Chapter 3

By the time Alex woke up, it was already noon. He packed his things and headed straight to the law firm without even stopping for lunch. After that, he went to the immigration office to apply for his visa.

Finally, he returned home and began clearing away every cherished reminder of his love for Eva. There were 13 precious paintings, marble chess pieces, and an antique flute.

He had personally bid for every single one of them at auctions.

Eva loved antiques, so he'd catered to her interests. He never missed a single antique auction in Josarth.

Now, he packed everything up and sold it all to an antique shop.

His closet was filled with brand-new formal dresses, elegant gowns, shirt dresses, crystal heels, and more. He had bought every one of them for Eva.

Alex listed them online for just ten dollars apiece. They sold out almost instantly.

As for their photographs, souvenirs, and other mementos, he threw them all into the trash like worthless junk.

By the time he finished, the room felt much emptier.

So, this was all it took to erase two years of dating and three years of marriage.

Alex glanced out the window. The sun was setting, and night was fast approaching. It was time for him to leave, too.

Since Eva intended to bring Hugh and Zachary home, he wasn't going to spend another day in this house. He had no desire to live under the same roof as the man who'd come between them.

He dragged his suitcase that was packed with his personal belongings toward the door, intending to stay at another villa for a few days.

But just as he stepped out of the bedroom, Eva returned.

She beckoned him over and said, "Alex, Hugh and Zach are back. They'll be living with us from now on. Hugh hasn't had an easy time raising a child on his own. Things are quiet at the company lately, so you can stay home and help take care of Zach.

"He likes sunny rooms. The master bedroom gets plenty of sunlight, so let him and Zach have it."

Alex was just about to respond when Eva called Tori over.

Eva instructed, "Tori, Hugh doesn't like peaches, so don't buy them anymore. He loves mangoes, so make sure we always have plenty. As for desserts, prepare some mango-flavored ones."

Peaches were Alex's favorite fruit, and he was allergic to mangoes.

However, Eva had forgotten all about that. All she remembered were Hugh's preferences.

"But Ms. Eva…"

Eva cut her off. "But what? Hugh has only been away for a few years. Have you already forgotten what he likes? Also, change the decorations in the living room to purple. It's Hugh's lucky color."

Tori glanced at Eva, then at Alex.

In the end, she could only nod and say, "Alright."

Eva continued, "Alex, Hugh has been through a lot over the years. Now that he's finally home, I want him to feel comfortable and happy. He's my younger brother, and as his older sister, that's the least I can do."

Alex smiled bitterly. "With a sister like you looking out for him, what hardship could he have faced?"

Hugh put on a wounded expression. "Eva, is Alex unhappy that I'm back? Have Zach and I ruined your time together? If that's the case, I'll leave."

"Hugh." Eva grabbed his arm. "This is your home. Don't talk about leaving as if you're a stranger."

She turned to Alex, her expression growing colder. "Watch your tone and stop throwing tantrums. I'm taking Hugh to see the bedroom. Go prepare some fruit."

She took his suitcase and bag from him. "Just stay home for the next few days. If there's anything you don't need, throw it away. There's no point packing it up. Keeping useless things around won't do you any good."

Useless things? Just throw them away?

Alex sneered inwardly.

So, this was what it meant to be unloved. Nothing about him mattered anymore.

"I have something to take care of. I'm going out," Alex said, reaching for his bag.

Hugh stepped forward to stop him. "Alex, please don't fight with Eva because of me. I'll keep a low profile from now on. I won't disturb the two of you. If you're really uncomfortable with us being here, then Zach and I should be the ones to leave."

"Daddy, this is our home! Why should we leave?" Zachary pouted.

He tugged at Hugh's clothes and glared at Alex with undisguised hostility. "I hate you! Why don't you like my dad? You're the outsider here. You're the one who should leave!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he rushed over and shoved Alex with all his might.

With the staircase directly behind him and no time to brace himself, Alex lost his balance and tumbled backward down the stairs.

"Zach!"

Eva's first reaction was to call out to Zachary.

She scolded lightly, "You're being far too naughty. Come here. I'll show you your bedroom."

Then, she turned to Alex. "Children say things without thinking. He's just a kid, and he didn't even push you that hard. Don't take it personally."

With that dismissive remark and ignoring his disheveled state, Eva led Hugh and Zachary upstairs.

Alex wiped the blood from his forehead and tried to retrieve his bag. But just as he reached the bedroom doorway, the door slammed shut in his face.