Chapter 2

An indescribable sadness spread from my chest to my entire body.

I wanted to ask him why. Why did he do this?

But as I picked up my phone, all my strength left me.

I collapsed to the ground, letting the overwhelming emotions consume me.

I carefully put everything back in its place, as if they had never been disturbed.

But only I knew that beneath the seemingly flawless exterior, everything inside was already in ruins.

Quietly, I packed my things, one by one. I had lived here too long.

There were many scattered items, fortunately, Declan was away.

It took me almost three days to pack everything.

There were many things, but none of value.

The valuable items I brought long ago had been sold during tough times.

Leaving the house, I felt an indescribable lightness.

I looked back at the house I had lived in for most of my life, still feeling reluctant.

But I knew, no matter how long I stayed, it was never truly mine. It always bore someone else's mark.

I got into the car to go home.

Since my parents passed away, I hadn't returned home.

In my years of wandering, I thought I had finally settled down.

But it turned out to be a sugar-coated poison. I was coaxed into willingly consuming it.

Three days after I returned to my hometown, someone finally called me.

"Mom, where did you go?"

"Tomorrow, Theo has a holiday. Leo and I are too busy. I'll bring Theo over tomorrow."

My son's voice was full of energy, with a hint of dissatisfaction and reproach.

"Mom, did you hear me? In bright daylight, it’s so sunny. Stop running back and forth. I've been there several times for nothing."

His nagging continued in my ear.

I was a bit dazed. I don't think I ever complained about my parents like this, did I? I shouldn’t have.

It's been too long; I can't remember.

"Theo, let your mother-in-law bring him. I'm not convenient right now."

I calmly finished speaking and hung up the phone.

Lying in the room I slept in during childhood, I felt especially at ease. A sense of security filled me.

Unexpectedly, the person who should have returned in a week was standing at my door, looking worn out.

Seeing Declan's travel-worn appearance, I was surprised.

"Maeve, what are you doing? Do you know the paparazzi caught you? Now everyone is saying we’re getting a divorce. The company is asking questions. It’s a big deal."

Declan’s words shattered all my illusions.

I felt ridiculous for still holding onto fantasies about Declan. I thought he rushed over because he was worried about me.

But his first instinct was to think about something else.

"But if you don't say and I don't say, who knows I'm your wife?" My tone was dismissive.

Noticing his harsh tone, he changed his approach.

"Maeve, these days, you weren't home. Our son and I were worried about you. What happened?"

"Tell me, I'll stand up for you."

"Did the assistant say something offensive?"

Declan’s gritted teeth made it seem like he’d fight for me.

Turns out, all these years, I was deceived by his act.

"Declan, let's get a divorce."

His endless chatter stopped immediately.

He paused, seemingly thinking about what I just said.

"Maeve, what’s wrong?"

Declan's voice was urgent.

"I don't agree. Who upset you? Let's confront them, okay? Don't say things in anger."

I just looked at him coldly. I never noticed before how well he acted.

The praised good husband was secretly a hopeless romantic collecting photos of his first love.

"Declan, I discovered the basement."

His expression froze completely at my words, his face turning visibly unpleasant.

"Didn't I tell you not to enter the study?"

See, this person whom I had adored since my youth—once his secrets were exposed, his first reaction was to lash out and blame me.

In that moment, all the small incidents from the past rushed into my mind.

Without exception, they were all about Declan's disdain and barely veiled contempt.

Yes, a nouveau riche family like mine, being able to reach the heights of someone as educated as him, was indeed considered a stroke of ancestral luck.

Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but recall the numerous past events.

"You should go back. Next time, bring a lawyer, alright? I won’t shortchange myself even a cent."

I stood, blocking the doorway, indicating for him to leave.

Declan's face turned grim.