Chapter 2

2:

On the day I was supposed to fly out, I let Aria drive me to the airport.

I even let her watch me walk through the security gate.

But as soon as she drove away, I slipped back out.

I checked into the very hotel where her wedding with Xavier was being held.

On the day of the ceremony, I walked into the ballroom and saw a photo wall of the happy couple.

There was a photo of them both in their high school uniforms.

That was when I realized they had been together since our school days.

I closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them, they were cold and indifferent.

As I was planning how to tear off Aria's mask, Xavier arrived, looking sharp in a tailored suit.

He was surrounded by a group of our old classmates who were busy kissing his boots.

"Xavier, you're the man! You actually managed to land the ice queen of our class!"

"We went to school together for three years and I never knew Aria was so loaded. Man, marrying a woman with that much beauty and cash? You're set for life!"

"Different people have different fates, I guess. Xavier definitely won the lottery here!"

Listening to their flattery, I felt like laughing. Xavier, however, looked incredibly smug.

"We're all old friends. If any of you need help in the future, just call me. I'll do what I can!"

His words made the group cheer even harder.

Suddenly, someone spoke up.

"Hey Xavier, I heard Aria's dowry includes a priceless jade scepter. When are you going to show it off to us?"

My breath hitched.

That jade scepter was a family heirloom passed down from my grandmother to my mother.

Before my mother passed away, she gave it to me to give to my future wife.

I had told Aria exactly how much that piece meant to me.

And yet, she had given it to Xavier.

My knuckles cracked as I balled my fists. A wave of fury washed over me.

Just as I started walking toward Xavier, someone in his group spotted me.

"Oh, look! Isn't that Grant? I didn't think you'd have the guts to show up."

"Grant, that suit looks expensive. Did you rent it just for Xavier's wedding?"

"Xavier is the groom today. Even if you dress up like a gentleman, Aria won't give you a second look."

A few classmates whose names I couldn't even remember started mocking me instantly.

They used me as a punching bag to keep Xavier in a good mood.

Seeing Xavier's grin widen, others joined in the bullying.

"I mean, Grant, after all these years, are you still this vain? Renting a suit like that must have cost your whole paycheck. Why bother?"

"Grant, I heard you're just a low-level salesman at some tiny firm. See? Good grades don't mean anything in the real world. No wonder our class sweetheart didn't want you back then!"

"Xavier said you acted all high and mighty when he sent the invite, claiming you were too busy. What happened? Realized you could get some crumbs from Xavier's table and rushed over early?"

I stared at them, my face hardening under their baseless insults.

Just as I was about to speak, the phone in my hand lit up.

Xavier's sharp eyes caught the lock screen―it was a photo of me and Aria together.

His face darkened instantly. He lunged forward and snatched the phone from my hand.

"Why the hell is your wallpaper a photo of you and my wife!"