Chapter 2

2.

I closed my eyes, the scenes from the anniversary party flashing through my mind.

Isabelle, dressed to the nines on Julian’s arm, while the guests shot me looks of pity and scorn.

"Is that the award-winning actress Isabelle Reed? Wasn't she blacklisted by the Harrisons and kicked out of the country by Julian three years ago? She’s back?"

"You haven't heard? She had a baby in Europe."

"An affair?"

"Shh, stop it. Can't you see how pale Ella looks?"

"Tsk, she brought this on herself. She had everything and still had to screw it up."

Only three years. He had sworn, sworn on his life, that Isabelle Reed would never set foot in America again. Now, just three years later, he had secretly brought her and her son back. He even flew into a rage and sent himself to the emergency room because I’d scratched her.

I opened my eyes, meeting his bloodthirsty gaze. "Julian, who's the one with no conscience?"

I laughed, but a bitter sting filled my eyes. "They're back. So what about our little Leo? How can he rest in peace…?"

His pupils contracted violently. "Ella…"

Just then, a soft, fragile woman's voice came from the doorway. "Julian, I woke up and you were gone."

"You're not well yet, I was worried… that she wouldn't take good care of you. Didn't the doctor say your recovery has been slow because you haven't been properly cared for these past few years? Besides, I was afraid… afraid she might have another breakdown…"

Isabelle pulled the little boy beside her closer. "Cody was worried about you too…"

I let out a cold laugh and shoved Julian off me. He was already running on fumes, and my sudden push sent him stumbling back into the sharp corner of the marble coffee table. He struggled to get up.

"Oh my god! Ella, are you insane? Why would you hurt him!" Isabelle shrieked, rushing to his side, but Julian, his face livid, violently pushed her away.

After a long moment, he pushed himself up, straightened his messy clothes, and bent down to pick up Cody, who was on the verge of tears. He walked out without another word, his face a tight mask of fury.

Isabelle shot me a triumphant look over her shoulder and hurried after them.

I didn't move. I didn't watch them go. I had tried to stop him so many times before. This time, I had no fight left in me.