Chapter 2

One by one, I admired each piece, quietly savoring the unique artistry at my fingertips.

Suddenly, my eyes landed on the giant dragonfly.

That was the only time I was lucky enough to witness Benedict crafting something with his own hands.

The dragonfly's wings rested gently, cupped in his hand, while the studio was filled with the clamor of machines.

He was so deeply absorbed and focused that he didn't even realize I was standing so close behind him.

It wasn't until he turned to reach for his craft knife that he finally noticed me.

I thought he'd invite me in and let me join him.

But I caught a fleeting look of disgust on his face, and then he just closed the studio door.

I stood there, frozen, feeling wronged, with nowhere to vent my frustration.

All I wanted was to celebrate his birthday with him.

I spent three days and nights working tirelessly, barely catching a wink of sleep, just so I could finish my research project in time for his birthday.

When I got home, I didn't even pause to rest. I hurried to make a birthday cake, thoughtfully placing Benedict's favorite figurine on top.

If he'd just looked at me for a second, he would've seen the birthday cake I was holding.

The assistant saw me gazing at the giant dragonfly, probably thought I was fascinated by it, and was about to share the story behind its creation.

I gestured dismissively and was just about to leave when a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind me. "Oh my god, Angela, what are you doing here?"

Hailey's voice came out of nowhere, making several people in the hall glance over curiously.

Hailey quickly put on an embarrassed look and whispered, "I didn't mean to be so loud.

"I'm just surprised a person like Angela would show up here. Can she even appreciate Benedict's art?"

Elaine stood off to the side, giving me a scornful look and sneering, "A coutry girl dreaming she's a princess, how ridiculous.

"The ugly duckling only became a swan because it was always a swan to begin with.

"Maybe you should take a hard look at yourself and see what you really are."

Elaine had a point. If something was never mine, I'd lose it sooner or later.

Everything Hailey had, she got by stepping over my family's compassion.

She was someone I grew up with.

After her parents split, Hailey lived with her grandma, and our families were always in and out of each other's homes when we were kids.

My parents had a soft spot for her, treating her like their own daughter. Anything I had, she got too.

When her grandma passed away, my parents decided to take her in and let her live with us.

From then on, she followed me everywhere, like a shadow that never left my side.

But after moving in with the Chandlers, Hailey was consumed by the luxury and her own ambitions, turning into someone I could barely recognize.

If she hadn't constantly trashed me in front of Elaine, robbing me of every chance to clear my name, Elaine wouldn't have held me in such disdain.

But today was an important day for Benedict, and I didn't want to argue with them or cause trouble for his studio's reputation.

Even if Benedict wasn't fond of me, I knew better than to overstep and interfere with his beloved work.

I smiled lightly and said, "I just came to deliver a congratulatory gift. I'll be leaving soon."

"Fine," Elaine sneered, her tone icy. "Angela, don't come back here again. This place isn't open to trash like you."

I held onto one last shred of respect for elders, swallowing my anger and keeping myself in check.

As I turned around, I spotted Benedict standing not far away.

He didn't say a word. He just brushed past me and went upstairs with Elaine and Hailey, as if he was there to keep them company.

I knew he'd heard everything, but as always, he stayed silent, like he was just a bystander.

Before leaving, Hailey flashed me a provocative smile while the other two weren't paying attention.

When I got home, I started packing up everything connected to Benedict.

I took everything, from the love letters I secretly wrote for him back in school, to the first gift I ever bought him with my own money after I started working.

Looking at all these things I'd treasured in every corner of my room, my nose tingled, and I felt a lump in my throat.

Ten years was all it took to drain every ounce of love and sincerity I had left.

After packing everything away, I flopped onto my bed, exhausted.

Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

In my dream, I found myself back in time.

At that critical moment, I desperately called out to Benedict, but he only cared about Hailey.

They got in the car and sped away, leaving me alone in the warehouse to die.

That was the part of my past I dreaded most. Every time I fell asleep, those memories would trap me all over again.