Chapter 2

Edward said he wanted to repay my parents, so he paid tuition for my sister and me. For seven years, he looked out for me in every possible way. Even the little things I casually brought up, he'd always keep in mind.

The more time we spent together, the deeper we fell for each other.

At our college graduation, Edward came with a massive bouquet of 999 roses and declared his love for me in front of everyone.

He made a vow in front of the whole crowd. He said, "For the rest of my life, I'll only hold your hand and protect you, no one else."

But he went back on his word.

The day his childhood friend came back from overseas, he changed.

I locked my gaze on Edward, my voice trembling with fury.

I demanded, "Edward, my parents gave their lives to save you. And now you're actually helping that reckless, always-causing-trouble Sophia go after the daughter of your saviors?"

I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms, blood welling up, but I didn't even notice.

I never imagined Edward would go so far for Sophia that he'd completely lose his conscience.

Edward just let out a soft sigh, like he was talking about something that barely mattered.

He said, "I've already dealt with Sophia. She knows she messed up.

"Worst case, I'll just have her come over and say sorry to you."

I knew all too well what Edward called "punishment" for her.

It was always the same old thing: he'd keep her locked up at home for a few days, and once the heat was off, she'd walk out like nothing ever happened, acting totally innocent.

Edward never got tired of saying it, but I was so sick of watching this play out year after year.

Ever since Sophia came back, whenever she saw me with Edward, she'd call him over, making him leave me behind every single time.

She'd go on hunger strikes, cut her wrists, threaten suicide, and cause all sorts of drama so that Edward would have to swoop in and clean up her mess.

Edward always said to ignore her, but as soon as she called, he'd drop everything and rush to her side.

And I was left behind, again and again.

And every time, Edward would smooth things over with just a few words, making it all seem like no big deal.

He'd say, "Lily, don't read too much into it. I've known Sophia since she was a kid. She's always been like a little sister to me. Try to let it go, okay?

"Sophia is dealing with depression, and her parents are out of the country. I can't just leave her hanging.

"She's been spoiled her whole life, so yeah, she can be a little high-maintenance, but she's not a bad person. You're always so mature. Just don't let it get to you."

But this time, to stop me from marrying Edward, Sophia actually tricked my grandma into coming to her villa. And then, like a total lunatic, she pushed my grandma right into the enclosure.

I always thought that no matter how much Edward favored Sophia, he would still know right from wrong when it came to the big things. Turns out, I gave him way too much credit.

He'd let Sophia do whatever she wanted, no matter how outrageous or where she drew the line.

Watching my sister cry and scream in the video, the tears I'd been holding back for years finally broke free.

I said, "Edward, I agree. I'll drop the charges."

Edward's eyes lit up with joy, but to me, his smile was just painful to look at.

He said, "Lily, I always knew you were the most mature.

"I'll have Sophia come over and apologize to you herself.

"In ten days, I'll throw you an even more spectacular wedding, okay?"

I didn't say a word. I just fought back the pain and signed the lawsuit withdrawal papers.

Every stroke of the pen felt like it was carving a fresh wound right into my heart.