Chapter 2

Chapter 2: PAIN

I remained motionless, feeling the embarrassment sting my cheeks. My hands shook while I rubbed them on my apron, attempting to calm down, but my stomach was in turmoil. Everywhere I turned, the room was quiet, as though all the air had been taken away. I could sense a gaze directed at me, possibly filled with judgment, pity, or even amusement.

I quickly looked at Adams, wishing—hoping—that he would utter some words. He remained the man I had adored for many years. Certainly, he wouldn't simply watch and allow this to occur. I can't believe this happened considering all we went through together.

"Adams?" I was able to barely whisper as I choked it out. "Are you not going to speak at all?"

He glanced at me, and in that brief moment, I recognized the man I used to know. However, it disappeared suddenly, being replaced by a chilly, scornful grin.

"Why do I need to?" he asked, his voice cutting. "Chelsea, take a good look at yourself. You are pitiful. You look like an elderly woman, overweight and unproductive. Sitting back in his chair, he crossed his arms while Sandra chuckled quietly next to him. "Did you truly believe you were ever suitable to be my wife? That's the reason I left you for someone... deserving.

His words felt like a sharp blade piercing my chest, each one striking harder than the previous one. The breath escaped my lungs and I feared I might faint for a second. What made him utter those words? How was he able to stand before this crowd and completely destroy me like that?

Before I could reply, Mr. Alvin hurried towards me, his face pale with alarm. "Chelsea, please," he urgently whispered, seizing my arm and guiding me to the side. "Stay calm and composed." I cannot afford to lose this client, and you cannot afford to lose this job. Simply leave, just walk away.

I gazed at him, too shocked to speak. Everything I knew was falling apart, and he thought I would leave without looking back? I took a quick look at Vivian, who was observing everything happening, with a look of confusion and worry on her face.

"What in the world is happening?" she inquired, speaking softly as she approached me.

I attempted to communicate, but no words were spoken. How can I even start to describe what was going on? The man I had been in love with, the man I had believed I would be with forever, had broken my heart completely, and I felt utterly helpless.

Prior to being able to collect my thoughts, I was startled by a powerful voice coming from behind me. "Security!"

Just as I turned around, I caught sight of Marina Hemsworth, who is Adams’s mother, waving towards the entrance. Remove her from this place. "She's making a scene.”

The words struck me like a blow to the stomach. I wasn't even worth considering for a moment. Just a minor inconvenience to get rid of. The two big men in black suits were hardly noticed by me as they neared, firmly grasping my arms and guiding me towards the exit. Tears clouded my vision, blurring the world around me.

I glanced back one final time, foolishly hoping that Adams would intervene. He would realize the extent of the mistake. However, what I witnessed was only him and Sandra, engrossed in a profound, affectionate embrace, completely unaware of my presence. It's like I had never been involved in his life before.

The grand hall doors were pushed open, and I was abruptly pushed out into the chilly evening air. The embarrassment, the disloyalty, it was too overwhelming. I stumbled towards my car, struggling to maintain my composure while my thoughts raced. How did everything deteriorate so fast? How did I allow things to reach this point?

I sank into the driver's seat, the floodgates releasing as tears shook my body. I tightly held onto the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as tears flowed more intensely than they had in a long time. I had never experienced such intense feelings of shatteredness and complete confusion before.

The sudden ringing of the phone snapped me out of my unhappiness. I quickly looked at the screen, using the back of my hand to wipe my face. Reese.

I sniffed, attempting to compose my voice as I replied. "Um, hi?"

"Is this Chelsea?" Reese's voice quickly showed signs of worry. "What is happening?" I've been attempting to get in touch with you. "You sound terrible."

"It is..." I felt my throat constrict, and I had difficulty expressing myself. "Reese, it's a tale of considerable length. I'll clarify it all, but first, I must meet with you. Is it possible for me to visit your place?

"Sure thing, darling. I am present. Just make sure to arrive here safely whenever you're ready, alright? She spoke softly, yet I could sense the hint of urgency in her tone. "We will resolve it as a team, no matter what it is."

I affirmed silently, even though she was unable to witness it. "Thank you, Reese. "I will arrive shortly." I ended the call, sensing the heaviness of the day increasing on me. At the very least, I had Reese. I wasn't completely alone in this situation, at least.

Right as I was about to turn on the car, my phone vibrated once more. This time, it was a written message. I paused before glancing at the screen, feeling my heart sink as soon as I saw the sender.

"The bill for electricity, you fool. "Don't let it slip your mind!”

Naturally, the source was my aunt Sonia. The woman who had welcomed me after the loss of my parents, but who constantly reminded me of the weight I carried. Watching the message, my chest constricted with a fresh wave of hopelessness.

"Make sure you remember it."

At this moment, I wished to erase all memories. My aunt, Adams, is my life. The heaviness of everything seemed likely to overwhelm me.

I sat back in my chair, my eyes shutting as one thought came to me: I hoped for the world to collapse on me and bring everything to an end.

In the quiet night, feelings of loss and betrayal resounded strongly within me, but I was certain that I couldn't allow this to be the conclusion. This is not acceptable.