Chapter 2

"Do you really think buying a fake necklace will get my attention?"

Cameron let out a cold laugh, his voice filled with arrogance.

"Natasha, I’m giving you one last chance. Leave with me now, and I’ll pretend none of this happened."

Looking at his self-righteous face, I found the whole situation hilarious.

I ignored him, grabbed my bag, and walked toward the exit, ignoring the whispers of the crowd.

Behind me, Cameron’s voice boomed, thick with suppressed rage.

"Natasha! If you walk out that door today, don't you dare come crawling back to me on your knees!"

I didn't stop. Without looking back, I pushed open the heavy doors.

The cool night wind swept over me, washing away the suffocating air of the banquet hall.

While waiting for my ride, my mind drifted back to that rainy night three years ago.

That night, Cameron had banged on my apartment door, dripping wet.

He fell to his knees, his eyes red and his voice trembling.

"Natasha, Louise hit someone with her car. The victim is in critical condition."

"She has severe clinical depression. If she goes to prison, she won’t survive."

"Please help her. Just this once."

I was too shocked to speak, staring at the man I had loved for five years.

"Cameron, you want me to take the fall for her?"

He grabbed my hand tightly, like a drowning man clutching a straw.

"The security cameras were down, and only the two of you were in the car area. As long as you confess you were driving..."

"I promise, I’ll hire the best lawyers to get you out in six months."

"Once you're out, we’ll get married. You’ll be Mrs. Franklin."

I was so foolish back then.

For his empty promise and his desperate tears, I nodded.

But instead of six months, I got three years of living in hell.

Inside, I didn't just lose my freedom. I lost the one thing I cherished most.

A black Maybach pulled up silently in front of me, cutting my memories short.

The window rolled down, revealing Cameron’s gloomy face.

"Get in," he commanded.

I took a step back, keeping my distance.

"Is there something you need, Mr. Franklin?"

Cameron frowned, clearly annoyed by my coldness.

"Haven't you had enough? Must you make a scene on the street?"

"I’ve arranged a condo for you downtown. Report to the logistics department at Franklin Enterprises tomorrow."

"Louise is kind-hearted. She felt bad for you, so she begged me to find you a decent job."

Hearing that, I wanted to laugh out loud.

Working as a cleaning lady at Franklin Enterprises, and I was supposed to thank Louise for it?

"No, thank you. I have no interest in your charity, Mr. Franklin."

I turned to leave, but Cameron slammed his car door open, lunging forward to grab my right wrist.

An agonizing pain shot from my wrist straight to my chest.

My face went pale. I gasped and violently wrenched my hand back.

"Let go of me!"

Cameron froze, taken aback by my extreme reaction. His frown deepened.

"What are you screaming for? I can't even touch you now?"

He had no idea. In that prison, someone had stomped on my right hand, crushing my fingers. I could never play the piano again.

Clutching my trembling right hand, I glared at him.

"Cameron, my patience has its limits. Get lost."