Chapter 2

"What's wrong, Zander? You always refused to leave Hartwell because of Mya. Did something happen?" Alena asked.

Ever since my family's business shifted overseas, my family had mostly settled down in Arleston.

I was the only one who stayed behind in Hartwell, all for Mya.

During the three years of my blindness, they searched the globe for doctors who could help me.

Yet when they managed to contact Dr. Hooper, Mya was unwilling to let me go abroad for treatment.

Her excuse was that she couldn't bear to be so far away from me. She asked me to wait until she wrapped up her work at the company so she could accompany me to Arleston. Then, she just kept delaying it.

Now I finally understood that it was never about her being too busy. She simply didn't want my eyesight restored, because then I would discover her affair with Alfred.

"I'm fine, Alena. Actually... my vision came back. It just happened today. You, Mom, and Dad don't need to worry about me anymore.

"By the way, could you transfer 100 million dollars into my account? I have some personal matters to handle before I leave."

After hanging up, I looked at the bank notification confirming the transfer and let out a bitter laugh.

Since Mya couldn't choose between her company and Alfred, I'd give her a little surprise before I left and help her make the choice.

Wrapping gauze around my eyes, I grabbed my cane and headed back up to the second-floor banquet hall. I found Mya flying into a rage at the caretakers and staff, frantically searching for me.

When she saw me, she rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace, panic evident in her voice. "Honey, where did you go? I was so scared something might happen to you again..."

"I just went to the restroom."

"You should've had the caretaker go with you. Silly, you can't see. You can't wander off alone from now on."

My tone remained flat. "Mya, I'm tired."

She immediately took my hand. "Alright, let's go home."

Mya didn't take me home. Instead, she took me to the mansion she had spent a fortune building for me three years ago.

All the furniture inside had rounded edges wrapped in soft fabric, and the estate was equipped with a basic medical system and experienced caretakers. Every single detail was catered to a blind man.

I used to think she did all this out of love.

But in reality, she was just banishing me here so I wouldn't interfere with her actual family.

"Honey, go inside and get some rest. I'll come stay with you as soon as I wrap up this project."

After dropping me off at the front door and offering those parting words, Mya got into her car and sped away.

The caretaker guided me inside, but I paused mid-step. A vase plummeted from above, shattering on the ground just inches from my feet.

Moments later, the smell of smoke filled the air, and a maid ran downstairs shouting in panic, "Oh no! There's a fire!"

Having received the news, Mya rushed back immediately with Alfred right beside her.

When he saw me standing there safe and sound, a flash of surprise crossed his face.

Mya confronted the butler with a sharp voice. "How could a fire start out of nowhere? Did someone cut corners when building this place?"

Alfred quickly chimed in to cut her off, "Forget it, Mya. Now isn't the time to place blame. Since the mansion is ruined, why not bring Mr. Byrne back to live with us?"

Mya's face flickered in the glow of the firelight.

It wasn't until I cleared my throat with a faint cough that she frowned and offered a stiff explanation. "Zander, come home with me.

"Alfred's lease ended a while ago, so he's been staying at the house for the time being. It'll actually be convenient since he can help take care of you."

I let out a cold laugh and pressed deliberately, "Did he move in alone?"

Mya's expression darkened even further. She gave Alfred's hand a reassuring squeeze before turning to me. "He also has his one-year-old nephew staying with us for a bit. But don't worry. They'll leave once they find a new place."

But I knew the person she planned to pack off once a new place was found was actually me.

In the car, Mya took advantage of my "blindness" and blatantly texted Alfred on her phone. "Honey, you and the baby will have to bear with this for a little bit. I'll find Zander a new place as soon as possible."

Alfred replied almost instantly, "If I'm making sacrifices, do I get a reward?"

Mya gave a quiet laugh and typed back quickly. "Is making it up to you in bed enough?"

Alfred turned around from the passenger seat, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

Mya caught his wrist and pressed a soft kiss onto the back of his hand, mouthing four silent words.

"I love you, honey."

Little did she know, I saw every single thing.