Chapter 2

2.

Countdown: 25 days.

For the past five days, Declan’s social media account, which had been dormant for years, suddenly became very active.

During the day, they were feeding pigeons at Union Square in San Francisco.

At night, they were wine tasting and stargazing at a private vineyard in Napa Valley.

I didn't miss a single post of the places they went together.

As for his promise to me? He had completely forgotten it.

I stood up and started packing my luggage.

Just as I turned my walk-in closet into a mess, I received a call from Declan’s assistant, Josh.

"Mrs. Sterling, don't forget the fireworks show at the Santa Monica Pier tonight at 8 PM," Josh sounded anxious.

"If anything goes wrong, Mr. Sterling will fire me."

In these years of marriage, only Josh called me "Mrs. Sterling."

He was the only one who knew about our secret marriage.

I didn't want to make things hard for him, so I agreed.

But as I drove toward Santa Monica, I felt dazed.

Five years ago, when we first got married, Declan rented out half the pier to throw me a fireworks show.

Josh had notified me back then, too.

Five years later, driving down the same Pacific Coast Highway to the same spot, my heart felt completely different.

I parked nearby.

The place was packed with tourists and media.

I felt a bit confused. Maybe I had the wrong location? So, I called Declan.

Endless busy signals, then voicemail.

I dialed again.

Still nothing.

I checked my watch. It was almost eight.

Someone in the crowd shouted, "The fireworks are about to start!"

"I heard the CEO of Sterling Group planned this specifically for his girlfriend. We’re lucky to catch it!"

I froze.

Declan’s public image was single.

The "girlfriend" they were talking about couldn't be me, his hidden wife.

It had to be her.

I knew the best viewing spot was the VIP terrace at the end of the pier.

Since I was already here, I might as well look.

At least fireworks might make me feel better.

I squeezed through the crowd to the front and finally saw Declan.

He stood in the prime spot, deeply embracing Victoria.

Boom!

The fireworks lit up the entire bay.

I listened to the explosions, and I listened to Declan’s heartfelt confession to Victoria over the microphone.

A reporter shoved a mic in Victoria’s face. "Miss Vance, what is your answer?"

Declan held Victoria’s shoulders, looking at her with anticipation.

Victoria acted shy and was about to speak when her eyes met mine.

She paused.

Declan followed her gaze.

When he saw me, he froze. A strangled sound escaped his throat.

"Lily..."

In that moment, the entire pier seemed to go silent.

Everyone’s eyes shifted from him to me.

Victoria raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Honey, who is this?"

Declan licked his lips nervously. His eyes darted around, looking for a way out.

I smiled.

Under the scrutiny of hundreds of people, I used my best professional tone.

"I am Lily Summers. I am Mr. Sterling’s..."

Declan stepped forward nervously, as if to stop me.

But I finished my sentence calmly.

"...cousin."

As the words left my mouth, the tension in my hands released.

"My aunt asked me to come see if my future sister-in-law is pretty. Did I scare you?"

Declan’s tense expression instantly relaxed. He nodded at me with satisfaction.

He never wanted our relationship exposed. Neither did his mother.

Whenever I attended charity galas with his mom, she made me call her "Auntie."

That "Auntie" and "Cousin" I had used for five years became the perfect excuse tonight.

The fireworks show continued. No one cared about me anymore.

Suddenly, the sky opened up. A torrential downpour began.

Declan rushed to shield Victoria. "Victoria is frail, she can't get wet! Make way! Bring the car around!"

He protected her like she was a rare jewel, escorting her into the back of a black Rolls-Royce.

He left me standing there alone.

The rain was freezing.

But I didn't feel cold.

I guess after five years of this marriage, I was just used to it.