Chapter 2

I let out a bitter laugh, grabbed the gift I'd prepared, and started to put it away.

Right then, Edward hung up and looked at me, confused. "What's that?"

"Nothing." I quickly shook my head and shoved the box behind me.

He frowned and snatched it from my hands.

When he opened it and saw the watch inside, he gave me a puzzled look. "Why'd you buy this?"

I forced a smile. "Today's our five-year anniversary. It was supposed to be your gift."

Guilt flashed across Edward's face as he kissed my forehead. "Sorry, I got swamped and completely forgot. It's beautiful. Now get some sleep, okay?"

With that, he walked straight to his room without another glance.

The second his door clicked shut, I broke down, muffling my sobs as I curled up alone.

For the first time, the thought of divorce hit me like a freight train.

But if I left Edward, where would I even go? Back to that apartment littered with empty bottles?

Maybe guilt was eating at him, because for the first time ever, Edward invited friends over to our place.

I'd always wanted to be part of his world, but he'd always had an excuse to keep me out.

Now, just when I was ready to walk away from this marriage, he finally opened that door—just like that.

The house was buzzing with laughter and conversation.

Then Mia walked through the door, and everyone went quiet.

Edward shot to his feet, his whole face lighting up. "You didn't tell me you were coming! Where's James? Why are you alone?"

Mia smiled sweetly, "He went to drop our bags at home. Be here any minute."

She walked straight up to me and held out a small box. "Rachel, it's been ages. This is a belated wedding gift—freshwater pearls from Vion. Figured you probably hadn't seen these before."

I stared at the box in my hands and said nothing.

As Mia approached the table, Edward automatically handed her the mille-feuille he was holding.

She looped her arm through his and swayed playfully, pouting. "Edward, you remembered my favorite! But you barely talk to me anymore since you got married. Did you forget about your little sister?"

Edward smiled helplessly and tried to pull away. "Mia, you're getting married too. Maybe watch the boundaries."

Mia ignored him, gripping his arm tighter and shooting me a challenging look.

She said, "Edward, we grew up together. It's been forever—can't I get a little close? What's wrong with that?

"Besides, once I marry James, we'll all be family anyway."

Edward hesitated, forcing a smile as he patted her shoulder.

But when his eyes met mine, his hand dropped subconsciously.

Maybe sensing my mood, Edward quickly changed the subject.

"Oh, Mia, didn't you say you lost a bracelet? Rachel has one—let me grab it for you."

He unlocked the cabinet and pulled out a diamond bracelet.

The second I saw it, I rushed over. "Edward! That's my mother's heirloom!"

Edward frowned, clearly irritated, his tone full of weary resignation. "Rachel, don't be dramatic. You never said this was your mom's. If you want one, I'll buy you another. But this one's for Mia."

Mia's eyes lit up as she took the bracelet, turning it over in her hands.

I kept my eyes glued to it, terrified something would happen. When I looked up, she gave me a satisfied smirk.

My stomach dropped.

Sure enough, the next second, the bracelet slipped from her fingers, hit the floor, and shattered into pieces.

Mia's hand was still suspended in mid-air, her face the picture of innocence—but her eyes gleamed with triumph.

"Sorry, Rachel. I just couldn't hold onto it," she said, voice dripping with fake sympathy.