Chapter 2

The laughter that erupted as soon the words "donate money" left my mouth was deafening.

Some people's eyes darted back and forth between us, making silent comparisons, while others raised their phones, aiming at both of us.

One of us wore a designer wedding gown, dripping in jewels and luxury. The other had disheveled hair and was dressed in a nondescript windbreaker. Standing before her, I looked like an ugly duckling next to a graceful swan.

After all, I'd spent the past few weeks abroad at a gemstone source, braving harsh sunlight that had tanned my exposed skin to a golden hue. How could I compare to Athena's delicate pallor, nurtured like a hothouse flower?

She lived an enviable life, pampering herself with spa treatments every few days, never exposed to even a minute of excess sunlight.

Not wanting to linger, I stood up to present my wedding gift and make my exit.

As I approached the couple, a hand shot out to block my path.

Elias stepped in front of Athena, frowning at me.

"You really have no shame, do you? The moment you hear money mentioned, you come running?"

"It's clear I made the right choice. You're not worthy of me, Vesper."

"Look how miserable you are without me. Is three hundred grand enough? Stop debasing yourself over me!"I heard these words and froze, looking up to study him more closely.

When had I ever debased myself for him?

How could I not know about this?

In my past life, I had stood by him as he built his business.

Our wedding was so simple we didn't even invite friends or classmates. We just went back to his hometown and exchanged rings in a ceremony witnessed by his parents and relatives. All the money we saved went into his investments.

I had my own dreams too, but for his sake, I gave up further education and handed over my tuition savings to him.

When he said he didn't want to grind away in a corporate job, I supported his entrepreneurial efforts.

But after repeated failures, it was like his backbone had been broken. He became filled with resentment.

After one reunion with old classmates, he came home drunk, slurring as he poured out his bitterness and envy.

"Vesper, you know what?! Those guys who used to be beneath me are all doing better than I am now!"

"Even Athena confessed she actually had feelings for me back then!"

"I was such an idiot. If only I'd been braver and just told her how I felt."

"If I hadn't been afraid she'd reject me, why would I have picked you? You're just an orphan. Athena's parents are executives at a major corporation..."

Those words were like barbs, digging deep into my flesh.The sound of vomiting finally reminded me that every time he came to find me before, Athena was always nearby.

My hard-earned "family" and "happiness" were nothing but a joke.

Later, Elias borrowed from loan sharks to turn his life around.

The day the debt collectors came knocking, he had already been hiding at home, drinking for three days straight.

He shoved me out of the room, tore off my top, and I saw the most disgusting, sycophantic smile on his face.

"This is my darling, she's quite pretty. I'll use her to pay off the debt, even cover the interest!"

My last hope shattered. I clutched the pregnancy test result tightly in my hand - it was for my first child.

The moment I lost the baby, my heart died completely.

But the money he borrowed could never be repaid...

I watched helplessly as I was violated. When it was all over, he threw my clothes at me and dragged me to the rooftop like a piece of trash.

"Vesper, let's die together!"

"Once we're dead, we won't have to be afraid anymore. You can even see the baby down there."

The moment we fell to our deaths, I only felt relief.

On the day we were both reborn, I kept my distance from him as we passed each other, walking towards completely different lives.

Coming back to my senses, I took a step back, sidestepping Elias."I'm doing great now, thanks for your concern."