Chapter 2

02

I stumbled away in a complete daze, nearly running into several staff members along the walkway.

By the time I reached the main gate, I ran into another one of Jared’s close friends.

He was holding a colorful baby rattle, looking surprised to see me.

“Josie? You came back from your retreat early?”

“What are you doing here all of a sudden?”

Looking at him, memories of the past three years flooded my mind.

Three years ago, a prominent society patron organized a prestigious charity retreat, inviting a few select young women. Those who completed it would return with elite social standing.

Knowing my family background was no match for Jared’s wealthy lineage, I begged his mother to secure me a spot.

I rushed back early just to get Jared a blessed safety charm, never expecting to overhear the truth that shattered my heart.

My lips parted, but no words came out. I stood frozen, completely overwhelmed.

Only in this moment did the cruel reality truly sink in.

Jared had never loved me. He had lied to me for ten whole years.

And the girl I treated like a sister had betrayed me behind my back.

I could not understand why fate was so cruel, denying me family, friendship, and love all at once.

Just then, Jared’s familiar, gentle voice called out from behind me.

“Josie? When did you get back?”

I turned around to face him. He stood by the gate, his eyes subtly scanning me with suspicion.

“The patron concluded the retreat ahead of schedule,” I replied evenly.

If I had not come back early, I would still be kept in the dark like a fool.

“Why didn't you write in advance so I could pick you up? It was a long journey, you must be exhausted.”

Jared looked at me with tender concern.

“Why didn't you head straight home instead of coming here?”

“I came to get a protective charm for your mother,” I lied smoothly.

A tiny part of me still wanted to see if he would confess the truth on his own.

“Let us head back together. The car is waiting at the bottom of the hill,” Jared said softly as he walked toward me.

Noticing my intense gaze, a flash of unease crossed his eyes.

He tried to lighten the mood. “They say girls change as they grow. After three years, you have become even more stunning.”

“I am starting to worry I do not deserve you.”

I did not respond to his joke. My eyes were fixed on the silk pouch at his waist, embroidered with a pair of lovebirds.

The stitching was unmistakable. Evie had made it.

A tight knot formed in my throat, leaving me completely numb inside.

When we were kids, he used to tell me I was his favorite person in the world, bringing me all sorts of treats and gifts.

He once swore to the heavens: “Josie, we grew up together. I promise you will be my only bride, and I will never look at another woman.”

“I will wait for you forever, and my heart will never change.”

Yet the bloody reality was staring me right in the face. He had been lying all along.

“You don't need to worry,” I said quietly, looking straight into his eyes.

“That is good to hear. Let us get you home to rest, and we will host a welcome party once you settle in,” Jared said, letting out a subtle sigh of relief.