Chapter 2
July 15th. The Blackwood family sent over an invitation.
They wanted to meet at Sovereign Pavilion to discuss the engagement.
I arrived right on time for the meeting, with my maid by my side.
The waiter greeted us warmly, "Ms. Sterling, your private suite is on the third floor. Right this way, please."
Passing the second‑floor hall, I saw small groups of people.
That was when it hit me.
Today was the Orchid Poetry Club's meet-up.
It was organized and founded by Lucas.
Every fifteenth of the month, they held their gathering at Sovereign Pavilion to swap poems and show off their literary skills.
The winning piece would be displayed at Sovereign Pavilion for everyone to admire.
In the past, to please Lucas, I not only covered all the hotel expenses at every gathering, but also ran around to make sure all the wine, treats, and fruit were ready.
I'd even specifically request pastries from Velvet Patisserie.
Even after all that, Lucas never once let me join the poetry club.
"All you know is fighting and eating. Look at you, when have you ever looked like a refined lady?
"If I let you join, everyone would laugh at you the moment you showed up!
"Why can't you be more like Lila?"
In my memory, Lucas lectured me with a slight frown, clearly annoyed.
Then he just flicked his sleeve and turned away, walking off without another word.
"Wow, Lucas, you're such a gifted poet!
"This poem is beautiful!
"Could you let me have it? I'd love to frame it and hang it up at home."
Lila's voice came through, sweet and coy.
Lucas stood out effortlessly, like a superstar in a sea of nobodies.
A proud, confident look appeared on his face.
He radiated youthful energy and charisma.
"Lila, your poem is also stunning.
"No wonder you and Lord Lucas are the perfect couple, talent and beauty, totally made for each other!"
Listening to her girlfriends shower her with praise, Lila pressed her lips and lowered her eyes, pretending to be bashful.
The golden hair clip nestled in her hair glimmered with a dazzling light.
A wave of sadness washed over me.
That golden hair clip was handpicked by Lucas at the Garnet Jewels the day before my birthday. He asked for my preference and chose it together with me.
I had foolishly thought it was a birthday surprise for me.
Otherwise, I never would have gone looking for Lucas on my birthday and overheard him say those cruel words about me.
"A rough nobody, pathetically obsessed."
I withdrew my gaze and headed upstairs with my eyes downcast.
Lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly heard someone call out.
"Anna!"
Lucas stormed up to me, his face dark with anger.
I snapped back to reality and saw Lila kneeling on the ground right next to me, about to cry.
"Lucas, Anna didn't mean it. It was just me being careless. She just wanted to see my golden hair clip. Ow, it hurts!"
"Wait, it's not... I..."
Instinctively, I reached out my hand to help her.
Suddenly, there was a sharp snap.
Lucas yanked me back, his grip tight and unyielding.
"Don't touch her!" Lucas shouted in anger.
An agonizing pain shot straight through me as my right hand was smashed hard against the railing.
It instantly flushed red.
"Lila, let me take you home."
Lucas carefully helped Lila up, his eyes full of pity, not even a glance left for me.
I let out a bitter, self-deprecating smile.
Lucas hadn't changed one bit since we were kids.
Whatever Lila said, he believed. No matter how I explained, he turned a deaf ear.
In fact, I never expected him to defend me.
All I ever wanted was a chance to tell the truth.
My heart felt numb and frozen.
With heavy steps, I turned and slowly climbed up to the third floor.
The man was still there, waiting for me.