Chapter 2

His cellphone buzzed and he gently patted my shoulder, looking apologetic. "Zoey, there's an urgent situation at work. I need to head back!"

Just like that, Keith departed, leaving me alone at the birthday celebration. No longer naive, I could clearly perceive the mockery, schadenfreude, and sympathy in the gazes of those around me.

Feeling dejected, I returned to Keith's residence, where his parents were still up. Upon seeing me, Camilla let out a cold snicker. "Six years and you're still so useless. My poor boy."

"That's enough! Say no more," Charles interjected, pulling her away, but I could still detect the contempt in her tone.

I closed my bedroom door and delicately traced the edges of my parents' photograph. Perhaps it was the cool evening air, but tears began to fall. "Mom, Dad, I don't want anything. I just... I just want a place to belong," I murmured.

I spent the entire night sitting on the floor, waiting. Sadly, Keith didn't return. Instead, I woke to find paparazzi photos of Keith kissing another woman.

When he came back in the morning, his explanation was nonchalant. "A kiss? Zoey, you believe such nonsense? I was merely assisting a woman who had fallen."

His excuse was flimsy, but I forced myself to accept it. After all, Keith had shown me kindness for six years. He wouldn't betray me, would he?

In hindsight, the fact that he didn't love me was glaringly obvious, yet I had never noticed.

I fled the restaurant and wandered through the downpour for what seemed like an eternity. The frigid raindrops on my skin paled in comparison to the chill in my heart.

So, all this time—had I mistaken gratitude for love? Was it all just my imagination?

There were countless ways to repay a debt of gratitude. Why did Keith have to get engaged to me, needlessly causing me to lose myself for six years?

I returned to Keith's house drenched, ignoring Camilla's usual taunts. After so long, I had grown accustomed to their disapproval. They never approved of me, believing I wasn't worthy of Keith, but Elizabeth had always shown me kindness. With Keith's protection, I foolishly believed I could eventually win them over.

Now, I realized how absurd that notion was. How could Keith's parents not be aware of his true feelings?

In my hazy state, I dreamed of my parents. They waved at me, urging me to take care of myself and Keith. I cried out to them, "No! I don't want to be with Keith anymore. I want to leave!"

When I regained consciousness, the pungent odor of disinfectant filled my nostrils. It took a moment to realize I was in a hospital.

Turning my head, I saw Keith leaning against my bed, holding my hand as he slept. He looked so attractive—his prominent nose, thin lips, and refined features exuded a cool, distant allure. Even in slumber, his grip on my hand remained firm.

If this had been earlier, his tenderness would have melted my heart, but now, all I felt was resentment.

I attempted to withdraw my hand, and the movement roused him. His voice, still thick with sleep, carried a hint of exhaustion. "Zoey, you ran off again, didn't you? What now? Is this because I didn't bring you along last night? You know those business gatherings are tedious. You wouldn't even understand the discussions. Why not just go shopping with your friends instead?"

He had claimed the previous evening that he was going out for work, but it was evident he'd been drinking with his friends. He didn't want me to know what they talked about. His lies were transparent, so easy to see through, but what was the point of confronting him?

I nodded obediently, keeping my gaze fixed on the window. "It won't happen again."

Keith, I won't pursue you anymore.

The soft sunlight illuminated his handsome face, devoid of any genuine emotion. It seemed as if, as long as I was compliant, he could continue to "love" me like this indefinitely.