Chapter 2

Cassandra

I have been married to him for three years, but maybe it wasn’t the right decision. And yet, I still held onto the hope that some kind of miracle might happen. That would at least be a small comfort, something to keep me going.

A heavy sigh slips out as I lower my head. Being abandoned by Sebastian once again for another woman has left a painful ache in my chest.

I swear, I will never get used to this. My own actions have only made me more desperate. I knew that loving him would only bring me pain.

The ringing of my phone pulls me out of my thoughts. The name flashing on the screen makes my body feel heavier.

I hate answering it because I already know what’s coming, but ignoring it would only make things worse.

Even if I say something, it’s as if I have no right to.

“Mother—”

“Cassandra, you need to come home.”

Her voice is commanding, cold as always, and without another word, she hangs up.

She doesn’t care to hear my voice or ask about my well-being.

This is an order, and I have no choice but to obey.

I shuffle into the Bellamy household, my family’s home, and I’m met with an unwelcome reception. The head butler greets me with a cold expression, as if silently accusing me of being a burden to the Bellamy family. But once I reach the living room, the coldness feels even more suffocating.

My stepmother stands there, her sharp gaze fixed on me. She’s filled with the usual emotions, always acting as though she holds power over everyone.

Oh, God. I hadn’t even prepared myself for this, and the sharp, dissatisfied tone of her voice pierces my ears.

“Are you going to keep acting like this? You can’t get pregnant and you don’t even show yourself as a useful woman.”

My stepmother walks toward me, as if she’s ready to shove me. The feeling of anger burns through my entire body, leaving me speechless.

“You’re going to ruin everything! Do you really think you can stay as sebastian’s wife without a child?” She raises both her eyebrows and laughs.

It’s almost funny. Even in that moment, I want to laugh, but the pain feels like it’s tearing my heart apart.

How could I have a child with Sebastian when he’s never even touched me?

Right! That’s the funny part that makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. Sebastian never share a bed with me.

My stepmother’s expression darkened. She clicked her tongue as she looked at me with contempt. “Use your brain. No matter what, you have to get pregnant with Sebastian’s child. If this marriage falls apart, you’ll destroy your own family.”

She grabbed my chin roughly. Nothing is easy when dealing with a mother who has such strong desires.

“You need to be useful, Cassandra. That’s your value!”

My mother released her grip on my chin harshly. Again, I could only nod helplessly. Accepting her always harsh words. My role in this family has always been like this.

I still remember when the marriage proposal from the Monclaire family came. They were so happy and didn’t need to ask me anything.

Before, it was because I had loved him for a long time. But now, I had left that uncomfortable place, walking slowly down the quiet, rainy streets.

I felt foolish, especially because I felt powerless and unloved by anyone. It made me almost enjoy walking in the middle of the street.

And I knew I shouldn’t be acting like this, considering my condition after donating blood to Isabella wasn’t too good. My body felt weak, and I could already feel my vision blurring.

“Aa… I have to contact—”

I hadn’t finished what I was going to do when my head was suddenly jolted, nearly making me fall backward. At that moment, my hand was suddenly caught by someone.

I fell into his arms, and we locked eyes, immediately realizing that he was not Sebastian. I swallowed the bitter feeling again and replaced it with a smile.

“Are you okay, Sandra?” He looked at me with clear concern.

Under the black umbrella shielding me from the rain. I could look at him, my university friend and an outstanding lawyer now. I’m also an outstanding student as him when I was in the university, but I went into the marriage with Sebastian, that’s when my bright life suspended as well as my career plan.

I moved slowly. Dylan still kept his hand around me, supporting my body, and we locked eyes again.

Dylan remained the same, he was always such a thoughtful friend. But I managed to create some space between us and slightly diverted my attention from him.

“I’m fine,” I replied, hugging my body. “Could you just help me hail a cab?”

Dylan put his hand on my shoulder. “I’ll drive you home.”

Honestly, I felt a bit uncomfortable meeting him in such a state. I wanted to resolve this quickly, go home, and everything would be okay.

“You’re soaked like this. Listen to me, Sandra. Let me take you home.” He looked at me deeply, like a solid rock, which was exactly how he was.

As far as I remember, Dylan had always been an understanding friend with a warm heart.

Finally, I nodded.

My body, now shivering, couldn’t give me the energy to argue with him. Dylan draped his suit jacket over my shoulders and gently guided me into the car.

It was definitely better inside the car than being out in the rain. Once we reached home, I could rest right away. Maybe I should’ve thought more clearly earlier and avoided this situation.

During the ride home, Dylan spoke again. “Sebastian is not a good husband.”

I looked at him, trying to process what he said. Dylan surprised me because he wasn’t the type of person to talk badly about others.

“He’s treating you badly. Has he ignored you again?” Dylan glanced at me.

I couldn’t respond to his words because they were true.

“I still remember how incredible you were back in university. I thought you’d become one of the top lawyers of our time. I never imagined you’d turn into a quiet, obedient housewife for a man who doesn’t deserve you. You’ve changed too much… for someone so unworthy.”

Dylan cursed in a low voice. This man, who was close to me, had made me feel better with his attention.

I agreed with everything he said, nodding. Sebastian should indeed feel lucky to have me. Didn’t I always treat him well and care for him?

Finally, we arrived at the house. "Thank you for driving me, Dylan."

He nodded slightly.

 "If you need my help, you can contact me, Sandra." Dylan said gently.

His words surprised me a bit because he was genuinely concerned about me.

As I got out of the car, I saw Sebastian standing at the entrance, watching. His handsome face was shadowed, his gaze sharp.

I swallowed slowly, feeling the weight of the tension, and walked toward the house. I didn’t even realize that I was still wearing another man’s suit jacket.