Chapter 2

2

I let out another cold laugh. Everyone knew that Eliana treated her childhood friend like he was made of glass.

If he called her in the middle of the night, she would drop everything to go to him, no matter what we were doing.

I used to think she just saw him as a younger brother. I never complained because I truly wanted to be a good partner to her.

But this time, they had gone way too far.

Liam was currently traveling the world and posting happy photos everywhere. He didn't look like someone struggling with his mental health at all.

I must have been blind to get involved with people like them.

My father's eyes widened as he barked at me, "Did you hear what Eliana said? Stop this nonsense and go home. You're embarrassing this family!"

I looked at my father and asked, "Am I your son, or is Eliana your child?"

He froze for a second, then his brow furrowed deeper. "Don't talk back to me! Of course you're my son. Why else would I be standing here trying to knock some sense into your ungrateful head?"

I shook my head in frustration and turned my gaze toward Eliana.

I could see a flicker of triumph in her eyes. "See? Even your parents agree with me. Just come home and stop acting out."

I stopped struggling and gave a slow nod. "Fine. But only if you get a divorce from Liam first."

Eliana's expression shifted instantly. "I can't do that right now. Liam is still on medication. A divorce would be too much of a trigger for him."

I laughed harshly and looked at my parents. "You heard her. I'm not going back until that marriage is over."

I broke away from them and walked out.

I wasn't actually giving in. I just needed to stabilize the situation so I could plan a real escape later.

I checked into a nearby hotel. A few days later, Eliana finally called me.

She sounded exhausted. "Caleb, are you happy now? I've talked to Liam about a divorce. Just please, stop this behavior!"

At the same time, my father sent me a text: "Get your ass back here. We're having a family dinner to finalize your wedding plans. Don't you realize how successful Eliana's company is now? If you don't marry her, someone else will snatch her up!"

I stared at the screen and smiled bitterly.

In the past, Eliana claimed she didn't want to be seen as a social climber. Now that her business was thriving, she had become the 'prize' my parents wanted to claim.

She had completely won them over with her success.

I decided to go to the dinner. No matter what, I needed to bring this to a definitive end.

The dining table was covered with Eliana's favorite dishes. My parents were chatting and laughing with her like they were one big, happy family.

The atmosphere turned cold the moment I sat down.

It hurt to realize that the home I grew up in for over twenty years had crumbled because of her.

I didn't let my emotions show. My father glanced at me and grunted, "So you finally decided to show up."

Eliana played the peacemaker. "It's okay, Dad. I'm just glad Caleb is back."

She then turned to me with a soft expression. "Caleb, let's just focus on our future. I promise I'll treat you better than anyone else."

I ignored her empty promises and looked her in the eye. "Where are the divorce papers? You said you'd do it, but you haven't yet, have you?"

Her face turned icy. "Why do you always have to ruin the mood? I said I would do it, and I will. But Liam is in a fragile state. He cries every time I mention it. Can't we just wait a little longer?"

"How can you be so cold-blooded?" she added.

She only dared to act this way because she knew my parents were shielding her.

I stood up to leave. "You have seven days. If the divorce isn't finalized by then, don't bother talking to me again."

"Sit back down!" my father roared.

"Caleb! Your mother and I have spoiled you for too long. You've become completely unmanageable. Starting today, you stay in this house until the wedding day!"