Chapter 2

After our parents died in a car accident, Justin and I were taken in by the Sterlings.

Justin was a natural charmer, a master of playing the victim, and he quickly wrapped Chloe's parents around his finger.

Mrs. Sterling had always intended for Justin to marry Chloe.

But Justin had played the martyr, saying, "I could never take something my big brother wants," which only made Chloe more determined to marry me out of spite and pity.

In reality, he was just keeping her on the hook while he waited for a better offer. Back then, Chloe was just a girl from a decent family, and he wanted a socialite.

I made a trip to the university campus to finalize my enrollment details and calculate my living expenses.

When I returned to Chloe's apartment, I heard Justin's soft, melodic voice through the door.

"Chloe, you shouldn't have come back to check on me. If Jeremy finds out, won't he be mad?"

"I can spend time with him whenever," Chloe replied dismissively.

"But you're weak, Justin. I can't leave you here alone when you're feeling like this."

Justin gave a soft, happy laugh, followed by a staged, melancholic sigh.

"Will you still be this good to me after you and Jeremy are married?"

"Of course," Chloe said firmly. "Who else would I take care of?"

"If he ever treats you badly because of me, I'll leave him in a heartbeat."

I clenched my fists so hard my knuckles turned white.

Even though I knew what was coming, hearing my own fiancé speak of me with such callousness still stung.

I shook off the feeling and walked inside like I hadn't heard a thing.