Chapter 2: The Night I Lost Everything

Chandria’s POV

I had loved him with everything I had.

I had given all of myself to him, believing he was the one.

I still remembered the first time we kissed, the way his lips felt against mine, the way my heart pounded in my chest. And our first night together… I had surrendered myself completely, believing we had something real.

But now? It all felt like a cruel joke.

I could still hear his voice whispering those words that once made my heart soar.

"I love you so much, Chandria."

I could still picture it so vividly in my mind. That night, beneath the glowing fireworks, he had pulled me close, his eyes filled with warmth and devotion.

Then, as if straight out of a dream, he pulled out a small red velvet box.

My heart had pounded with anticipation as he slowly opened it, revealing a delicate bracelet.

"This is a promise bracelet," he said softly, taking my hand in his. "I wanted to share this moment with you because I want you to know… I promise to marry you, to build a future with you. I want it to be us, forever."

Tears had welled up in my eyes as I threw my arms around him, overwhelmed by love. "Oh, Daniel, I love you too!" I whispered before pressing my lips to his.

That night had been magical. The fireworks painted the sky in colors of red, gold, and blue—he had planned everything, just for me. I had believed, with all my heart, that we were meant to be.

But now?

All of it was gone.

Shattered.

That beautiful love story had been reduced to nothing more than a cruel illusion, a lie I had blindly believed. And the person responsible for tearing it apart?

Catherine—my worst nightmare.

She had been my tormentor in college, the girl who made my life a living hell. She would take every opportunity to humiliate me, as if it were some twisted game to her.

"Oh, what a loser you are!" she would sneer, her voice dripping with mockery.

I could still remember the countless times she would trip me in the hallways, making sure everyone was watching when I fell.

And Catherine? She would stand over me, smirking, her arms crossed as she looked me up and down in pure disdain.

"Well, well, well. Do you really think you can outshine me? Think again, bitch."

Then, without hesitation, she would pour her iced coffee over my head, leaving me drenched and humiliated. The cold liquid would seep into my clothes as I sat there, frozen in embarrassment while the laughter of my classmates echoed around me.

I never understood why she despised me so much. What had I ever done to her?

But one thing was for sure—I had suffered because of her, day after day.

The only relief I had was when college ended. I thought I was finally free from her cruelty. I thought I had escaped.

And now, she was back.

This time, not just as my tormentor, but as the woman who had stolen the man I loved!

"T-Taxi!" I called out desperately.

A cab stopped in front of me, and I hurried inside, barely noticing the horrified look the driver gave me through the rear-view mirror.

Only then did I realize how awful I must have looked.

My dress was ruined, crumpled and stained, clinging to my skin uncomfortably. I reeked of filth from the mess at the restaurant, and the stench of spilled food and broken glass clung to me. My arms bore fresh cuts from the shattered plates, and blood trickled down in thin streams.

But none of that mattered. Not the filth. Not the pain!

I had to find Daniel!

I clenched my fists, ignoring the stinging pain as I gave the driver an address. I knew where they were. I knew exactly where Daniel had taken her.

His mansion.

The drive felt endless, my pulse hammering in my ears. The moment the cab stopped in front of the grand estate, I didn't even hesitate. I threw a few bills at the driver.

I shoved the door open.

"Daniel! Where are you? Please! Let's talk!" My voice echoed through the vast halls.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, from the grand staircase, I heard the sound of heels clicking against marble.

Catherine appeared.

A slow, deliberate smirk played on her lips as she made her way down, her eyes gleaming with amusement. And behind her, standing tall with a cold expression, was Daniel.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. But before I could even speak, Catherine’s voice cut through the tense air.

"What the fuck are you doing here, bitch?" she sneered, arms crossed. "Haven't we made it clear enough at the restaurant? You were nothing but a joke to us. A plaything. Daniel never loved you. I’m the only woman he wants."

Her words felt like a dagger, twisting deep into my chest.

"You have no right to be here," she continued, her smirk widening. "Now, get the hell out before I call security."

I trembled with rage.

Without thinking, I raised my hand, aiming to slap that smug look off her face.

"H-How dare you?!" My voice cracked with raw emotion. "Daniel doesn’t love you! I’m the one he loves!"

I was about to strike her, my palm mere inches away from making contact—

When suddenly, my wrist was caught in a firm grip.

I gasped, my eyes snapping to the man holding me back.

Daniel.

His fingers tightened around my wrist, his grip strong enough to send a sharp pain shooting through my arm.

"Enough!” he said dangerously.

I froze.

I searched his face, desperate to find any trace of the man I had loved. The man who had once held me with such tenderness.

But nothing.

Then, without warning, he shoved me away.

Hard.

I stumbled back, my heels skidding against the polished floor before I lost my balance completely. Pain exploded through my body as I hit the cold ground, a sharp gasp escaping my lips.

"Daniel…" I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper. My hands trembled as I pushed myself up, my heart pounding violently in my chest. "W-What are you doing?"

His expression remained cold, distant—like I was nothing more than a nuisance to him.

"I told you, didn’t I?" His voice was devoid of any warmth. "I never loved you!"

The words cut deeper than any blade ever could.

"This was all just a plan to ruin you! Did you seriously believe I would ever propose to someone like you?!"

I shook my head. "No… Daniel, you’re lying!"

He scoffed, taking a step closer. "You’re a fool. A stupid, pathetic little girl who was easy to manipulate. I’ve had enough of you."

The room spun around me.

This wasn’t real.

This couldn’t be real.

"N-No," I whimpered, trying to stand. But the moment I moved, a sharp, unbearable pain shot through my lower body.

I gasped, clutching my abdomen. A wave of dizziness washed over me as I glanced down—

And my breath hitched.

Blood.

Dark red, pooling beneath me.

I was bleeding.