Chapter 2

I collapsed to the floor, calming myself down. After a long while, I finally opened the car door.

A sharp scent of perfume hit me, and the leather seats were a mess. Suppressing the overwhelming nausea, I retrieved my passport and left immediately.

If I hadn't needed my passport, I wouldn't have encountered this scene. This new car represented my parents' heartfelt blessings, but now it was as filthy as Sophia was.

When Sophia returned, I was smoking and drinking whiskey on the balcony.

Upon seeing this, she frowned deeply. "Why are you smoking again? Didn't we agree we'd prepare for a baby? And now you're drinking something so strong?"

I laughed coldly inside. This marriage was already doomed, so why talk about children?

Since my youth, I'd always loved drinking, but because Sophia said it smelled awful, I'd abstained from strong alcohol for five full years. Seeing my silence, she became irritated.

"Lucas, what are you sulking about now? All I asked was for you to choose the menu. I've been working tirelessly, entertaining clients just so we can have a better future."

Previously, her words would immediately soften me into compromise, but now I just watched her indifferently.

"There's still half a bottle of whiskey left. Care to join?"

Sophia froze for a second, said I was being ridiculous, and went to take a shower. Suddenly, her phone rang as I reached to clear away the glass.

Glancing down, I saw the caller ID flashing "My Star." Just as I reached to pick it up, her furious shout stopped me. "Lucas, what are you doing?"

Her hair was still dripping wet, and Sophia dashed out in nothing but a bath towel, snatching the phone away and glaring defensively.

"Didn't I tell you never to touch my phone? It's full of client information..."

"I just wanted to take the glass," I said calmly, picking it up and placing it on the tray.

Sophia pressed her lips together and turned to the balcony to answer the call.

By the time I returned from downstairs, the house was empty. The bathroom was a mess. She'd clearly left in a hurry; water still pooled on the floor.

This time, I didn't immediately clean it up as usual. After all, this mess was her doing.

Now, I just wanted to do something for myself. I took out a cigar I'd long treasured, ready to enjoy a rare moment of peace.

Sophia had always nagged me about cigars being unhealthy and a waste of money. So, I'd stopped smoking, and even my cigar cabinet in the study went from being fully stocked to merely decorative.

Still, I couldn't resist sneaking a cigar when she wasn't home, always airing the house thoroughly before she returned. Now, I no longer cared about pleasing her. Leaning back in the lounge chair on the balcony, I savored the cigar's rich aroma.

Suddenly, the front door swung open.

"Lucas, we have a guest. Please tidy up the guest room," Sophia called out.

I looked toward the man behind Sophia. Dressed in a casual suit, tall and slender, with charming eyes, he was the perfect image of a romantic dream.

Noticing my gaze, he deliberately tilted his head, exposing the red mark on his neck, then took Sophia's hand.

"Soph, maybe I should stay in a hotel after all."

She soothingly reassured him, "No need. Don't worry. Make yourself at home."

Dragging a suitcase inside, she turned to me and said coldly, "This is Adrian Cole, my college friend. He's here for the wedding. Go prepare the guest room now."

She didn't even think it was worth introducing me to him. Upon hearing that, I simply nodded.

It was her rented apartment, after all. She could have anyone stay.

I raised the cigar in my hand. "Sorry, I'm a bit occupied right now."

Sophia glared at the cigar, her face darkening instantly. "Why the hell are you smoking again? It smells bad, and it's a total waste of money!"