Chapter 2

2

As I brushed past him, Silas let out a sudden cry and collapsed onto the pavement.

Aria rushed to his side immediately.

My heart felt like it had been dropped into a bucket of ice. I ignored her screaming at me from behind.

"Bennet! Silas came here to apologize and clear the air. I can't believe you're acting like this! It's not just rude; it's manipulative!"

"I never realized how petty you were. You have no compassion, just endless jealousy!"

Watching her explode just to protect Silas made me realize how little I was actually worth to her.

Years ago, when Aria's father was terminally ill, Silas was her boyfriend. He had just started dating a CEO's daughter to climb the social ladder.

He didn't help the Thorne family at all. In fact, he mocked them for their struggle.

I had loved Aria in secret for years. When I saw what was happening, I turned down a prestigious internship abroad and stayed to care for her father. I even covered all the medical bills.

Later, with her father's blessing, we naturally ended up together.

We had been married for four years, and Silas's business had flourished for those same four years.

Every time Aria saw news about him, she would curse. "I hope he crashes and burns."

Two months ago, he finally did.

Silas called Aria, claiming his partners had screwed him over and he had nothing left. He told her he wanted to end it all.

That day was my birthday. Aria didn't say a word to me; she just vanished to be by his side.

She even took a week off work to stay with him. To keep me in the dark, she lied and said she was on a business trip.

I only found out when I ran into her colleague, Lily.

"Bennet, how is Aria doing? What hospital is she in? I'd like to go visit her."

I forced myself to stay calm and made some small talk before hanging up and calling Aria.

When she picked up, she was breathing heavily, sounding completely flustered.

"Hey... honey... what's up?"

"Where are you? What are you doing?"

"I... I'm at the airport. I'm busy checking in... I have to go. I'll FaceTime you when I land."

Before she hung up, I thought I heard Silas's voice in the background.

I immediately tried to video call her, but she didn't pick up.

When I confronted her later, she stumbled over her words, claiming she just ran into Silas at the airport and her phone was on airplane mode.