Chapter 2

Victoria POV

Mia had a large south-facing suite in the main villa. Even the Hayes family dog had a dedicated climate-controlled room.

But I lived in a place where sunlight never reached.

I had to leave. Not one more minute.

I pulled out my suitcase and packed only important documents and a few old clothes.

I left all those designer bags and jewelry in the closet.

If I was going to make a clean break, it had to be complete.

I was still packing when the door burst open.

Ethan's mother, Rachel, walked in with obvious displeasure on her face. "Victoria, what's gotten into you? Ethan's had too much to drink. Instead of helping him handle the work crisis at the party, you run off, and now you won't even prepare his honey lemon water?"

In the past, even if I had a high fever, I would rush anxiously to the kitchen.

Because Rachel would say, "The Hayes family sponsors you to help share our burdens, not to play princess."

But now, I didn't even look up, yanking the zipper of my suitcase closed with force.

"The housekeeper's downstairs. Have her get it."

Rachel froze, as if she hadn't heard correctly. "What did you say? You ungrateful-"

"Since you already say I'm ungrateful," I looked directly at her, "then perfect. I'll leave right now and stop dirtying the Hayes house."

Rachel was speechless, unable to get words out for a long moment.

Just then, the roar of a car engine came from downstairs.

Ethan was back.

Rachel seemed to find her confidence, immediately switching to a wronged expression and rushing downstairs.

"Ethan, that ungrateful girl is getting out of control!"

Hearing those footsteps drawing closer, in the past when I heard that sound, I would immediately check my appearance, afraid of displeasing him in any way.

Now I just felt annoyed.

I picked up my suitcase and headed for the door.

Just as I reached it, Mia's pitiful face appeared in the doorway.

She was supporting a reeking-drunk Ethan. Seeing the suitcase in my hand, she covered her mouth in mock surprise.

"Victoria, where are you going?"

Her eyes darted around as she said, "Ethan has a terrible headache. Won't you stay to take care of him? Running away from home this late at night?"

I said nothing, simply placing the suitcase horizontally between us.

Forcing Mia back half a step.

Mia retreated behind Ethan looking wronged.

I didn't even glance at her, looking directly at Ethan behind her instead.

The man I had loved for a lifetime in my previous life was now staring at me with sinister eyes.

The narrow hallway reeked of alcohol.

My phone buzzed with a calendar reminder.

[Tomorrow: couples' island getaway.]

This was a surprise I had spent three months preparing.

Ethan had casually mentioned wanting to go to the beach, and I had taken it to heart.

Ironically, in my previous life, tomorrow he took Mia deep-sea fishing.

Leaving me alone at home.

I closed the reminder and pulled my suitcase past Ethan toward the stairs.

A hand pressed down on my suitcase.

"Victoria, are you finished yet?"

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot, his voice impatient. "Do you think I've been spoiling you too much lately?"

I could tell he thought I was scheming, using this method to drive Mia away.

"Let go."

I looked at him calmly. "I'm just moving out. Letting you two be together."

"Letting us be together?"

Ethan laughed coldly, as if he'd heard the world's greatest joke. "Where could you go without the Hayes family? Sleep on the streets? Don't be shameless."

"Victoria, don't go!"

Mia suddenly rushed forward, pretending to mediate but actually grabbing my arm.

Her long nails dug cruelly into my flesh, the pain piercing.

But her voice was full of tears. "It's all my fault. Victoria, please don't be angry with Ethan..."

I instinctively jerked my hand away, not using much force at all.

But Mia cried out dramatically and fell toward the railing.