Chapter 2

2

When I finally headed downstairs, I was surprised to see Quentin had made breakfast for himself.

He heard my footsteps but kept eating his oatmeal without looking up.

"How was your check-up the other day? I assume the baby is fine."

"I know you're upset about Aria, but there's no need to be this dramatic. You claimed you were in labor, but the due date isn't for another two weeks."

Quentin pulled a jewelry box from behind him. "Here. Stop being mad..."

He stopped mid-sentence when he looked up at me. "Who are you trying to impress with that half-dead look on your face?"

Even though the tragedy had happened, my stomach hadn't fully gone down yet. I still looked somewhat pregnant, so he noticed nothing.

Looking at that box, I felt a chill. This was his standard move to shut me up, and I used to fall for it every time.

But now, I didn't want a late gift. I didn't want his late concern or his fake love.

I remained silent, staring at him coldly. I wanted to see how long it would take for him to realize his child was gone.

Clearly, my silence angered him again. He swept the jewelry box off the table with a loud crash.

"What is your problem? I've lowered myself to apologize. Isn't that enough? Don't push your luck!"

"Quentin, don't be angry!" A woman's voice suddenly interrupted.

Quentin was glaring at me with fury, but standing right behind him was Aria.

She walked out of the guest room wearing a silk robe, looking like she had just woken up.

Quentin had actually brought her into our home. No wonder he had made breakfast; he was catering to someone else entirely.

Seeing me staring, she hurriedly pulled her robe tighter, acting modest.

"Elara, please don't misunderstand. I got too drunk last night and didn't have my keys. Quentin just brought me here to crash. Don't..."

I cut her off, my face expressionless. "You don't need to explain. Now that you're awake, get out."

At that single sentence, she looked as if I had slapped her. Tears welled up instantly.

"Elara, really, don't get the wrong idea! Quentin and I are just friends!"

"Even if I still have feelings for him, he's married to you now. I would never ruin your marriage. If my presence bothers you, I'll leave. I'll move abroad."

She wiped away non-existent tears, her words expertly crafted to play the victim.

I had said one sentence, and she had turned it into a whole drama, making Quentin's resentment toward me boil over.

He immediately jumped to her defense. "Who do you think you are, acting like this? Aria is being kind enough to explain, and you talk to her like that?"

"Apologize to her right now."

In the past, Quentin's rebukes would have terrified me. I cared about him, so I feared disappointing him.

But now, I didn't give a damn.

I let out a sharp laugh. "I'm acting out? Did I stop you two from seeing each other? Did I chase her out with a broom?"

"Fine! If she wants to be here so badly, she can stay. I'll be the one to leave!"

My indifference seemed to trigger something in him. As I tried to walk past, he grabbed my arm with a crushing grip.

"Elara Thorne! Did you hear me? I told you to apologize!"

"Let go!" His grip was agonizing. I tried to shake him off with all my strength, but he was too strong.

In a fit of rage, he shoved me away, and I went flying toward the dining table.