Chapter 2

After completely giving up, Allison found a strange calm instead.

She focused on preparing her farewell performance in Eldoria.

On rehearsal day, Braydon somehow got the news and rushed to the site to support her.

As one dance piece ended, he approached with a bouquet of fiery red roses, just like he had done a thousand times before. "Allison, that was incredible. I can hardly imagine how stunning the actual show will be."

Allison ignored him and took the water from her assistant.

His hand with the flowers hung stiff in midair, a bit awkward.

Just as he opened his mouth, his gaze locked on something, and his face drained of color.

Allison followed his stare and spotted the little pregnant woman he had been caring for so tenderly.

That woman wore work overalls and directed the workers with ease as they adjusted the props.

A soft thud sounded as the roses hit the floor.

Braydon rushed over in a panic.

They stood too far for Allison to catch their exact words.

She could clearly see a flash of anger cross the usually mild-mannered Braydon's face.

Soon after, the woman clutched her face and ran out crying.

Braydon seemed ready to chase her but glanced back at Allison and forced himself to turn around instead. He explained in a rush. "That woman... my company worked with her before. She has a terrible work ethic. I worried she might ruin your show, so I gave her a piece of my mind..."

A clumsy lie.

Allison sneered inwardly but could not be bothered to call him out. She just nodded coolly.

After rehearsal wrapped, she needed some air and wandered out to the outdoor terrace.

She did not expect to stumble upon the two in the middle of a tug-of-war.

Braydon sounded worked up. "Kathleen, did I not tell you to stop working and rest for the pregnancy? What if you stir up complications?"

Kathleen tilted her face up with a stubborn edge. "I'm pregnant, not useless. I need to work. I need to support myself."

"You're carrying my child. It's only right that I take care of you."

"And after the baby comes?" Kathleen's eyes rimmed red in an instant. "Can you support me forever?"

"Why not?" Braydon blurted out.

Kathleen stared at him through misty eyes, stunned.

Braydon realized his slip right away, cleared his throat, and backpedaled fast. "What I meant was, once the child arrives, the child will be well taken care of by me and Allison. As for you, I won't leave you short. I'll give you a large sum so you can live worry-free for the rest of your days."

The light in Kathleen's eyes snuffed out. She bowed her head as a single tear fell silently. "Understood, Mr. Saunders. I'll stick to our deal and give you and your wife the child."

At her tear-streaked, pitiful look, Braydon softened despite himself. He pulled her into his arms and patted her back to soothe her. "Don't cry. Too much emotion isn't good for the baby."

They looked so wrapped up in each other, like a real married couple.

Allison could not bear to watch anymore and turned to leave.

Back in the empty center of the venue, she felt all her strength drain away.

In that moment, she grasped it crystal clear. Braydon had not just cheated physically. His heart drifted farther from her with every passing day.

The man who once had eyes only for her would never return.

She pressed a hand to her chest, where an awful emptiness gaped.

The gut-wrenching pain from the past few days had already run its course.

Now only desolation remained after the hollowing out, like a cold wind whistling through.

In a daze, Braydon's gentle voice sounded from above her head, as if nothing had changed. "Allison, is it over? Let's head home. I have a surprise for you."

She never imagined his surprise would fill the room with roses and candlelight.

By the time she finished her shower, he lay on the bed strewn with petals, nearly naked, his firm muscles teasing in the soft glow.

When she emerged, he plucked the rose from between his lips, his eyes hazy and voice husky. "Baby, I missed you so much."