Chapter 2

Seven years. I alone knew the truth of my sorrow.

Thinking back, I couldn't hold back my tears.

Jacob had told me his family was old money, and his parents valued heritage. To gain their approval, I had to work hard.

I loved Jacob, and I knew the path ahead was difficult, but I rushed headfirst into it, like a moth to a flame.

I always obeyed Jacob's parents, giving up my dream of becoming a detective to be a housewife. Even then, I wasn't allowed to sit at the dinner table.

Because of my humble origins, Jacob's parents found me 'unclean'. They saw me as beneath them, tainted by my background.

I thought with time, I could warm them up. But Jacob's passion for me steadily dwindled, while his interactions with Celeste became more frequent.

Even so, I clung to a sliver of hope.

So, when Jacob was attacked by thugs, I didn't hesitate, shielding him and fighting them off, taking thirteen knife wounds!

Blood soaked my clothes, blurring my vision.

As I lay bleeding, consciousness fading, I heard Jacob screaming my name.

In that second, I felt Jacob's love and thought dying for him was worth it.

But it was all my hallucination.

Jacob had always truly loved Celeste...

I sighed, wiping away my tears, and was the last to leave the hotel. To my surprise, Jacob's father was waiting outside.

"I'll arrange a press conference. You'll admit your mistake and take all the blame, don't you dare affect Jacob."

He saw me and spoke, his tone an order.