Chapter 2 Cracks in the Illusion

There he was-a well-built young man, seated elegantly. His tousled hair barely covered his chiseled face, his shirt open to reveal solid abs. Full pink lips-too perfect.

Oh God, I thought. I slept with a model?

"Have you seen enough?" he smirked, jolting me back to reality.

"I didn't see anything!" I stammered, looking away.

"I know you're going to deny it," he said, amused.

That's when I remembered Lydia. Where was she?

"Don't worry. Her fiancé came to pick her up last night," he said.

How does he know her name?

"You mentioned it like a hundred times yesterday," he added. "And by the way, you owe me. You kicked me out of my own bed. I had to sleep in the guest room."

With that, he walked out.

I stared at his Godforsaken head, feeling mortified. I quickly gathered my belongings and tiptoed toward the door.

"Are you not eating before heading out?" he asked.

I ignored him and kept moving.

"Eat something first. You'll need the energy," he added. "Or I'll collect the 2 million-by force."

Where would I get 2 million dollars from? Even if I worked in a bank...

I nodded, giving in, and dragged myself toward the dining table.

To my surprise, all my favorite dishes were there.

Tears streamed down my face.

"How can someone make me feel this... seen in such a strange moment?"

"What are you doing?" he asked. "Are you crying over food?"

"I'm not," I said, wiping my tears. "What are you implying?"

"My dogs like this food. That's why I like it too," he said casually.

The moment he said that, I furiously stood up and left the table.

"How can your dogs like my favorite dishes? You think it's funny just because I mistakenly entered your house and slept here?" I snapped.

When I got home, I saw Tomson from behind-chatting with my mom.

Tomson... my childhood fiancé. The son of my mom's best friend. The boy I fell for too fast, too hard. And the same person who shattered me.

"Good morning, Mom," I greeted.

"Oh, you're back," she said, smiling. A smile I hadn't seen in so long-it was almost... radiant.

"Welcome. Tomson is here to see you."

He turned and looked at me with his usual innocent face, but I knew what lay beneath.

Is he here to apologize? Or... start over?

If it's either, part of me would still say yes.

"Babe, you look rough. Where are you coming from?"

I wanted to ask him how that was any of his business. But my voice failed me.

"Oh... from Lydia's house," I lied.

I hated myself for it.

Later, my mom pulled me aside. "Tomson is here. Be on your best behavior so he can take you back."

I was stunned. This woman-my mother-should be defending me, fighting for me.

"Your father's company needs you," she continued. "If you can't hold onto Tomson, the company might go bankrupt."

So that was it?

My happiness didn't matter anymore?

I wasn't even human to them. Just a pawn. A ghost in the living world.

After our short talk, she left Tomson and me alone.

For a while, we sat in silence.

Then he finally spoke.

"Did you miss me?"

Hell no.

But my lips betrayed me. "I missed you, Tomson. Why did you treat me like that?"

"You shouldn't be angry just because another woman was in my bed," he said casually. "Know your place. You're my wife-to-be. No one else can be Mrs. Morgue

"Cheated? Am I not enough?" I asked.

Tomson's face twisted in anger. "Are you not happy I came to look for you? If you bring this up again, I swear, I'll leave forever."

"Okay, okay," I said quickly, swallowing my pain. "I won't mention it again."

"Come here," he beckoned.

I stood slowly, like a remote-controlled doll.

"Sit on my lap," he said.

I obeyed, and he started massaging my thighs. I couldn't help but moan. God, I missed his touch so badly.

"Did you like it?" he asked, his voice dreamy.

I nodded, breathing heavily.

"Should I continue?"

Seriously? Can't you see I'm melting under your hands? Why ask such a foolish question? I nodded again but quickly stopped him.

"We're in the sitting room. Someone could walk in."

He didn't argue. Instead, he lifted me in bridal style and carried me to my room, gently laying me on the bed.

That night, we made love over and over again.

The next morning, I woke up to see Tomson sleeping beside me. I traced my fingers along his face. He was so handsome. Lying there beside him felt like peace. If this is all I ever had, I'd be fine.

His eyes fluttered open.

"How long have you been staring at me?" he asked.

I blushed hard.

"Yesterday wasn't enough?" he teased. Then, before I could answer, he pounced again.

I truly thought he had changed. I believed him.

But later, his phone rang. I peeked. Olivia. My heart sank.

I couldn't hear what she was saying, but Tomson's mood changed immediately. He got up and started putting on his trousers.

"Tomson, where are you going?" I asked, trying to hide my growing suspicion.

"Sorry babe. I'll be back tonight. Wait for me."

That's when it all became clear. He hadn't changed.

After he left, I showered and got dressed. Lydia had invited me to Mr. Johnson's birthday banquet-he was Ray City's top tech mogul.

I wore something radiant. Honestly, if Tomson hadn't left me behind, I probably wouldn't have come. But maybe it was meant to be.

At the banquet, the air was full of power. Prominent families from every sector were there. I felt lucky just being in the room.

Then I spotted Lydia. She waved and hugged me tightly.

"Hey buddy! I missed you!" she said.

Of course she did. After her fiancé picked her up last time, they left me to wander the streets alone, drunk and wasted.

I didn't hug her back.

Sensing my discomfort, she stepped back. "I'm really sorry about last time. I didn't know what happened. Please forgive me."