get here?" someone asked, stepping out of the lounge.

The noise inside the room died down instantly. I felt a burning, nervous gaze lock onto me. It was Silas.

I swallowed the bitterness and kept my voice flat. "I just arrived."

Silas let out a visible sigh of relief. He smiled and beckoned me over.

"Come in. This celebration wouldn't be complete without you."

His friends chimed in immediately.

"Exactly! If Avery hadn't been there for Silas, this IPO never would have happened so fast."

"She can land a contract and take care of his home life at the same time. We're all jealous, Silas."

"You better cherish her, man."

These men had seen everything. They were trying to convince Silas to let go of Clarissa and stick with me.

Silas didn't respond. He just picked up his glass and took a slow sip of bourbon.

I saw right through his silence. He was avoiding the topic entirely.

I forced a small smile and sat down as if I knew nothing. "Congratulations."

Silas turned to me, his eyes tender. It was hard to believe this was the same man who had just said he'd never marry me.

"Avery, thank you for these three years. Without you, I..."

He was cut off by a sudden voice at the door.

"Silas... I'm back."

Clarissa Moore stood there, her eyes red and watery. She stared directly at Silas, ignoring everyone else.

Silas's grip on his glass tightened until his knuckles turned white. His expression went cold and hard.

"Clarissa. Moore. You actually have the nerve to show your face here?"

I looked down, feeling a surge of irony. If I hadn't heard him admit he still loved her, I might have been fooled by his icy tone.

Clarissa bit her lip, looking like she might collapse.

"I know you hate me for leaving. But I..."

She stopped, letting a tear fall. "I heard about the IPO. I just wanted to say congratulations in person."

"Now that I've said it, I'll go. I know I'm not wanted here."

She gave him one last tragic look and turned to leave, covering her face.

The room was deathly quiet. All eyes were on Silas.

After a long moment, he let out a short laugh and put his glass down.

"What are you all looking at? It's a party. Don't let an irrelevant person ruin the mood. Let's drink!"

The atmosphere picked up again, but it felt forced.

No one mentioned Clarissa again, but I noticed something. Even though Silas was laughing with his friends, his eyes kept darting toward the door.

I finished my drink in one gulp, mocking my own stupidity.

When the party ended, everyone said their goodbyes. Silas and I walked toward the parking lot together.

The cold wind made me shiver, and I wrapped my arms around myself.

Suddenly, a warm coat was draped over my shoulders.

"It's freezing. Don't catch a cold," Silas said softly. He even reached out to button it for me.

I stared at him. I remembered a night three years ago, during our first winter together.

We were broke, huddled in a basement with no heat, clinging to each other for warmth.

He had spent the night getting up to refill hot water bottles so I wouldn't freeze.

As a billionaire's daughter, I had never known such hardship, but in that cold basement, my heart had burned for him.

The memory flickered in my mind, making me crave a real answer, even though I already knew the truth.

"Silas," I asked. "Are you ever going to marry me?"