Chapter 2

I discovered Julian’s affair a year ago, quite by accident.

During that time, my mental state was extremely unstable. I couldn't control my rage.

I had screamed and thrashed like a lunatic, even holding a knife to my own throat to threaten Julian.

Julian had no choice.

He promised me he would cut all ties with Hailey.

But it only lasted a month before he crawled back to her.

Later, he confessed to my face: "I just can't forget Hailey. I think about her every single night. It's killing me."

The longing in his voice made me sick.

Yet he also knew that our entire youth was tangled together. We were bound by our families' wishes, destined for marriage.

After that, no matter how much I threw tantrums, Julian only watched with cold indifference.

In this relationship,

I was the only one losing my mind.

"Miss Vance," a deep male voice called out.

Sitting in my wheelchair, I looked up.

Three bodyguards in black suits stood in front of me.

The leader had sharp, striking features and a fierce, athletic build. He stood easily at six-foot-three. There was a band-aid over his brow and a slight bruise at the corner of his lip.

He looked like he had just gotten into a fight.

I recognized him.

Silas Thorne.

He had worked for me briefly before I fired him.

He was too quiet, too rigid.

When did he start working for Julian?

"Do you know where Julian is?" I asked, looking away with a flat tone.

"Yes."

"Take me to him."

Silas frowned. "You need to rest first."

"So, I should listen to you now?" I snapped back, displeased.

My expression darkened. He still had that same stubborn, annoying attitude.

Silas fell silent.

The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

The two junior bodyguards behind him panicked and quickly stepped forward.

They smiled nervously. "Miss Vance, please don't be angry."

"Our boss might have a bit of a temper, but he's incredibly good at his job."

Silas still didn't say a word.

I let out a cold laugh and threw my handbag right at his chest.

Silas let out a low grunt but caught the bag obediently.

"If you have a bad temper, don't work as a bodyguard. Get lost."

"Uh..." The two juniors looked at each other, awkward and unsure of what to say.

Silas pushed them aside, walked over with a cold face, and dropped to one knee beside my wheelchair.

He gently placed the bag back into my hands.

His voice was stiff, but it carried a hint of softness.

"My mistake."

"Please don't be angry."

The two juniors exchanged another look of utter disbelief.

I leaned forward, looking down at Silas. Then, I reached out and pinched his jaw tightly.

He was tall, even while kneeling.

His presence was intimidating.

He stared at me. I could feel his body tensing up, the veins on his neck bulging slightly as if he were holding back with everything he had.

I warned him coldly, "Let me tell you something. I don't care whose man you are. If you make me uncomfortable, you're gone."

"I don't lack options, understand?"

I lightly slapped his cheek.

His body tensed even further.

"I didn't mean anything else. I was just worried you'd be unhappy."

"Your therapist told me not to let you get too triggered."

I froze for a few seconds.

"What do you mean?"

"To take better care of our clients, we make it our business to understand their condition."

I glanced up at the two juniors. They nodded furiously.

"Yes, yes!"

"Your safety and your mood are our top priorities."

I let out a cynical laugh, slowly drew my hand back, and fell silent.