Chapter 8: My Ex

Living with Sebastian was slowly becoming comfortable. I set up my craft room, where I spent my time painting. It was easy for me to adjust because Sebastian was rarely home. He only came back when he felt like it, and even at night, he was often absent.

We’d been married for two weeks already, but we hadn’t even shared a bed. Not that I was hoping for it to happen — but it was strange.

Today, I decided to go out for the first time since getting married. I went to the market first. Sebastian had given me a card I could use to buy whatever I wanted. At first, I felt embarrassed about using it, but I thought I could put it to good use — buying things for the caretakers instead.

Brick came with me that day. He was always with me whenever I went out — my driver and my bodyguard.

I bought food and new supplies for the staff who were still recovering in the hospital — and some fresh white lilies for Mother Celine. White lilies were her favorite, so I always brought them whenever I visited her.

I also bought toys, clothes, and food for the children at the orphanage.

The orphanage was my first stop. Seeing the kids’ smiles always made me happy. I gave them the gifts I’d brought and stayed to watch them eat and play.

After spending time with them, I headed to the hospital to check on the staff who had been injured in the fire — especially Mother Celine, who was still in a coma.

It had been five years since she closed her eyes and never opened them again. Everyone told me to give up — to accept the possibility that she might never wake up. But I couldn’t.

Mother Celine was my constant support. She became a mother to me when no one else did. She never gave up on me — just a kid from the orphanage — and I swore I would never give up on her either.

After making sure everything was okay, I left the ICU.

The hospital was quiet today — not many patients and only a few people in the hallways. As I walked out, just as I was about to turn a corner, someone suddenly grabbed my arm.

I spun around, ready to fight — until I saw who it was.

“Adrian?” I stared at him, shocked, pulling my arm back.

Adrian smirked. “I knew you’d be here.”

I raised an eyebrow. “So? What do you want? Did Celeste send you again?”

He shrugged lazily, slipping his hands into his pockets.

“I just wanted to check up on you. You haven’t been answering my calls.”

I nearly rolled my eyes.

“What for? Didn’t you make it clear that Celeste was the one you really wanted? Why are you still checking up on me? We’ve already broken up!”

Adrian chuckled. “Marriage made you tough, huh? You weren’t like this when we were still together.”

I glared at him. “What do you really want, Adrian? I don’t have time for this.”

His smirk grew wider.

“Fine. Well, I heard your husband’s impotent. Bet he can’t satisfy you, Eloise.”

My face flushed with embarrassment.

Despite our long relationship, Adrian and I had never slept together. He’d said he respected my decision to wait until we were married — and like a fool, I believed him. I thought he was a gentleman. But in the end, it was all a lie.

He just never wanted me after all.

“What?!” I snapped.

Adrian feigned surprise. “Why? You’re already married — don’t tell me you haven’t done it yet?”

“Shut up!” I hissed. “He isn’t a maniac like you!”

“Wow. Do you know how long I waited for you to finally give it to me? But it never happened. So how about this — I’ll make you a deal. Paint more for Celeste, and I’ll satisfy your needs instead.”

My eyes widened.

So it was still about her.

No matter how far I ran, Celeste’s shadow always seemed to follow me.

“You’re still licking her boots — for what? So you can use her as a stepping stone for your success? You’re just using her, too!”

Adrian’s eyes darkened. He grabbed my arm again, yanking me closer.

“You don’t know anything, Eloise! You’re just jealous because I liked her more than you!”

I smirked. “Really? Then why are you here, begging me like a dog for another painting for her, huh?”

Adrian’s face turned red with anger. His grip tightened, making me wince.

“You don’t know anything! Haven’t you heard? Your father favors me now. He even promised me that if I secure a project with Whitmore Company, I’ll get promoted to project manager. Being with Celeste has given me more opportunities than you ever did. With you, I was nothing — just stuck with a replacement.”

My blood boiled.

Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway.

I didn’t wait for his reaction. I turned around and walked away without looking back — just like he deserved.

I couldn’t believe I’d ever loved him.