Chapter 2

Chapter 2

As soon as I stepped inside, the sound of laughter hit me like a physical blow.

Zane and Amara Vance were sitting in the living room, looking perfectly domestic. Leila's favorite show was playing on the big screen.

They were chatting about movie theories and neighborhood gossip, completely lost in their own world.

Amara looked up at Zane with watery, soulful eyes.

"I've been in this house for three years, Zane," she whispered. "I don't want to be just the tutor anymore."

Zane's hand paused as he peeled an orange. He didn't say anything for a long time.

Amara's eyes turned red. "Lyra isn't like other women. She already had everything when she married you, but do you actually have feelings for her?"

Zane frowned and took a deep breath, setting the orange down.

"That's enough," he said, though he didn't pull away.

Amara pressed on, her voice trembling. "I have nothing, Zane. But I can stay by your side and be a real wife. I'll put you first, unlike Lyra, who is always out making a name for herself."

"I'm the one who truly knows you. I'm your soulmate."

Zane's face darkened. "Amara, don't do this."

She didn't listen. She threw her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

"For you, I gave up elite universities. I gave up studying abroad. I threw away my pride to be your maid and your daughter's teacher."

"I've been here for three years. I know you feel something for me. You can't stand this close to a fire and not feel the heat, right?"

Zane didn't push her away. Instead, he pulled her closer, acknowledging everything she had sacrificed for him.

They had been high school sweethearts who kept missing their chance. I knew their history all too well.

Otherwise, why would Zane keep a secret stash of her photos in his private study?

I lowered my gaze, feeling a familiar sting in my chest. Even though I was leaving, my heart still remembered how to ache.

After all, I had truly loved him when we got married.

Amara thought we were together just because our parents were friends. She had no idea how hard I had fought for him.

Our mothers were best friends, so I grew up in his shadow. I followed him everywhere, like a lost puppy, for as long as I could remember.

My feelings for him sparked when I was just a girl.

His dream was to explore the stars, so I changed my major to match his. He hated spicy food, so I forced myself to eat a bland diet for years.

He liked peace and quiet, so I spent countless hours sitting silently beside him in libraries, even though I secretly loved the noise of the city.

I wanted to melt into his life until I was a part of him.

Finally, he noticed me―the girl who shared all his hobbies and interests.

When his parents started pressuring him to marry, he came to me with a proposal.

"We have the same personality and interests," he had said. "If you're willing, I'd like us to start a family."

I didn't sleep a wink that night. The next morning, I sent him a three-word text: "I am willing."

But no matter how hard I tried, I could never compete with the mark Amara had left on his heart.

She entered our home right after I gave birth to Leila. I thought they were just old classmates, but I was wrong.

Zane, a man who was usually so reserved, had actually gotten into fights for Amara back in the day.

Compared to their vibrant, dramatic youth, my life with him was a dull gray.

In the living room, the TV let out a burst of laughter. Amara's tears were soaking into Zane's shirt.

He held her with a deep, raw love I had never seen directed at me. They looked so perfect together.

"Mom? You're back?"

Leila's voice broke the silence. The two lovers jumped apart, looking guilty.

Amara scrambled to wipe her eyes, while Zane stood up and smoothed out his clothes.

"Lyra, don't misunderstand. I was just..." Amara started.

"It's fine," I interrupted her.

She blinked, her eyes shimmering with disbelief.

"I'm sorry," I said calmly. "I forgot to mention I was coming home early."

She stammered a confused response, but Zane just stood there, looking annoyed that I had ruined the moment.

I told myself to endure it. It was the last day. Soon, he would be free of me forever.