Chapter 2

2

Catching up with old friends took over the evening. As the guest of honor, I was the center of attention.

Someone asked about my Parisian romances. Someone else brought up my internationally acclaimed art exhibitions. Another friend jokingly complained, "Seriously, Chloe, why are you so successful? Your exhibitions are sold out everywhere, and your galleries are popping up all over the globe. My dad keeps comparing me to you, telling me to stop shopping and focus on something meaningful, like art."

I laughed. "It's just a hobby."

Ashton, who'd been quiet, spoke up. "You've learned modesty, I see."

His tone… It was familiar, almost intimate, as if we'd never had that ugly breakup, as if he'd never said those cruel things to me.

I didn't know how to respond. It felt… strange. Almost flirtatious.

Before I could figure out what to say, he added, "I saw your 'Whispers of Dreams' exhibition. It was amazing."

Now, not only me, but my friends, too, noticed something was off. Their eyes darted between Ashton and me.

I kept my composure. "Oh, thanks." I paused, then added casually, "Did you see it with Lily? Speaking of which, where is she? I haven't seen her in years. We were classmates, after all."

His expression cooled. "She's at home. Something came up." He said it like she was a stranger.

I didn't understand his attitude toward the woman he'd once claimed to love so desperately. But I didn't want to get involved.

I laughed lightly and changed the subject.

It wasn't until the party ended that we saw Lily, sitting in the lobby. She was staring intently at the VIP elevator, looking anxious and nervous. The moment the doors opened, she jumped up.

She'd clearly been waiting for us.

Everyone was taken aback.

She forced a smile, glancing around until her eyes landed on me, standing next to Ashton. Her face paled.

She stared at me, a lost, almost frightened look in her eyes. Like I was her worst nightmare.

I was completely baffled.