Chapter 2

Leta said, "Darling, there's something I've been discussing with your parents for the last couple of days. Zachary's death anniversary is coming up soon, and we were thinking of visiting his grave.

"Even though he wronged you back then, your parents raised him for so many years, and I've grown up with him as well.

"Most importantly, we're worried that seeing him will upset you, so we figured that it would be better if just the three of us went. Are you—"

"Go ahead. I won't be going," I interjected.

Leta couldn't help but curl her lips upward when she noticed how receptive I was. She leaned in and said, "I knew that my husband was the most understanding of all. Have a good rest at home, then."

I maintained a straight face as I smoothly evaded Leta's attempt to offer an appeasing kiss. Casually, I gave a perfunctory response. "We're out in public. Let's hurry on and get home."

I turned my face away, pretending to be embarrassed. Meanwhile, I had balled my fists up so tight that my palms had turned red. It hurt really badly, both my hands and my heart.

When I got home, I made something up to send Leta away. Then, I entered her study.

Because I trusted her without reservation, she never guarded herself against me. Just a touch of the mouse was all it needed to light up the computer screen.

What came up was a group photo of Leta, Zachary, and Anatalia as a family of three. It was such a painful sight that it made my eyes well up.

The computer was password-protected. I lowered my eyes and tapped on a few keys on the keyboard. As expected, the password was Anatalia's birthday.

The photo album was filled with photographs of their family of three, smiling brightly at the camera.

Leta had recorded every single detail of this nuclear family. She and Zachary held a first birthday celebration for Anatalia, and both of them attended a parents' meeting. There were countless photographs of them attending family activities together.

The more I scrolled, the more difficult it was for me to remain on my feet.

My lips began to tremble uncontrollably as shock and sorrow drowned me, suffocating me. This wasn't just because of Leta but also because of two other main appearances in these photographs.

I couldn't believe that my biological parents, Joseph Groff and Roselynn Barber, were part of these photographs, too!

In order to ensure Zachary's safety, everyone toyed with my life and feelings.

I suddenly remembered how Leta always ended her interviews by saying, "I love my family."

I once thought that was a subtle yet sincere expression of her love for me. But now that I thought about it, it just felt like I couldn't be more wrong.

That statement wasn't targeted at me only—it was also for Zachary and Anatalia.

I was never her only love. I let out a bitter scoff, barely holding onto my shattered heart.

I practically stumbled my way out of the study.

At that moment, my phone vibrated slightly. I froze the moment I saw the message from Zachary.

"You saw us today, didn't you? You saw how happy we are as a family of three. Not only Leta, but your biological parents funded and contributed to the opening of my jewelry design studio, too, allowing me to live a comfortable and lavish lifestyle.

"So what if you're their biological child, Harvey? So what if I almost destroyed you? At the end of the day, you are the one who isn't loved.

"It's my jewelry design studio's anniversary celebration tomorrow. Do you wanna come by and witness with your own eyes how deeply in love Leta and I are with each other?"

As it happened, Leta's voice came from behind me. "Harvey, I have to go on a business trip tomorrow. Rest early. You don't have to wait for me."

Neither did I go to Zachary's jewelry design studio, nor did I respond to his covert taunts.

Instead, I spent money on bribing the maids at Zachary's place. While everyone was out today, I seized the opportunity to sneak into the villa he currently lived in, disguised as a cleaner.

This was the best property under Quinlan Group's ownership. It was lavish in every way.

A massive family portrait was displayed right in the middle of the living room. Leta, Zachary, Anatalia, and my parents were looking at the camera, beaming with blissfulness.

Nevertheless, I wasn't able to stare at the portrait for too long before the maid, Janet Cross, yanked me away forcefully.

"This is a calligraphy piece that Mr. Joseph wrote personally when Ms. Anatalia was born. Also, that piece might look messy, but Mr. Joseph actually held Ms. Anatalia's hand and wrote every word patiently.

"You must be careful when you wipe that down. It's Mr. Joseph's prized possession. He spends a long time admiring it whenever he comes over, singing praises about Ms. Anatalia's talents!"