Chapter 2

2

The day I was discharged, I walked out to find Ethan's car parked near the entrance.

He looked stunned to see me. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes. "What… what are you doing out here?"

"I'm being discharged today. Weren't you here to pick me up?" I asked, keeping my voice flat.

He hesitated for a second, then forced a fake smile. "Oh, right. Yeah, I'm here for you."

I got into the car. The moment I sat down, I was hit by the heavy scent of a woman's perfume.

Makeup bags and designer purses were scattered across the back seat.

Then I saw it. A pair of black lace thongs was tucked into the crevice of the passenger seat.

It was so blatant I could barely breathe.

He followed my gaze and his expression shifted instantly. He shoved the scrap of lace into his pocket.

"My driver had the car yesterday," he muttered. "That idiot… I'm docking his pay."

Silence filled the car. I kept my head down, saying nothing.

He sensed my mood and pulled a gift bag from the back. "A gift to celebrate you coming home."

I took the bag and realized the seal on the box had already been broken.

Inside was a diamond necklace. It was gaudy and loud, exactly Carly's style.

I even found a long, thin strand of hair caught in the clasp.

I let out a cold laugh and tossed the box into the back seat.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it? I bought it specifically for you!" Ethan snapped.

"I don't want things that have already been used by someone else."

His temper flared instantly. He glared at me and shouted, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

I met his gaze without flinching. "You want me to be clearer? It's disgusting. I don't want your leftovers."

He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. "Stop being so dramatic! Why are you always so paranoid?"

The anger caused a sharp pang in my chest. I took a deep breath. "Pull over. I'm getting out."

He didn't say a word. He slammed on the brakes and stopped the car on the curb.

Before I could even steady myself on the sidewalk, he stepped on the gas and sped away.

I stood there, waiting for the pain in my chest to subside.

Just then, I heard the faint sound of a piano coming from a nearby shop. I looked up and realized I was standing in front of the music studio where we first met.

Five years ago, I was helping out a friend. I was playing Chopin's "Tristesse."

Ethan had been walking by and was drawn in by the music. He stood by the door for a long time, just watching me.

When I finished, he came over to talk. He praised my playing, saying it was like something out of a dream.

After that, he pursued me relentlessly with flowers and sweet words.

When we got married, life was harmonious. I truly thought we would grow old together.

Everything changed when he started his own company.

He asked me to give up my performances with the orchestra. He wanted me to support his career and take care of the home.

I never expected that Carly's arrival would turn him into a stranger.

The man who once loved my music now complained if I even touched the keys at home.

The piano music from the shop faded out.

I pulled out my phone and called my old friend, Marcus, the orchestra conductor. My voice was shaking.

"Is there… is there still a place for me?"