Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I sat in a corner where no one noticed me. The loud celebration in the room felt like it belonged to another world.

Soon, Maya and Zane walked in one after the other. Zane habitually sat down next to me, while Maya walked toward the center of the room to the sound of cheers.

Sebastian placed a diamond tiara on Maya's head and kissed her cheek with a look of pure devotion.

"Happy birthday, honey. I'll love you forever," he whispered.

The crowd erupted in whistles and cheers.

Zane leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Are you still thinking about Sebastian?"

Normally, I would have thought he was asking out of jealousy.

But now I knew better. Zane was just afraid I might try to steal Maya's man.

Before my family went bankrupt, I was a headstrong heiress. I fought for everything I wanted.

But Zane seemed to forget that when my family collapsed and my parents took their own lives, my pride and spirit died with them.

I forced a bitter smile. "No. How could I ever be good enough for him anyway?"

How could I possibly compete with Maya Thorne for any man?

I couldn't take Sebastian, and I couldn't keep Zane.

I kept thinking about what Zane said to Maya: "Since the person I married isn't you, I don't care if I'm living with a pig."

In his heart, I was no different from livestock.

Zane didn't seem to notice my mood. He gripped my hand tightly, his thumb tracing circles on my palm.

I used to think this was our special little habit. Now I realized he only did it because he found my body repulsive.

I quietly pulled my hand away.

"You guys have fun. I'm a bit tired, so I'm heading home first."

Zane looked relieved, but he still gave me a smiling nod.

Of course. Once I was gone, he could openly dote on Maya without hiding.

But as soon as I stood up, a spotlight suddenly hit me. I knew the person controlling the lights did it on purpose.

Back when I was a spoiled socialite, I offended a lot of people. Now that the Summers family was down, everyone was waiting to laugh at me.

My fiancé had betrayed me, and even the man I shared a bed with was obsessed with Maya.

Every eye in the room landed on me. I was trapped, unable to leave or stay comfortably.

"Oh, look! Isn't this our very own Miss Mia Summers?" someone shouted, their tone dripping with sarcasm.

I had spent years avoiding these circles, but Zane had insisted I come tonight. He knew I would be humiliated.

When we left the house, he had held my hand and told me everything would be okay because he was there.

I was so stupid. I was foolish enough to trust him unconditionally.

What did my dignity matter to Zane Brooks? He was just in a hurry to see Maya.