Chapter 2

2

"Caden, do you think Sera is hiding because she doesn't want to help me?" Lorelei asked, her voice trembling.

Caden gently stroked her hair, his expression softening with affection.

"Don't worry, honey. It's just a little complication. Even if Sera won't help, I'll search the whole world to find a donor for you."

Lorelei pouted slightly. "But Sera's blood worked so well. The doctor said he'd never seen two people with such a perfect match."

Caden looked at the closed door, his gaze full of dark promise. "Then for your sake, I'll dig through the earth itself to drag her out!"

In that moment, my heart couldn't help but ache.

Looking at the two of them, memories from years ago came rushing back like a tidal wave.

Caden and I were childhood sweethearts. Back then, he was like the warm spring sun―bright and kind.

I was the one who fell in love first.

Later, we got married.

I thought he was my rock. My whole world revolved around him.

I stayed by his side while he struggled through school, sharing every hardship and every meager meal.

He promised he would protect me for the rest of his life.

In the beginning, he actually did.

But the world is unpredictable. Dreams eventually crumble under the weight of reality.

When he was trying to break into the political world, I worked tirelessly to pave his way.

That was when I met Dominic, the heir to a massive real estate empire.

Dominic was a spoiled playboy who spent his days wasting money.

From the moment he saw me, he swarmed around me like a fly. He even tried to get physical with me at a gala.

Finally, during one event, a drunken Dominic tried to force himself on me. Caden didn't hesitate. He grabbed a glass bottle and smashed it over Dominic's head.

Because of that one act, everything changed.

We didn't just lose the support of the powerful elites; we had to give up everything we owned just to keep Dominic from pressing charges.

The price we paid was much higher than just money.

That night, Caden held me in his arms and apologized.

He said he was sorry. He promised that once he made it big, he would never let anyone bully me again.

He was right. Once he became successful, no one dared to touch me.

Except for him. He was the only one who treated me with pure, unadulterated hatred.

I didn't want to remember those things anymore.

I looked at that face I hadn't seen in years. It was colder and more ruthless than ever.

The hot summer wind messed up his hair. It deepened the frown on his face, making him look burdened.

He held Lorelei close, his eyes fixed on the tall weeds growing around the doorstep. He seemed lost in thought.