Chapter 2

When I didn't respond, Vanessa put on a pitiful act.

"Miranda, how about this? I'll tell all the guests the truth and apologize to you in front of everyone."

"It's no big deal for me. I'll just never be able to show my face in front of my family and friends again. My elderly parents will worry themselves sick. But as long as it doesn't hurt your marriage, I'm willing to make that sacrifice."

She sounded so tragic, but all I heard was fake nonsense.

Ryan ate it up though. He glared at me, about to lay into me, when Vanessa's dad walked over.

"Ryan, what's going on? Why are you arguing with some woman at your wedding?"

Ryan immediately switched to obedient mode when he saw Vanessa's parents.

"Dad, this is just a friend of mine. She was passing by and wanted to congratulate me."

He could introduce me like that without missing a beat. All for Vanessa.

I guess in his mind, I was just some stranger who happened to live under the same roof.

I looked at him, and for a split second, I saw panic in his eyes.

Whatever. I'd let them have their moment.

Facing the confused looks from Vanessa's family and friends, I decided to play along.

"That's right. I'm just his friend. I came to say congratulations. I'm leaving now. You all have fun."

Maybe my decisiveness got to Ryan. For a moment, it looked like he wanted to chase after me. But Vanessa held him back.

"Ryan, don't go. Everyone's waiting for us to greet them."

"After the ceremony, I'll come with you to talk to Miranda. Once she calms down, everything will be fine."

Ryan stopped in his tracks.

I walked out of the hotel without looking back.

When I got home, Lily threw herself into my arms.

"Mommy, you're finally home! I don't have to sleep alone tonight."

"Mommy, the wind was so scary at night. I was so scared hiding under the blankets by myself."

Looking at Lily's sweet little face, my heart ached.

I regretted going on that business trip and leaving her alone with her useless father.

I saw that all the food I'd prepared for her was gone. I praised her:

"Wow, you ate everything I made for you. Good job!"

Lily pouted.

"Mommy, I'm so hungry. Daddy hasn't made me food in three days. He said he was busy with that lady..."

My nose stung. Guilt washed over me.

I stroked Lily's head and pressed my cheek against hers.

"Then Mommy will cook for you right now. I'll make you something really good for lunch."

Lily jumped up and down with joy.

"Yay! Mommy's home, I can eat now!"

Hearing her words made my heart ache. I turned and went into the kitchen to make something good for Lily.

But when I opened the fridge, it was empty except for two eggs.

Clearly, no one had cooked here in days.

I had no choice but to make Lily some simple egg noodles.

Even so, it made her beam with happiness.

"Mommy's the best! The egg noodles are so yummy."

Looking at Lily's innocent smile, I felt a mix of emotions.

Just then, the door clicked open.

Ryan walked in with a long face, carrying a takeout container.

He tossed it on the table and glared at me.

"What's this? This is all you're feeding Lily? What kind of mother are you?"