Chapter 3

Chapter 3

In that moment, I was overwhelmed with embarrassment and helplessness.

It felt exactly like the time I begged Sebastian in front of everyone when my family was on the verge of ruin.

Back then, Zane had appeared like a hero to pull me out of that nightmare.

I thought he was my salvation. I didn't realize he was just a different kind of hell.

Maya walked over with a smile and took my hand, acting like the perfect friend.

"Don't tease Mia. I'm just so happy she could make it tonight."

Even if she didn't say it outright, I knew exactly what she meant.

I used to be the golden girl, and Maya was just a girl from a nouveau riche family trying to fit in. Now, the people who used to look down on her were looking down on me.

How the tables have turned.

Maya wasn't helping me. She was reminding everyone that I was no longer the glamorous heiress I used to be.

I clenched my fists so hard my body shook.

Before I knew the truth, I might have felt like Zane was my shield. I would have felt fearless.

But now I knew Zane was on her side. He would let her insult and mock me as much as she wanted.

Given a choice, Zane would always choose Maya over me.

I forced a faint smile and gathered my courage.

"Maya, happy birthday. I'm not feeling well, so I'll be leaving now."

As I spoke, I tried to pull my arm away from her grip.

Suddenly, Maya stumbled backward as if I had shoved her. She let out a soft cry.

Sebastian and Zane both lunged forward at the same time to catch her. They shielded her so well that she didn't even touch the floor.

Once she was steady, she looked at me with a wounded expression.

"Mia, I just wanted you to stay a little longer. We haven't seen each other in so long. Why did you push me?

"Is it because I'm with your ex-fiancé? Are you still holding a grudge?

"I thought you had moved on…"

Sebastian immediately glared at me with pure hatred.

"Mia Summers, have you learned nothing? How dare you try to hurt Maya! Apologize to her right now!"

Then, Sebastian turned to Zane.

"Control your wife. If anything happens to Maya, I'm holding both of you responsible!"

Zane looked at me with a cold, unwavering gaze.

"Mia, apologize!" His tone left no room for argument.

It was such a pathetic trick. Anyone with eyes could see Maya had faked it, but not a single person in the room stood up for me.

One was my childhood sweetheart and ex-fiancé. The other was the man I called my husband.

They were both happy to be played by Maya. They were both willing to follow her every command.

My heart ached so much I could barely breathe.

Mom, Dad, why didn't you take me with you? Then I wouldn't have to be lied to and bullied like a stray dog.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. I stared at Zane as tears began to cloud my vision.

"Do you really… want me to apologize?"

I asked him, even though it was obvious what Maya had done.

Zane didn't hesitate. "It was your fault. Don't ruin such a beautiful night for everyone."

My heart skipped a beat, then filled with a dull, throbbing pain that spread to my very bones.

I had hoped that Zane might at least look away guiltily. I hoped he had a shred of conscience left.

But I was wrong. In his mind, I was nothing but trash.