Chapter 2

Orphan.

The word pricked lightly at my heart, like a thorn. But it no longer stirred much inside me.

Darren didn't know yet—my biological parents had found me years ago. They lived abroad, successful in their careers, with a comfortable life. They'd been waiting for me to return.

The only reason I'd stayed behind, cleaning up the wreckage of the Finch family, was to repay my debt to Darren's father, who had raised me for ten years.

I promised him I would keep the Finch Corporation steady, and keep a watchful eye on Darren. Until the day he could stand on his own, or until he found someone truly dependable.

After his father's death, I exhausted myself filling the holes left in the company. I endured Darren's arrogance and whims, endured the petty humiliations he engineered with Carrie just to spite me.

But now… I was tired. And I had done enough.

"Darren, just leave."

"Paula! You dare kick me out? Don't forget, this house—"

Darren was shaking with rage.

"This house was bought with my own money," I cut him off. "It has nothing to do with your family."

"You—" Darren choked on his words.

He probably never imagined that I—Paula, who had always obeyed without question, who gave without asking for anything in return—would ever speak to him like this.

He froze for a moment, then, as if something occurred to him, let out a cold laugh.

"Fine, Paula. Just wait. Let's see how well you do without me and the Finch family. I hope you enjoy your downfall."

He threw out his threat and slammed the door on his way out.

I leaned against the doorframe and slowly slid to the floor, coughing violently.

It took a long time to catch my breath. Then, with trembling fingers, I picked up my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Paula? Why are you calling this late? Did something happen?"

The sound of my mother's voice brought tears to my eyes.

Choking back a sob, I whispered, "Mom… I want to come home. I'll take care of things here, then go abroad… and be with you and Dad again."

Joy poured through the phone. "That's great news! Paula, we've been waiting for you. Your father will be so happy when he hears this!"

The next day, despite burning with a fever, I began preparing the handover for Finch Corporation.

What I promised Darren's father was to keep the company afloat, not to raise a son who refused to grow up.

That afternoon, Darren called.

I hesitated, then picked up.

"Paula, where are you?" His tone had softened, if only slightly.

"Is something wrong?"

"Carrie said what happened last night was her fault." He paused, then added, "She wants to apologize to you. We booked a private room at Nightfall Bar. Come meet us there."

Carrie wanted to apologize to me?

A bitter laugh rose in my chest.

Most likely, it was just another one of their little games.

But then again—fine. It was time to put an end to this, once and for all. No more blurred lines. No more entanglements.

"All right. I'll come." I agreed.

I changed clothes, tidied myself up, and drove to Nightfall Bar.

When I opened the door to the private room, Darren was seated at the head of the table. Carrie sat beside him.

All eyes turned to me the moment I walked in.

Carrie raised her glass with a falsely sweet smile.

"Paula, you made it. About last night—I wasn't thinking clearly. Things may have gotten a little out of hand."

Her tone was breezy, devoid of remorse. "But it was only to test your feelings for Darren. Don't take it so personally."

She lifted her glass. "Drink with me if you forgive me."

And with that, she took a sip, calm and composed, as if the whole thing had been nothing more than a joke.

I stood where I was, unmoving.