Chapter 2

2

I handled my own discharge papers.

I went home, but even without seeing Hayes, the floating comments kept me updated on his every move.

While I was hunched over in pain from the after-effects of the crash, the screen was filled with "so sweet" messages.

"Last night was the first time for the hero and heroine."

"The sweetness is off the charts. Hayes was so gentle, telling her he wants a daughter who looks just like her."

"I totally get it! The cold, untouchable CEO is finally on his knees for her."

In the dark of the night, tears hit the floor.

During my pregnancy, Hayes never showed any excitement for the baby.

He was cold, even. He only said he was worried about my health.

Now I realized he just didn't want a child from me.

When I woke up, Hayes was sitting by my bed. He grabbed my hand, his voice soft.

"Why did you come home alone without saying a word? Did something happen?"

In that moment, I desperately wanted to ask him what I had been to him all these years.

But Clementine's bright, smiling face suddenly appeared in my mind.

Hayes pulled Clementine forward. "Sylvia, Clementine just recovered. It's not safe for a girl to live alone."

"I'm planning to move her into the East Wing. What do you think?"

As soon as he mentioned the East Wing, the comments exploded.

"That's the room Hayes prepared for her from the very beginning."

"Exactly. Even the decor is in her favorite color, sage green. Hayes is so in love."

This was supposed to be our marital home.

But when Hayes was decorating, he kept the room with the best light for himself.

He painted it a soft green that didn't match the warm yellow of the rest of the house.

He claimed it was a guest room.

But over the years, he never let anyone stay there. Even when I wanted to turn it into a nursery, he refused.

He had been planning this for her for so long.

I gave a bitter smile. The pain in my lower body made me just want to crawl into bed.

Hayes noticed how pale I was. He supported me, his face full of fake concern.

"Sylvia, the doctor said you're still recovering. Don't worry, I'll take good care of you."

Because I was so weak, I didn't push him away.

But as I turned, Hayes froze in place.

Clementine pouted and tugged at his sleeve. "Hayes, I'm scared to be alone. Can you stay with me?"

I knew she was doing it on purpose. I saw the spark of provocation in her eyes.

Hayes looked at me with a sliver of apology. "Sylvia, she's still young. I'll walk her to her room first."

I knew she had won again.

I shook my head and laughed at myself. The comments appeared again.

"It's tonight! Hayes sees the locket and realizes she's the girl who saved his life years ago!"

"He's going to divorce the wife and finally be with the heroine!"

"Yes! The supporting character is finally leaving the stage. Let the romance begin!"

The screen was cheering. I watched Hayes leave and fell into a deep thought.

As far as I knew, Clementine wasn't a kind-hearted soul.

More importantly, that locket was a memento from my mother that she snatched from me two years ago.

I didn't care about their fated romance.

But this reminded me of something. Since I was leaving, I needed to take back what belonged to me.