Chapter 2

Tommy's POV

I lowered my head and noticed that I got a cut on the back of my hand without realizing it.

Seeing that I remained silent, she released her grip and said in a softer tone, "Alright. You've smashed the glass and thrown a fit. Stop giving me attitude.

"I don't intend to be with him. It's just a certificate. Once the formalities are finalized, I'll divorce him. It's fine to fool around with someone like Zachary, but it's gonna be draining to be with him and attend to him."

She paused momentarily, then continued, "You're different, Tom. You've always been gentle, and you can put up with how unreasonable I am. You're a good fit as my husband.

"Don't worry. We can register our marriage again a month later. It's been your dad's biggest regret that he didn't get to attend our wedding ceremony. When the time comes, let's hold a banquet for his sake."

Before she finished speaking, her phone vibrated. As soon as she glanced at it, a smile crossed her face. "Zach said he's here. He's picking me up to go for a drive. I'm leaving."

She shot me a look when she got up and hesitated for a moment, then grabbed the keys and left.

Her mention of my dad hit me like a cold shock, making me freeze on the spot.

I could sense a hidden warning in her words.

Back then, my dad's medical bills had amounted to an enormous sum, and Yasmin had paid them for me without hesitation.

As for the subsequent treatment, I couldn't even afford to pay for it because I was barely earning enough.

I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh at that thought.

I was at the end of my rope, and I understood why Yasmin would have the nerve to cheat on me.

As the door closed, I swept my gaze across the mess around me, and the memory from a year ago suddenly flooded my mind.

…

That night at the birthday banquet, Zachary held my shoulders with a grin. "Tom, I've prepared a surprise for you tonight."

He blinked, and it was the same cunning look he had shown when we got caught by our disciplinary teacher for drinking at the age of 16.

I looked forward to his surprise the whole night.

Then, the cake toppled over, revealing two figures in an intimate position. My mind went blank in an instant at that sight.

Zachary calmly helped Yasmin put on her coat and lit a cigarette. "Happy birthday, Zach. This is my surprise for you. How is it? Do you like it?"

Our years of friendship fell apart, just like the cake, which was reduced to a ruined mess.

…

I jolted awake from the nightmare.

I was baffled for a moment when I saw Yasmin next to my bed.

Before I could come to my senses, she handed a bowl of chowder to me. "Tom, I made this. Taste it."

I asked in confusion, "Did you make this?"

Nodding, she brought the spoon to my lips and said, "Yeah, Zach kept saying he wanted to try chowder made by me, so I learned how to make it."

She flashed a grin and continued, "He's always making random requests. How would I know how to prepare this kind of thing?"

Though I had calmed down, I was still overwhelmed with sorrow.

I would never have imagined that Yasmin, who had never done any chores, would cook for someone one day.

While I was lost in thought, I choked on the chowder.

Furrowing her brows, she asked, "What's wrong? Is it too salty?"

Her phone rang just as she lowered her head to taste the chowder.

I couldn't hear what the other person had said, but her face fell immediately. "I told you not to drink too much! Wait for me. I'll be right there!"

After ending the call, she grabbed her coat and made to leave, but she stopped at the door and turned to look at me.

She sounded anxious as she said, "Zach has had too much to drink. His stomach hurts, but the family doctor is away. Grab some gastric medicine for him and bring it to the villa in the west. Hurry up."

Baffled, I stared at her back. I came to my senses and laughed at myself, then grabbed the umbrella and followed her out.

I had no idea how I had managed to buy the medicine and rush to the villa.

The moment I opened the door, I froze in place.

I saw a pair of tights on the stair railing and a pair of lace underwear next to the vase.

Then I saw the emerald ring my mom had given to me before she passed away on Zachary's finger.

As Zachary rubbed his finger against the ring, Yasmin's moan sounded from upstairs.

I stood rooted to the spot, my mental defenses collapsing.

"Zachary Grant!" I broke down and shouted as I threw a punch at the wall.

The two of them, who were upstairs, were bothered by the noise. Then, Zachary's voice rang out from upstairs, clearly impatient. "You're killing the mood."

I heard footsteps and saw Yasmin coming down. Her clothes were in disarray, exposing the faint red marks on her body.

"Why are you yelling? Haven't you gotten used to it after seeing this so many times? Give me the medicine. Zach's stomach still hurts."

She suddenly froze and shrieked, "Tom, what happened to you?"

Upon hearing her sharp voice, I looked down and saw rainwater mixed with blood dripping down my body, forming a pool on the floor.

Only then did I remember that I had taken a knife for Yasmin when her rival came to make a scene at the office.

The wound hadn't fully recovered, and I had been hit by a car while I was on my way to the villa.

It seemed like the wound had torn open.

Just as I felt the world spinning around me, I saw Yasmin dash toward me.