Chapter 2

Walking through the door, I was greeted by yet another gut-wrenching scene. Dulce lounged on the couch, draped in the jewelry my mother had passed down to me, feeding spiced honey cake to Creed as he worked nearby. Even his usually stoic face seemed to glow with contentment.

Spotting me, Dulce jumped up to say hi.

"Adelyn? What’s up? How’s your mom doing?"

"Why do you care?" I shot back. "Keep enjoying your little paradise, but hand over the jewelry my mom left for me."

Dulce rose, tears quickly pooling in her eyes. Creed moved to shield her, dropping his usual polite facade.

"Dulce really loves that jewelry," he said. "Why not let her keep it? Once we’re married, I’ll get you an even better set."

I replied with a biting tone, "That was a gift from my mom. Does she deserve it?"

Before he could answer, I locked eyes with Dulce, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Dulce, you borrowed my dad because you didn’t have one. You borrowed my man because you couldn’t find your own. What’s next? Can’t even get your own wedding jewelry?"

"It’s not like that, Adelyn. Just hear me out," she begged.

Creed couldn’t bear to see her distressed and quickly stepped in again.

"Why are you being so dramatic? It’s just some jewelry. Letting Dulce borrow it isn’t a big deal. Our marriage is just for show anyway."

I smirked, "A sham marriage suits sham jewelry."

Suddenly, Dulce dropped to her knees before me.

"Adelyn, I know you’re upset about me marrying Creed. After the wedding, I’ll give him back to you, okay?"

Done with her drama, I turned to leave. But she clung to me, and before I could shake her off, she screamed and collapsed. The game was up when I met Creed’s fiery glare.

He charged over, grabbing me by the neck and slamming me onto the cold tiles, ignoring my protests.

"I swear I didn’t do anything."

He wouldn’t listen.

"No wonder Xavier couldn’t stand your mom—you both look down on everyone, it’s sickening!"

If only you’d believe me, even a little. I sat on the floor, stunned, watching them walk away, a bitter laugh slipping out. It took a while to push down the ache in my chest before I headed back to the hospital to care for my mom.

In the hospital room, Xavier fumed while Sutton tried to shove a trophy back into my mom’s hands.

"Leighton, please, call off the online attacks. I’m giving the trophy back to you."

My mom refused the trophy, struggling until it fell to the floor. Sutton seized the chance to collapse dramatically, mimicking her daughter. Her eyes red with tears, she spoke in a voice heavy with hurt.

"Even if you don’t want it, don’t destroy it." She clutched her stomach,

"Xavier, my stomach hurts. What if something’s wrong with the baby?"

Hearing this, Xavier scooped Sutton up, soothing her softly.

"Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect you and our baby." With that, he walked out, holding her tight.

I helped my mom up, her face as blank as shattered glass in her palm. She didn’t seem to feel the pain.

"Adelyn, did you hear? They’re having a baby."

I gently wiped her tears. "Mom, you’ve still got me."

Soon after, Xavier called, his voice sharp with anger.

"Leighton, you need to put out a statement saying Sutton earned her award fairly. Stop your clueless fans from spreading lies about her."

"She almost lost the baby because of you. Clarifying is the least you can do as compensation."

I laughed at the absurdity. "Dad, why should mom clarify anything? If Sutton had talent, no one would doubt her."

"Don’t act innocent—your mom paid people to trash her," he fired back.

My mom had no fight left. "I’ll post something on their wedding day."

Xavier’s tone softened.

"I know this has been rough, but I’ve lined you up for Director King’s next film. Don’t be upset anymore."

Starring in his films had been her lifelong dream. Yet now, her face stayed eerily calm, neither agreeing nor refusing.

After hanging up, we found out Dulce had just announced her lead role in Director King’s new film.

["Xavier really trusts Sutton. He got her the lead in King’s film."]

["Didn’t you know? Sutton is Xavier’s real love, more important than his wife."]

Reading the comments, Mom and I quietly packed up and left, choosing not to make a scene.