Chapter 2

2、

The line went dead silent for a second before a burst of loud, cackling laughter erupted from the other end.

“Hahaha! You? Divorcing Fiona? You have clung to my daughter like a stray dog for ten years!”

She scoffed into the phone. “Even if Fiona brought two men home to sleep in your bed, a cuckold like you would still beg to stay.”

“If my daughter were not so soft-hearted, what decent woman would ever look at a broken man like you?”

She snapped, “Bring the cash right now. Keep talking back, and I will make sure Fiona kicks you out on the street.”

I did not bother to respond and hung up the phone.

I had already said what needed to be said. Explaining myself to her was a waste of breath.

I pulled out a suitcase and began packing my clothes.

Now that my mind was made up, there was no reason to hesitate.

After searching through every closet, I realized with a hollow feeling that all my personal belongings could barely fill half a suitcase.

Over the years, I had poured everything into giving Fiona the best life possible.

I worked eighty-hour weeks to move us from a cramped studio apartment to a luxury four-bedroom condo, and finally into this upscale gated community.

I filled her jewelry boxes with diamonds, designer handbags, and gold watches.

Yet the only thing I owned was an old watch worth barely a hundred dollars strapped to my wrist.

The faded leather band carried the weight of our entire past.

I had always loved classic watches, but growing up poor, I could never justify buying one for myself.

Back when we were broke and madly in love, I had mentioned that little dream to her over cheap takeout.

Three months later, she surprised me with this exact watch.

“Ta-da! Look what I got you! Do you love it?”

She had beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling. “One day, I am going to buy you an entire collection of luxury watches to fill a display case!”

I found out later that she had worked two part-time waitressing jobs and skipped meals for three straight months just to afford it.

Ever since that day, I had never taken it off.

I took a deep breath, unbuckled the worn leather strap, and set the watch quietly onto the nightstand.

When I finally zipped up my suitcase, the night sky was pitch black outside the window.

Hours had passed since Fiona slammed the door and stormed out.

Letting go of a decade of my life was far more painful than I cared to admit.

With a bitter self-deprecating smile, I grabbed the handle of my luggage and turned toward the foyer.

Just as my hand touched the doorknob, the front door swung wide open.

A heavy stench of expensive alcohol and cologne rushed into the hallway.

Fiona was stumbling through the door, her face flushed red, completely draped over the shoulder of a young man.

I recognized him instantly.

Noah Drake. The so-called underprivileged college student Fiona claimed to be mentoring, who was actually a high-end club model.

Noah lifted his chin high like a champion standing over a defeated rival. He tightened his grip around Fiona’s waist, a smug grin spreading across his face.

“Hey, Colin,” he said smoothly, pretending to be polite. “Fiona seemed pretty upset tonight and had a few too many cocktails. I figured I should bring her home safely.”

His words sounded courteous, but his lips brushed intentionally against the curve of Fiona’s bare neck.

Feeling his warm breath, Fiona let out a soft whimper and buried her head deeper into his chest.

Noah smoothly scooped her up into his arms, carrying her bridal-style.

“Excuse me, Colin, I will just take her into the master bedroom to lie down.”

The smirk on his face widened as he walked toward our bedroom with complete familiarity, treating my home like his private playground.

I thought my heart was completely numb, but a sudden surge of raw fury ignited behind my ribs.

My hands trembled violently as I forced myself to stand still and breathe through the rage.

I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, but the bedroom door clicked open behind me.

Noah walked out casually, loosening his silk tie with one hand.

“Hey, Colin, leaving so soon? Don't you want to chat for a minute?”

Noah dropped the innocent facade entirely, his voice dripping with arrogance.

“I have nothing to say to you,” I replied coldly, keeping my back turned.