Chapter 2

Victoria POV

When I opened my eyes again, the window outside was dazzlingly white.

"Victoria, how are you feeling? Is there anything else bothering you?"

I heard a familiar voice, and as soon as my eyes opened, I saw Jennifer's face, etched with worry.

Jennifer sat by the bed, her eyes bloodshot. She must have stayed up all night watching over me.

"I'm fine." Memories from before I passed out flooded my mind, and I forced myself to sit up. "I'm sorry to have worried you."

Jennifer nodded, her voice filled with lingering fear. "You scared me half to death yesterday. I was genuinely afraid you'd do something drastic."

Mid-sentence, my phone rang.

I answered, my voice already calm. "Richard."

"Victoria, why is your voice a little hoarse? Did you pull another all-nighter?"

"No, Richard. Isn't the Zurich branch short on staff? I'd like to go help out there."

My father on the other end paused. "Why the sudden urge to go to Switzerland?"

"I want a change of scenery." I glanced out the window. "Jennifer is also going back next month. I want to go with her."

My father was silent for a long time, then finally sighed. "Alright, whatever you want."

I hung up, and Jennifer looked at me worriedly. "Are you really sure about this?"

I nodded.

The lawyer had emailed the draft of our divorce papers.

I stared at the screen, every word stinging my eyes.

I still hadn't figured out how to bring it up with Michael.

Too much bound us together: the business alliance between our families, decades of friendship.

As I was leaving Jennifer's apartment and getting into my car, I saw a familiar figure.

Michael.

Why was he here? Wasn't he supposed to be away for three more days?

The man wore a perfectly tailored custom suit, his figure tall and lean, but his eyes showed signs of fatigue.

He walked quickly, opening the car door.

"Your voice sounded off on the phone. I was worried, so I flew back last night." He said, pulling me into his embrace.

That embrace, which once brought me immense comfort, now made me tremble uncontrollably.

My mind was filled with Emma's voice and the image of that child calling him "Daddy."

I clenched my hands, forcing myself not to push him away.

He used to hold me like this too, laughing softly as he asked, "What are you overthinking now? Hm?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

He pulled me closer, whispering with a low laugh in my ear, "My sweet little liar, you're never allowed to leave me. No matter where you run, I'll find you. Understand?"

I used to think I could never escape, but this time, I wanted to leave on my own.

"You look like you've lost weight." He caressed my cheek with his thumb, his eyes full of tenderness. "Are you not eating properly again when I'm not home?"

I couldn't understand how a man who'd been with his mistress the night before could so calmly say such things to his wife.

I didn't want to explain, just shook my head. "No, I'm just a little tired."

I could see he was about to say more, but my gaze caught a slender figure standing a short distance away.

Emma.

She was in a white dress, her long hair loose over her shoulders, looking utterly fragile.

Just then, Michael's phone rang.

He glanced at the screen; I saw it too. It was Emma calling.

Michael's face looked troubled.

He quickly hung up and kissed my forehead apologetically.

"Something urgent came up at the office. I have to go there. You wait for me at home, and tonight I'll take you to your favorite Italian restaurant." With that, he hurried into his car.

After the car drove away, Emma slowly walked towards me in her high heels.

"Ms. Victoria," she said, introducing herself with a smile, her eyes full of scrutiny and challenge.

Seeing me, Emma knew I had figured everything out, and the smile on her lips deepened.

"It seems Ms. Victoria already knows about Alex and me." She paused, her voice brimming with ill-concealed triumph. "Ms. Victoria, Michael's wife will only ever be me."