Chapter 2

Adrian's expression turned cold.

That little bit of gentle warmth from earlier vanished completely. He frowned and warned me, "Serena, don't say things you don't mean. You know I don't have the patience to coax you."

I had already told myself not to care, yet my nails still dug fiercely into my palms.

I hadn't heard this phrase in a long time.

A woman's sixth sense is keen. The first time I saw Lily, I felt she was hostile toward me.

So every time the two of them got too close, I would throw a tantrum.

At first, Adrian would explain, would promise, even said he'd transfer her to another department in the company.

But when I saw Lily again, I discovered Adrian hadn't done anything like he promised.

He even gave her extra privileges because of Lily's thoughtfulness and liveliness.

Like how she could get a ride in the boss's car every day just by acting cute.

While I, the legitimate girlfriend, had to struggle to hail a cab home in the pouring rain.

Like how she could call Adrian on stormy nights saying she was scared, never considering that I'd lie awake until dawn because of his departure.

In my eyes, it was like witnessing a grand betrayal firsthand.

Painful, while hollowing out my heart bit by bit.

And when I questioned him about it?

He would always warn me in a disgusted, incredulous tone: "Serena, how old are you? Why do you have to compete with a young girl like Lily?"

"She's so innocent, she doesn't think that much. You're too suspicious."

You're too sensitive... You're too petty...

These were the words he said to me most often after Lily appeared.

Until finally I stopped making scenes, and our relationship returned to normal.

But only I knew what kind of torment I was going through.

After he finished speaking, he turned to leave. Watching his retreating back, I suddenly spoke up: "If I were pregnant, would your parents accept me?"

His footsteps froze. Exhaustion made the corners of his eyes red, his brows knitting in irritation.

I carefully studied this man I'd loved for ten years.

There was no surprise in his eyes, no anticipation.

I pulled the corners of my mouth into a smile. "Just kidding."

He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "We're not ready for a child right now."

"I understand."