Chapter 2

Suddenly, the sharp crash of shattering glass echoed from the living room, followed instantly by Lily's piercing cry. "Help me! I'm in so much pain, Mateo!"

Mateo shoved me aside without a second thought and bolted into the living room.

I slammed into the stove. My arm struck the searing hot lid of the pot, leaving a red, burned patch, while my hair caught fire. I panicked as I endured the pain and rushed to the sink to extinguish the flames, though the ends of my hair were still badly singed.

Mateo's concern was reserved entirely for Lily. He grew frantic at the sight of her on the floor with a small gash from the broken glass on her finger. He gathered the sobbing Lily into his arms and rushed her to the car.

"How did this happen? Hang in there, Lily. I'll get you to the hospital right away!"

I examined the burn on my arm and went to the bedroom to grab some ointment. I looked up at the mirror and saw my hair, uneven and ragged. I couldn't even recall the last time I had properly looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed that my skin looked dull, while my eyes were empty and lifeless.

I was nothing compared to the young, beautiful Lily. It was no wonder Mateo had grown tired of me.

I let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh, picked up the scissors from the drawer, and snipped off the scorched ends of my hair.

I took a cab to the hospital, knowing full well that if I didn't, I would face more cruel remarks tomorrow. I had just arrived when I saw Lily sitting on the hospital bed, sobbing quietly. "I'm so sorry, Mateo. I didn't mean to break the cup. I went to pick up the pieces, but the blood made me dizzy, and I fell.

"I know I shouldn't be a burden to you now that I'm pregnant, but the thought of you with another woman hurts so much. I wasn't paying attention because of that, which caused me to break the cup."

Lily's heartbreaking sobs shattered the last of Mateo's composure. He gathered her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin in an act of pure devotion. "I know. I don't blame you for any of it, Lily."

Lily's tears continued to flow, her voice trembling with a delicate, heartbreaking vulnerability. "I know Phoebe is your wife, but I just can't stop myself from feeling this way, Mateo. I'll behave and keep my distance from you from now on. Just… please don't ignore me."

Mateo pulled her closer, tenderly brushing away her tears. "You're being silly, Lily. You're carrying my baby, so you're definitely the most important person in my life. How could I possibly ignore you?

"Phoebe is far too stubborn and rigid; she's nothing like you—so sweet and thoughtful. You're better than her, Lily."

Lily pursed her lips and muttered, "But earlier, I heard you say that you're done with me now that I'm pregnant."

Mateo chuckled and explained, "You know what Phoebe's temper is like. If I hadn't said that, she would surely have made a scene and might even have tried to hurt you or the baby. I only lied to her to keep her under control. How could I ever bear to leave you all alone, Lily?"

Lily flashed a bashful smile. "Then you have to promise me that you'll spend every night with me from now on, Mateo. You're not allowed to touch Phoebe anymore, as I'm the only one allowed to bear your children."

Mateo agreed to her request with a smile.

I listened to everything they said from outside the door, clenching my fists and leaving silently.

As I walked out of the hospital into the heavy traffic of the city streets, a crushing realization hit me. In a city this vast, I didn't have a single place to call home.

Mateo and I attended the same university. He spent three years pursuing me, but back then, I was entirely focused on my studies and had no intention of dating. He would give me gifts during every special occasion, but I would return them without fail every single time.

After graduation, Dad arranged a marriage for me with the heir of a major public corporation. Mateo, desperate at the news, journeyed across the country to find me.

That night, as the snow fell relentlessly, he remained on his knees outside my house for 24 hours. He pleaded for a chance, swearing to love me eternally and promising that his devotion to my happiness would never waver.

I was so deeply moved by his gesture that I ignored Dad's objections and chose to go with him, never once looking back.

Dad eventually yielded to my persistence and gave us his blessing. With Dad's investment and help, Mateo quickly established a company of his own, and his career soared.

Mateo and I also got married during this time. He kneeled on one knee during our wedding and vowed to love only me for the rest of his life.

"I owe everything I am to you, Phoebe," he said. "I swear I will never let you down and be yours eternally, whether in wealth or poverty, health or strife."

I wept with joy that day, truly believing I had found my "happily ever after", but fairy tales didn't last.

Less than three years after our marriage, Mateo had gotten another woman pregnant.

If his heart belonged to someone else now, I was more than happy to let her have him. I was done with a man so utterly repulsive.

After messaging Dad, I booked a one-way ticket abroad. I then stayed awake all night, perched on the side of the bed, waiting for the sun to rise on a new chapter of my life.