Chapter 2

LILY 

“My…big b-brothers?” I repeated in a daze. Was this some kind of prank?

“We've been searching for you for the past twenty years. We… we thought we would never find you.” The crack in his voice made my heart skip a beat. 

A memory flashed in my head and my grip on the phone tightened.

“You've grown so big, princess. Last time I saw you, you were just four, whining that your teddy bear was taller than you,” another voice came on. 

My eyes watered. That's right. I was taken from my family when I was four. The next time I opened my eyes, I could barely remember anything other than the fact that my name was Lily and the two creepy strangers beside me were not my parents. 

I shook my head, refusing to let my mind go back to that hell. My day was already bad enough. 

“I know you have your doubts but we are ready to provide you with all the proof you need. Just listen to us, okay?” Another begged. 

How many were they? I keep hearing different voices, all with the same emotions. As shady as it seemed, there was this strange warmth in my chest. Like my heart could recognise them. 

“Fine. I'll add you online, drop your usernames. I'm kind of in a hurry right now. We can pick this up later,” I said. 

“That's fine. I'll send it now.” 

The call ended and almost immediately, a message in. I entered the car quickly. For the next five minutes, I rested my head on the seat, shutting my eyes. 

Was this really it? 

I loved this man for seven good years, married for three and he was just going to leave me for his ex-girlfriend?

My eyes watered. I looked down at my belly. I couldn't keep this baby a secret from him. That would be cruel and selfish of me.

But what if he didn't want it? Merely thinking of how hard it was to get pregnant made my heart clench. Since that night, three years ago, he hasn't slept in the same bed as me. Talk less of touching me. 

If I took the bed, he would stay on the couch. Anything to avoid physical contact with me, until last month. He came home drunk for some reason and suddenly became touchy with me. I should have resisted but having starved of his affection for so long, I gave in. 

Now, I wasn't so sure if I did the right thing. It wasn't even memorable enough for him to remember. He completely forgot everything that happened the next day. 

My phone beeped again, reminding me of the phone call from earlier. If they were really my family, that would be nice, I guess. At least, there were people out there still willing to love me. 

I clicked the link and gasped when I saw their followers. Were they superstars or something? The minute I accepted the request, I was added to a group chat and spammed with photos. 

Six insanely handsome men. But what caught my attention was the striking resemblance I had with them. They even attached some childhood photos of us and I found myself sobbing all over again. 

I couldn't believe this was real. After so many years…

“Mrs Crownell, we're home,” the driver announced. He was clearly worried for me but couldn't bring himself to ask. I gave him a small smile and headed inside. 

There was so much going on but I needed to talk to Chaise first. Only after the conversation would I be able to decide my next line of action.

Later that evening, Chaise finally came home. As usual, his assistant informed the chef beforehand so they could prepare dinner. 

I didn't try to take over from them like I normally would and instead change into a nice evening gown. 

When the door finally opened, my heart immediately jumped into my throat.

I stood up so quickly from the couch that I almost tripped over my own feet.

"Chaise."

He looked exhausted. His tie was loose, his suit jacket hanging over one arm. Yet, he was still as devastatingly handsome as the first time I saw him. Especially with that curly messy hair and ocean blue eyes. For a second, I almost forgot everything and felt relieved that he was finally home.

But then I remembered the divorce papers. And the baby in my womb. 

Those blue eyes flickered briefly to me. 

“We need to talk.”

His expression barely changed. I was about to say more when a voice came from behind him.

"I told you she wouldn't be happy to see me."

My entire body froze as Rachelle slowly stepped into view.

For a second, I genuinely thought I was hallucinating. There was just no way…

Then I saw the smug smile on her face.

The absurdity of the situation almost made me laugh.

He wanted a divorce and brought the woman he planned to replace me with into our home.

Chaise rubbed the bridge of his nose, like he couldn't have this conversation.

"Rachelle insisted on coming."

I stared at him. “And you brought her? You didn't think to inform me first?” 

"Chaise," Rachelle said gently, touching his arm before he could say anything. "Why don't you give us a minute? I'll talk to her."

"There is nothing to talk about," I said coldly but she conveniently ignored me. 

"Please. This is partly my fault. Let me try."

Chaise looked between us before finally nodding. "I'll be upstairs."

The second he disappeared, the innocent look vanished from Rachelle’s face, replaced with pure malice. 

She looked around the living room before letting out a small laugh.

"You know, I've always wondered what it felt like…" she started. I crossed my arms, keeping my eyes on her. "...living in my place."

I arched a brow. "Your place?"

“You're really pathetic, you know that right?” She snorted. “Three years with him and he still comes running to me at my beck and call. What a shame!” 

I dropped my hands, anger boiling inside of me. 

“I guess all your efforts to still him went to waste, huh?” 

“I didn't steal anyone,” I seethed. “You and Chaise broke up ages ago!” 

“I just went abroad, you idiot. But you saw that as an opportunity, didn't you?” her eyes darkened. “A gold-digger like you couldn't think further than getting in bed with a rich heartbroken heir. How else could a worthless scholarship student like you survive?” 

My fists clenched. I wanted to smack her in the face to shut that dirty tramp of hers but I refused to stoop to her level. 

“You know what? The last thing I'm going to do is fight a desperate woman over a man. In the end, you're still an ex and I'm his wife. I hope you heal one day,” I turned to leave but she suddenly grabbed my arm. 

“Let go of me!” I yanked my hand away but she wouldn't let go. 

Her eyes were flaming in rage and pure hatred but the second she heard footsteps from the stairs, she let go with a loud scream and suddenly went crashing into the coffee table. 

I froze in shock, completely caught off guard. 

“Rachelle!” Chaise yelled, shoving me out of the way to reach her.