Chapter 2

Aria's POV

Late that night, I returned to the Hayes estate.

I tiptoed inside, desperate to avoid everyone.

The living room was dim, lit only by a single floor lamp.

Just as I reached the stairs, a voice came from the sofa.

"You're back?"

My body instantly froze.

Maeve rose from the sofa, wearing a silk robe. The neckline was loose, revealing a suggestive hickey on her neck.

She strolled closer, her finger tracing the mark.

"Liam was... passionate," she said, her eyes boring into mine. "Men can never resist physical attraction. Don't you agree, little girl?"

My stomach churned.

I gave her a frosty glare. "Trashy."

I turned, intending to go upstairs.

"Stop!" Maeve's voice sharpened. She rushed forward, grabbing my arm. "What's your problem? Jealous?"

Just then, the door to the upstairs study opened.

Liam appeared at the top of the stairs.

Maeve saw him. Her grip on my hand tightened sharply, and a cold, malevolent smile flashed across her face, gone in a blink.

The next second, her expression contorted into pure terror.

"Ah-"

A sharp cry tore from her throat.

Her body lurched backward, tumbling down the stairs.

"Maeve!"

Liam's face went ashen. He was at her side in an instant, gathering her limp form into his arms.

"Liam," Maeve whispered, her face pale, tears streaming down. She leaned weakly into his embrace. "Don't blame Aria. She didn't mean to."

Liam's head snapped up. His eyes, blazing with fury, pierced me like daggers.

"Even if you're upset, you shouldn't have pushed her!"

There wasn't a hint of doubt in his voice, only accusation.

I opened my mouth, wanting to say I hadn't.

But seeing his eyes, already convicting me, every word caught in my throat.

He wouldn't believe me.

"I didn't," I finally choked out, my voice raw.

Liam scoffed, standing up with Maeve in his arms. He couldn't even spare me a glance.

As he turned, Maeve, cradled in his arms, subtly looked back.

She looked at me, frozen in place, and mouthed silently:

You lose.

...

The next day, I went to the magazine office to hand in my resignation.

My editor-in-chief looked from me to the signature on my resignation letter. A slow, knowing smile touched her lips. "Big news to announce? Becoming a full-time housewife? Makes sense. Liam always protected you so well. He'd never want you to work too hard."

My heart stung, but I couldn't form an expression.

I silently returned to my desk to pack my things. The receptionist's assistant ran over, patting my shoulder excitedly.

"Aria! Look downstairs! Your fiancé is here to pick you up again! Oh my god, he's so handsome, you're so lucky!"

I paused, following her gaze.

Downstairs, leaning against his familiar sports car, was Liam. Today, he wore a perfectly tailored suit, his tall figure attracting the attention of every passerby.