Chapter 2

Sera's POV

"At least you're smart," Eleanor sneered over the line. "Tomorrow morning, 10 AM, at the St. Regis Cafe. Don't be late."

The next morning, I arrived right on time.

Eleanor slid a $50 million cashier's check and a non-disclosure agreement across the table, her eyes filled with nothing but disgust.

"Sign it, and the money is yours. But let's get one thing straight. Once you take this, get as far away from Ethan as possible. You are just a painter. Don't ever dream of marrying into the Thorne family. Ethan is already married to Chloe. If you keep clinging to him, you will be nothing but a shameless mistress."

I didn't argue. I picked up the pen and signed my name at the bottom of the page.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Thorne. He will never see me again."

Eleanor took the paper, satisfied. "I'll give you two weeks. Ethan is busy with Chloe right now anyway. Find a good excuse and vanish completely."

After leaving the cafe, I went straight to the visa center to fast-track an artist residency visa for Iceland.

The Thorne family was powerful in New York, but their reach couldn't touch Northern Europe. Once I was in Iceland, Ethan would never find me.

On the cab ride home, I opened Instagram. A notification popped up.

It was a post from Chloe.

It was a photo of two hands locked together on a steering wheel, a massive diamond ring glittering on her ring finger. In the passenger seat lay a vintage Leica camera.

The caption read: "What's meant to be will always find its way back to its rightful owner."

The post was set so that only I could see it.

Looking at that camera, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

That was the birthday present I had spent three freezing days hunting for in the vintage markets for Ethan's 25th birthday, spending every last penny of my savings.

I liked the post without any expression, then logged out.

At 10 PM, Ethan came home.

He threw his suit jacket onto the couch and wrapped his arms around me from behind as I was packing up my sketches. Resting his chin on my shoulder, his voice was surprisingly tender. "Why are you so sweet today? You even left the lights on for me."

My body tensed. I didn't struggle, but asked quietly, "Where were you today?"

"Just some urgent meetings at the office. I had to work late," Ethan lied without blinking, even kissing my cheek. "I've been neglecting you lately. There's a yacht party tomorrow night. Come with me. You need some fresh air."

Looking at his handsome, loving face, my stomach turned with pure disgust.

I lowered my gaze, hiding the dead look in my eyes. "Okay."

The next evening, the luxury yacht was glowing with lights.

When I entered holding Ethan's arm, we immediately became the center of attention. Everyone in our social circle knew Ethan had a woman who had been through thick and thin with him. Though we weren't married, my status seemed rock-solid.

But shortly after we sat down, a woman in a custom red gown walked down the grand spiral staircase.

Chloe Bennett.

She walked straight to our table, sat in the empty seat right next to Ethan, and smiled. "Long time no see, Ethan."

Ethan's grip on his wine glass tightened, but his face remained like ice. He didn't even look at her, only turning to me. "The oysters here are great. Want some?"

Watching his forced indifference, I found it pathetic.

They were already married. Why was he still acting for me?

Halfway through the party, Ethan was called away by some business partners.

I walked out to the deck alone to get some air, holding the digital tablet that contained five years of my artwork.

"Sera, you really are pathetic, aren't you?" Chloe's voice came from behind.

I turned around, staring at her coldly. "Do you need something, Mrs. Thorne?"

Hearing "Mrs. Thorne," Chloe smirked triumphantly. "Since you already know, why haven't you packed your bags and run? Do you really think Ethan loves you? He just pities you. You're nothing but a glorified, free maid. Now that I'm back, the placeholder needs to get lost."

With that, Chloe stepped forward and snatched the tablet from my hands.

"What are you doing? Give it back!" My face paled. My upcoming commercial illustrations and five years of hard work were all in there!

"It's just a cheap piece of plastic. Why so tense?" Chloe sneered, her hand flicking outward.

Splash.

The tablet sank into the pitch-black ocean.

"Chloe!" My eyes turned bloodshot. I raised my hand and slapped her across the face with everything I had.

Slap!

The sharp sound echoed across the deck.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

A furious roar came from behind us.

Ethan rushed over, shoving me aside violently to catch Chloe, who was whimpering and clutching her red cheek.

His shove was so hard, and with my high heels, I lost my balance and crashed backward.

Crack!

My right wrist slammed violently against the iron railing of the deck. A sickening snap echoed in my ears.