Chapter 2

I didn't know how Eric felt, but I was sure it wasn't good.

And I knew his stubbornness too well. He wouldn't give up.

I dragged my exhausted body back to the Sinclair estate.

These past few days, I'd been swamped with projects, almost working late into the night every day.

I entered the house, rubbing my temples.

Then I remembered the text from my parents an hour ago: "Eric is back."

At the time, my body had frozen. I always knew he might return, but the news still shocked me.

I hung up my bag and saw high heels on the floor.

I paused, then put on a polite smile.

"You're back?" A gentle voice asked.

I turned. Aurora stood there, draped in a black lace nightgown. It was modest, but hugged her alluring curves. Her fair skin and exquisite features were framed by a soft smile.

She frowned with concern.

"You look so tired. Haven't you been sleeping well?"

I smiled. "It's just work. Did you have a good time? How's Lily?"

Aurora stepped into my arms, her face against my chest. Her fingers gently stroked my back.

"Lily had a great time. She's already asleep. She just wished you were there. Next time, we all go together."

"I missed you," she whispered, her voice laced with an intimate, almost possessive warmth.

I kissed her soft hair, but inside, I felt nothing but a cold void.

I felt a soft touch on my lips, and my body stiffened. My mind was filled with what Eric had said to me earlier that day.

I didn't respond to her as I usually would.

Instead, I slightly resisted, using my hands to create some distance between us.

"I..."

My words trailed off, because I distinctly felt Aurora's body stiffen for a moment.

I keenly sensed that she was displeased.

After a pause, Aurora smiled and picked up my words.

"You are tired. Go take a shower and get some good sleep."

It was an excuse, offered for my benefit. Then, she kissed my lips lightly.

I nodded and went upstairs.

Behind me, the woman in the shadows had a dark, unreadable look.The pressure around her solidified as she watched my back.

The next day, I left for work as usual. The moment I stepped out of the apartment complex, I saw a familiar figure.

My hand clenched the steering wheel, my brows furrowing tightly.

Eric saw my car too. He suddenly rushed in front of it, forcing me to stop. The cars behind me honked furiously.

It was peak rush hour.

The security guard eagerly tried to pull Eric away.

But Eric was relentless. Even as he was being pulled back, he desperately shouted. "Adam! Don't play dead with me! You're occupying my wife, do you have no shame?!"

His sharp, piercing voice drew everyone's attention.

I pulled my car to the side, ensuring I wouldn't block anyone or anything, then got out.

I stared at him with a cold expression. Eric flashed a smug smile, running a hand through his messy hair.

He chuckled. "What? Embarrassed? Or scared Aurora will leave you when she finds out I'm back?"

My voice was ice. "Eric, you are a plague upon my life. This is your final warning. Do not seek me out again."

He ignored me. A determined smile spread across his face.

"Stop pretending. You're just scared. You've always been in my shadow. Of course you're jealous. Of course you want to be me."

His voice paused, then he took a few steps closer and whispered in my ear.

"Too bad, a cuckoo in a nest will always be driven out. I'll wait right here. When I see Aurora, I'll explain everything clearly, and she'll forgive me."

"And Lily, she's my daughter. We have an unbreakable blood connection. You'll never be able to replace me!"

I didn't say anything, just turned and got back into my car.

This time, Eric didn't stop me.

In the rearview mirror, I saw him standing there, smiling faintly as he watched me go.

An icy dread trickled down my spine.

Eric was spoiled and never faced consequences. Anyone who crossed him was met with the full, destructive force of his tantrums.

I took a deep breath, forcing my mind to let him go.

I had spent years building my marriage and my career.

A divorce now would shatter me. And it would deal a devastating blow to everything Aurora and I have built.

Aurora had her family to fall back on.

But I had only myself.