Chapter 2

Mable glared at me, jealousy flashing in her eyes.

"Erica," she said, "I know you're upset about how things turned out. But no matter how hard life's been, you shouldn't sell yourself like this. Dad would be heartbroken if he knew, and you're putting me and Lester in such an awkward position.

"Why don't we have Lester tell your boss to let you quit? We can find you a proper match. Mr. Lance seems nice. Though he's older, he certainly won't mind that you're past your prime."

The room erupted in praise for her. Everyone called her gracious, kind, and too forgiving, while painting me as useless and shameful.

After all, Mable and I were both raised under the same Zinger family roof. The only difference was that she'd taken her mother's last name.

Over the years, Lester had thoroughly spoiled her. Her makeup was immaculate, her clothes were all designer, and now that she was pregnant, she carried an especially mature and graceful air.

Though I was better-looking than her, I wasn't wearing any jewelry and did seem somewhat lacking compared to Mable's polished appearance.

"No thanks," I replied, trying to be polite.

I just wanted to get away from all the drama and was about to leave when Lester stopped me, his voice sharp and low.

"Erica, did I say you could go? My wife was kindly trying to help you because she noticed you're struggling, but what's with your attitude? Are you playing hard to get again, hoping to catch my eye?

"Let me warn you—don't delude yourself into thinking you can get what isn't yours. My heart belongs only to Mable, so stop wasting your time. For old times' sake, I might consider getting you another job if you apologize to her."

He looked at me with such arrogant condescension as though he'd just performed some grand, noble deed. It felt like he expected me to fall over myself with gratitude, or I'd be the one who didn't know what was good for me.

I laughed in frustration.

In my previous life, Lester had always been cold and distant after we married. I'd believed that was simply who he was and that he wasn't the romantic type. So, I'd given him nearly my everything and loved him with my whole heart.

He liked cars, so I emptied my savings to buy him an SUV. When he was sidelined at work, I begged my friends to find him a stable job.

He said he was young, wasn't ready for kids, and refused to share a bed. So, I focused on our careers instead.

I thought if we succeeded early, we could finally focus on building our family.

But Lester was like a stone, emotionless and detached. No matter what I did, I could never reach his heart.

I never understood why he'd saved me from drowning back then if he didn't like me. After we had been reborn, we owed each other nothing. So why was he so intent on humiliating me in public again?

I brushed his hand off and straightened my sleeve before looking up at him. "We've barely met a few times, so there's no old times' sake to speak of, Mr. Kaine. I can't afford your kind favor."

Lester's expression darkened. He clearly didn't expect my rejection. He leaned close, and his voice dropped to a harsh whisper.

"I've shown you enough courtesy, Erica. What is that act for? Finding you a job is just an excuse. If you apologize, I'll keep you by my side and make sure you never have to leave me again once you give me a child."

I stared at him in disbelief. In my previous life, he'd never once shown me gentleness after we married. Now that we'd parted ways, why was he bothering me again? What was wrong with him?

Was he trying to flaunt his success in my face? Or did he want to keep me on the side as a mistress, hidden away with no place in his life?

I chuckled coldly and shoved him away.

"Mrs. Kaine, your husband just told me that he wants to keep me by his side, and if I give him a child, he'll make sure I never leave. Did you know about that?"

"I was genuinely trying to help you, Erica. But you're trying to repay my kindness by seducing my husband. You really have no shame!" Mable retorted stubbornly.

She stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face.