Chapter 2

The voice on the other end fell silent for a moment.

When Liam spoke again, the teasing tone was gone, replaced by a rare seriousness.

"Sell? Elena, don't degrade yourself."

"I've been waiting for you to come back to me for three years. Not for a transaction."

I chuckled bitterly, not believing him.

*Ding-dong.*

The doorbell rang, and I hung up the phone.

It was Evan standing outside.

I knew it was him because of the dark hickey on his neck—one I had left there myself.

"Elena, are you still upset?"

He walked in with a smile, reaching out to ruffle my hair like he always did.

I coldly turned my head away, dodging his touch.

"You know I'm innocent. When Chloe framed me for theft, why did you take her side?"

The smile on Evan's face froze, replaced by a helpless look.

"Elena, you're older than Chloe. Shouldn't you let her have her way?"

"Don't worry about what the rest of the social circle says. Even if the whole world turns against you, I’ll always stand by your side."

Looking into his hypocritical, deeply affectionate eyes, my stomach churned.

He was so disgusting.

"Really? Then, thank you."

Seeing my reaction, Evan thought he had successfully calmed me down with his sweet words.

He took advantage of the moment and continued:

"Elena, there's a gala tonight hosted by Chloe. Why don't you come with me to support her?"

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with sarcasm.

"What, is the 'thief' show not over yet? Do you need me to go there just to be humiliated by her again?"

"I'm tired. I'm not going."

Evan stepped behind me, softening his voice.

"Elena, I know you've been wronged. But hiding at home won't solve anything. Just do it for me, okay?"

I remained silent.

Evan pulled a sleek, elegant envelope from his suit pocket and waved it in front of me.

"An invitation to Simon Joshua’s private studio."

"Elena, I remember you said you love his designs."

I looked up, my eyes locked onto it.

"Accompany me to the gala, and I’ll arrange a meeting. Otherwise, I don’t think a master like Joshua would want to meet someone wrapped in a theft scandal and doesn't know 'the rules'."

It was a blatant threat.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh.

And I agreed.

"Fine."

Evan smiled with satisfaction, planting a kiss on my forehead as if rewarding a pet.

"Good girl. That's the Elena I know."

"By the way, remember to wear the red dress I bought you. You look beautiful in it."

Watching his retreating back, I suddenly called out.

"Wait!"

Evan stopped at the door and turned around, looking confused.

I stared into his eyes, forcing one last smile.

"Do you love me?"

"If you weren't 'Ethan,' if we didn't have this arranged marriage between our families, would you still love me?"

Evan froze.

It was as if he hadn't expected such a "foolish" question.

He lowered his head, avoiding my gaze.

"Don't ask silly questions. I'll pick you up at eight."

He shut the door in a hurry, almost running away.

I stood in the center of the room, unable to move for a long time.

The last spark of light in my heart finally went out.

"I see," I whispered to the empty room.

This time, I truly understood.

My phone buzzed. It was a SnapChat message from Liam.

[I agree to your plan.]