Chapter 2

After Matteo’s performance ended,I found him in the backstage lounge.

With my makeup smudged from crying,I confronted him."Why?Didn't you say you'd go on public with our relationship once you made it?Why did you end up with Louisa?"

My emotions were out of control and I almost shouted.

Matteo had no trace of guilt and simply patted my back,over and over."Try to understand me,Esmee.I'm not just anyone anymore,I'm a famous pianist nationwide."

"And Louisa,she's the Shannons’long-lost biological daughter."

He didn't make his words clear,but I got them.

I was no longer good enough for him.

A renowned pianist was no longer need a down-and-out girlfriend like me.

His voice stayed calm and gentle."Esmee,I haven't failed you,at least I've brought your sacrifices to light,just in a different way,haven't I?"

I snapped my head up and caught a fleeting flash of disdain in his eyes.

“I’ll still marry you someday.You’ll still be the Mrs.Arnaut everyone envies.So,be a good girl,okay?”

The rising tone at the end was his usual way of coaxing me.

Matteo helped me to the sofa and wiped the tears from my face with his own hands."Keep crying,and you're going to ruin your pretty face."

I shook my head and bluntly pointed out."Matteo,you’re ashamed of me,aren't you?"

He froze,but then caught himself fast."What nonsense are you saying?I'm taking you to my after-party later."

"Don't get me wrong.I didn't make it public just to keep you safe."

He ruffled my hair,and for a splitting second,I felt like I was back in the old days.

The man kept comforting me all the way to the club.

But right in front of the private room,he opened the door as an excuse to let go of my hand.

Just then,the sound of a confetti cannon being fired echoed,and a cascade of colorful ribbons danced into view.

Louisa was the first to approach him.“Congratulations,Matteo.I knew you were the best pianist.”

She took his arm and deftly took him to the seat of honor.

"And who's this?"Louisa looked at me with utter contempt,as if I were some kind of filth.

Matteo seemed to hesitate for a moment,and said,"Just a friend."

A friend?

He acknowledged me nothing more than just a friend?

With his remark,I was ushered into a corner,alone,far from the spotlight.

Soon,my phone buzzed and some messages popped out on my screen.It was Matteo.

[Esmee,you'll struggle to deal with this kind of situation,so I won’t make it public for now,to keep them from bothering you.]

[I couldn't bear to see them bothering you.]

The last,he sent me a heart emoji.

Like a knife piercing,I endured the sharp and deep pain in my chest,and glanced at his direction.

Just then our eyes met.Yet there was nothing in his eyes except cold detachment,as though I meant nothing to him at all.

During the meal,someone remarked."Louisa,you're here today thanks to Matteo,why don't you cheers with us?"

Louisa looked hesitant but still raised her glass.

"She has a low tolerance for alcohol,"said Matteo,expressionless.

Before anyone could react,he reached over,took the glass from her hand,and drained it in a single swallow.

The room instantly burst into cheers,everyone scrambling to raise their glasses and join in the toast.

I picked up the glass in front of me and drained the red wine in one go.The bitter liquid burned all the way down,leaving a harsh sting in my throat.

My eyes quickly filled with tears.

Just,this time,I couldn’t tell if it was because of the wine or because of him.

For the rest of the evening,I huddled in the corner like an invisible person,waiting for the party to end.

Just then,Matteo walked over me.I thought he would go home with me,but instead,he said,"Esmee,I'm going to take Louisa home."

"Just take a taxi,you don’t have to wait for me.”

Then he took Louisa in his arms and left.

I hurriedly stepped out the room and shouted at him."Matteo,I'm leaving...I'm leaving now...."

He simply waved at me,signaling that he had heard me.

That was all.

The tears I had been holding back finally spilled over,streaming down my face.

Matteo,I'm really going to leave you this time....