Chapter 2

Olivia Grace walked away from the nightclub with Ethan. The sharp clack of her heels echoed against the floor, each step firm despite the storm raging inside her. Anger and disappointment collided in her chest like a violent tempest.

Behind them, Hunter Jackson clenched his fists, his jaw tight. Watching his wife leave with another man—especially Ethan, his former best friend—made his blood boil.

“Hey!” Hunter pushed through the partying crowd and marched straight toward Ethan, eyes blazing. “Don’t tell me you’re the one who told Olivia about this birthday party?”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, smirking with ease. “Me? Telling your wife?” He let out a short laugh and crossed his arms. “I’ve never even met your wife before. I came here because I was invited by Sophia Joy.”

“Don’t lie to me, Ethan!” Hunter pointed a trembling finger at him, rage pulsing through every word. “I know you used to love Olivia. So don’t act like your appearance here is some coincidence. You’re here to take her back, aren’t you?!”

Ethan’s expression darkened. The smirk disappeared, replaced by years of buried hurt flashing in his eyes.

“I’m not like you, Hunter.” His voice was cold but piercing. “I’m not the coward who stole his best friend’s fiancée just to satisfy his own desires.”

Olivia froze. Ethan’s words hit her like a bolt of lightning straight to the heart.

“What does he mean?” she thought, panic rising. “Did Hunter... plan Ethan’s disappearance after our engagement?”

Her head throbbed as memories spun in fast-forward—Ethan suddenly calling off the engagement without explanation, Hunter stepping in with his sweet words and constant attention. Was it all a setup?

“Ethan... you said you couldn’t marry me because of your career. But then you vanished,” she whispered, voice shaking.

Ethan looked at her, eyes full of sorrow. “Because I believed Hunter. He convinced me that staying with you would destroy your future. And I—”

“Enough!” Hunter yanked Olivia’s arm. “Don’t listen to him! He’s just trying to ruin our marriage!”

But Olivia pulled her arm away sharply. “Don’t let who? I should be the one saying that to you! You're the one who ruined everything!”

“Olivia, I made mistakes, but—”

“You once called me a stupid woman who was only good for cleaning your house!” she said, stepping closer, locking eyes with him. “And now you're not ashamed to call me your wife? After humiliating me in front of everyone?”

Hunter’s teeth clenched. Panic filled his chest. “Please don’t be angry, Olivia! I didn’t mean it—I was just emotional—”

“You said all women become boring after marriage. You told me I wasn’t beautiful, that I belonged with a mop in my hand!” Her eyes brimmed with tears, but none fell. “And now you’re begging me? Just because another man is holding my hand?”

Ethan stepped beside her. “He doesn’t deserve you, Liv. I know I was wrong to leave, but I swear—if I had known you’d end up with him, I would’ve fought for you.”

Hunter lunged, almost swinging at Ethan, but Olivia stepped between them.

“Stop! Both of you—stop acting like I’m some prize to be won!”

Silence fell.

“I don’t belong to anyone right now,” Olivia continued. “And I won’t stay with someone who threw me away for his ex.”

Outside the nightclub, the crowd was growing. Some guests had begun trickling out, eyes curiously fixed on the drama unfolding.

Suddenly, Sophia Joy appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowed at Olivia. “You really are a drama queen, huh? You think just because you’re standing here with two men, you’ve won something?”

Olivia turned slowly, her gaze sharp and cold. “I don’t need to win anyone’s heart. But you... seems like being the other woman still isn’t enough for you, is it?”

Sophia chuckled. “If I’m the other woman, at least I’ve got enough charm to make your husband throw a party for me.”

The words stabbed at Olivia’s chest, but she stood tall. “This isn’t about charm. It’s about dignity. And clearly, you have none.”

Sophia opened her mouth to retort, but Ethan stepped forward. “You should go back inside, Sophia. This has nothing to do with you.”

Sophia shot Hunter a glare. “You’re really letting these two idiots talk to me like this, Jackson?”

Hunter ran a hand down his face, torn and desperate. “I just want Olivia to come home with me.”

Olivia stepped closer, looked him in the eyes one last time. “Unfortunately, the house we shared is no longer a home to me. You destroyed that. Not Ethan. Not Sophia. You.”

Hunter stood frozen. He reached out, but Olivia stepped back.

“I’ll file for divorce as soon as possible,” she said firmly.

Hunter’s eyes went hollow. “No... Olivia, please don’t do this...”

But Olivia had already turned away. She took Ethan’s hand and walked off, leaving Hunter behind, drowning in the ruins he had created.

---

After leaving the club, Ethan took Olivia to a quiet place—a rooftop café overlooking the city skyline. The night breeze swept across their faces, soothing the emotions still burning beneath the surface.

“I’m sorry, Olivia...” Ethan said suddenly.

She turned to him slowly. “For what?”

“For everything I never got the chance to say. For walking away without a word. I was scared. I was a coward. But now I know... it’s better late than never.”

Olivia gave a faint, tired smile. “My heart’s already too broken, Ethan. I don’t even know if I can love anyone again.”

Ethan reached for her hand. “I’m not asking for your love tonight. Just... let me stay by your side. And wait. Until one day, maybe... you open your heart again.”

Olivia nodded slowly. “I need time, Ethan.”

“And I’ll give it to you.”

They both looked up at the stars glittering above the city. But the peace wouldn’t last for long.