Chapter 2

I returned to the apartment after removing my makeup.

A photo of Camille Grandelle's mother was saved on my phone.

The check lay quietly on the table.

The amount was enough to cover a year's worth of medical expenses.

Camille Grandelle.

How many more secrets are you hiding?

The sound of keys turning came from the door.

I quickly stuffed the check into the drawer.

"Ethan, I got my paycheck."

Camille walked in carrying strawberries.

She held up the bag with a bright smile.

"Your favorite strawberries, fresh and sweet."

Her gaze suddenly stopped on my forehead.

Her smile froze instantly.

"How did you get hurt?"

She rushed over and cupped my face.

Her fingertips gently touched the wound.

"Does it hurt?"

I turned my head away from her touch.

"I accidentally scratched it."

My eyes fell on the strawberries.

"Don't always buy such expensive things."

She smiled and pinched my cheek.

"How could spending money on you be a waste?"

"Ethan, I want to give you the whole world."

"You've suffered with me."

"I'll work hard to make sure my baby has a good life."

Silence spread through the air.

Her sweet words were still moving.

But the lingering scent of Liam Valentine's perfume on her was sickeningly sweet.

Camille didn't notice my unease.

She laughed when she saw my phone screen.

"Most people like to look at beautiful women."

"Why are you looking at an old lady?"

"Old and ugly."

I was stunned.

"You don't recognize her?"

She looked completely confused.

"No, I don't."

"Is she a relative of yours?"

"We should bring gifts and visit her sometime."

She grabbed her coat and hurriedly put it on.

"I have a part-time job tonight."

"I can't have dinner with you."

"Wait for me to come back."

The door closed softly.

I stood there, feeling cold all over.

It was she who took me to the hospital back then.

Pointing at the old woman on the hospital bed, she choked back tears.

Saying it was her mother.

But now she claims she doesn't recognize her?

I followed Camille's car in a taxi.

She entered a luxury mall.

When she came out, she was wearing an expensive gown.

The hotel lobby was brilliantly lit.

Liam Valentine was in a tailored suit.

He was cooing to a noblewoman.

Her features resembled Camille's.

Camille walked up and handed over a gift box.

"Mom, happy birthday."

Her voice was clear in my ears.

A sense of absurdity washed over me.

Anger and heartache intertwined.

I thought of the past three years.

She was always worried about medical bills and debts.

I felt for her struggles.

I worked tirelessly to share the burden.

As soon as my paycheck came in, I transferred it to her.

I went hungry, drinking water to fill my stomach.

I fainted multiple times but didn't dare go to the hospital.

It was all a lie.

That sick mother never existed.

Her weariness and sorrow.

Were only because Liam had gone abroad.

Everything I had done was a joke.

The banquet was halfway through.

Eleanor Grandelle stood up to announce.

"Thank you all for coming to the birthday gala."

"I have some good news to share."

"Camille and Liam have been childhood sweethearts."

"Their engagement party will be held in three days."

"Please do come."

The guests congratulated them.

Someone asked curiously.

"I heard Camille has a boyfriend?"

Eleanor's face darkened instantly.

"Some poor, low-class thing."

"Worthy of our Grandelle family?"

"Camille was just playing around."

"A social climber trying to become a phoenix?"

All eyes turned to Camille.

She was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly.

"Mother is right."

"Just a social climber."

"Let's do as you say."

I looked up in shock.

Liam giggled and hugged her.

Camille took out a diamond solitaire.

She slipped it onto his ring finger.

Amid cheers, she kissed his fingertip.

That ring was worth two hundred million.

I looked down at the ring on my finger.

She gave it to me on our first anniversary.

A few hundred dollars, not even pure silver.

It had long since tarnished and turned black.

But I couldn't bear to take it off.

Hiding in the corner like a voyeur.

Watching them hold hands as they accepted toasts.

Camille drank all the alcohol for Liam.

She handed him juice with a gentle tone.

"You're allergic to alcohol, drink this."

Liam leaned on her shoulder happily.

"Camille, you're so good."

Memories flooded back.

She had a weak stomach.

At every drinking session, I drank for her.

I would rather drink until my stomach bled.

Than let her touch a single drop.

I cared for her meticulously for three years.

Now she was risking her health for someone else.

Camille drank a lot that night.

Liam helped her towards the guest room.

Reason told me to leave.

But my feet followed against my will.

The door was slightly ajar.

Ambiguous sounds came from inside.