Chapter 2

With all the tension cleared, the engagement party carried on as planned.

I stayed nearby, watching Helena with Christian, both of them completely caught up in each other. I felt a pang of relief that she had found happiness, but also a hollow ache that it wasn't me giving it to her.

Just as both families were about to lock in the wedding date, Helena set down her glass. "Sorry, I don't think we need to finalize this wedding just yet."

Christian exchanged glances with his parents, frowning in confusion.

"Helena, what do you mean? I went to all this trouble bringing everyone here to witness our love, and now you're telling me there's no rush to set a date?"

He noticed the unease flickering across her face. Taking a deep breath, he pressed further. "Are you still thinking about Nathan? You haven't really moved on from him, have you? You—"

"Ugh, can you stop being so annoying?"

Her patience finally snapped under the constant questioning. She stood abruptly, gathering the engagement documents.

"It's not that I haven't moved on. I just think marriage is a big deal, and it deserves more caution. If there's nothing else, I'm heading back to the office now. Christian, take care of the guests."

Helena turned and left, unaware of the fleeting flash of contempt in Christian's eyes. But just moments later, he restored his usual obedient mask.

"Okay, go handle your work. I've got this covered."

Back at the office, Helena furrowed her brows and pulled an emerald pendant from the bottom drawer of her desk. I remembered giving it to her on our one-year anniversary. I hadn't expected her to still have it.

She stared at it for a long moment before dialing out, her tone sharp and commanding as she issued her orders. "Find out everything about Nathan. Alive or dead, I want to know where he's been for the past seven years."

I lowered my head, watching my semi-transparent form, a pang of sorrow hitting me. "I've been right here this whole time. You just can't see me."

…

Three days later, Helena's assistant, Eli Jennings, timidly handed over a report.

"Ms. Shaw, there's no trace. Nathan disappeared seven years ago. Even his bank accounts were closed…"

"Useless!" Helena snapped, tossing the report to the floor. The papers were scattered across the office.

She walked to the windows, looking down at the city lights, her gaze sharp and merciless. "I don't believe a living man can just vanish. If he's hiding, he won't escape my wrath forever."

"Ms. Shaw, are you saying—"

Helena's lips curved into a cruel smile. "I hear she has kidney failure and needs regular dialysis. Halt her treatment immediately."

Eli froze.

"This…"

"Hospitals aren't charities. If they can't pay, treatment stops. She won't die that easily. He'll be forced to show himself sooner or later. Do exactly as I say."

Her tone brooked no argument. Eli hesitated, then nodded.

"No! What are you doing? Helena, how can you do this?"

She knew how serious my mother's condition was, yet she was using such a low, ruthless tactic to force me out of hiding.

I watched Eli leave, my emotions twisted, powerless to speak for my mother or sister, and I had no choice but to run after him, desperate to get to the hospital.