Chapter 2

The phone screen lit up—a message from Owen on WhatsApp.

"Adrianna, there's a small get-together at Michael's place tonight with all our old friends. Why don’t you join us?"

Michael West.

My ex-boyfriend.

Owen’s close friend.

The one who deserted me when I needed him most, leaving without a backward glance.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering over the screen.

"No, I have plans tonight."

Owen replied almost right away.

"Are you sure you can't come? It'd be great to have you there." He added a cute emoji, his usual tactic.

In the past, it might have softened my resolve.

But now...

It felt like a void had opened up in my heart, letting in the cold air.

"Enjoy your night." I locked the screen and tossed the phone aside, trying to suppress the discomfort.

Around ten o'clock, I was ready to sleep, having finished my nighttime routine.

Suddenly, the phone started vibrating incessantly.

I frowned, letting it ring, not wanting to answer.

The ringtone persisted, repeating over and over, as if refusing to give up.

Finally, I swiped to answer.

Through the chaotic background noise—music, laughter, and Owen’s voice, clearly tipsy—I heard him.

"Adrianna... babe..."

His words were slurred, his voice thick and unclear.

"Yeah."

"Can... can you come pick me up? I think I overdid it... My head's spinning..."

He sounded pitiful, his voice pleading.

I stayed silent, not responding right away.

Going to a place filled with deception and betrayal, seeing the one who ruined my life, and someone who once abandoned me?

But... if I don’t go, will he become suspicious?

I can’t let him sense anything's up before I leave.

If he did, he’d definitely try to stop me from joining the volunteer group in Africa.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the revulsion inside.

"Send me the address."

The car stopped outside Michael’s estate.

I turned off the engine but didn’t get out immediately.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I stared at the window casting a warm glow, finding it unbearably bright.

Inside, Owen was surely laughing and drinking with my ex-boyfriend.

And maybe Margot Bell too?

In high school, Margot was always with them.

I smirked bitterly to myself.

Hesitating for a few seconds, I finally opened the car door and got out.

I walked to the porch of the mansion, ready to ring the doorbell, but voices reached me through a slightly open window.

Owen’s voice was there, hoarse from drink, with a hint of... pride?

I froze, feeling like my blood turned to ice.

Michael’s voice followed, filled with hesitation.

"Collins, it's been years... Aren't you treating Adrianna well now? Why bring up old stuff?"

"Well?" Owen scoffed, full of disdain and mockery.

"I'm nice to her as a way of making up for things. If Margot hadn’t set her sights on you, I wouldn’t have married Adrianna."

My heart sank, as if plunged into freezing water.

"If it hadn’t been for Margot, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble to set up that car accident."

Margot Bell?!

Boom—

My mind went blank, leaving only a ringing sound in my ears.

Owen’s voice continued inside,

"If it meant Margot could attend her dream college, I'd have done anything—even risked my life!"

"Regrets? Owen Collins's only regret is not telling Margot how I felt sooner! That’s how you ended up with her!"

He paused, a cruel pride in his voice.

"For Margot, I’m willing to do anything, no regrets ever!"

No regrets... ever...

I leaned against the cold wall, my hand clutching my stomach as I sank to the floor.

Eight years of companionship, every "I love you," the enviable proposal...

All part of a meticulously crafted lie!

And I, foolishly lost in his web of deceit, dreaming of a future with him, of raising children together!

The smell of antiseptic suddenly stung my nose again, overlapping with the truth I’d overheard at the hospital.

Then, I learned he’d planned the accident.

Now, I understood why.

My heart felt like it was clutched by an invisible hand, the pain making it hard to breathe.

The teenager with teary eyes promising to support me.

The man on one knee at graduation, his gaze burning.

The husband pressing for children during night shifts.

Countless shadows of Owen flickered before me, transforming into the heartless, cruel man inside uttering "no regrets ever."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stand.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Owen’s number.

After a few rings, someone answered, but it wasn’t Owen.

"Hello?" It was Michael.

Suppressing the turmoil within, I tried to keep my voice steady. "Michael, Owen’s had too much to drink. Can you bring him to the door? I’ll take him from there."

"Oh, sure." Michael sounded a bit surprised but agreed.

A few minutes later, the mansion door opened, and Michael helped a thoroughly drunk Owen out.

Owen’s eyes were shut, mumbling incoherently, his body slumped against Michael.

I stepped forward and took Owen from Michael.

"Thanks." My tone was cold.

Michael hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something, but he turned back inside without a word.

I helped Owen into the car.

I looked at him, my gaze complex.

This man had once been my entire world.

Now, he was my worst nightmare.

The car glided into the garage, and I helped Owen inside.

He still hadn’t woken up, so I laid him on the sofa and went to the kitchen to brew a cup of strong coffee.

White steam filled the kitchen, blurring my view.

My hands shook slightly, my grip on the cup tight, knuckles turning white.

I brought the coffee to Owen, lightly patting his cheek.

"Wake up."

He blinked groggily, his eyes unfocused.

I offered him a sip. "Drink some to sober up."

He grasped my wrist with surprising strength.

He brought my hand to his face, nuzzling it gently.

"Margot..." He murmured another woman’s name, eyes full of longing and desire, "Don’t marry Michael... marry me?"

"Margot..." He called again, huskily, leaning forward to kiss me.

A strong wave of nausea surged through me, and I jerked my hand away, spilling the coffee on the floor with a sharp clatter.

The porcelain shattered, liquid splattering.

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my racing heart.

Owen...

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

Without another glance at him, I turned and left the room.