Chapter 2

Rosalie's POV

A tinge of red crept onto Michael's face, and he appeared somewhat surprised.

But then he said in a conflicted tone, "Rose, you're already thinking of getting pregnant? Don't you think that's a little too fast? I was just about to tell you that I plan on delaying the wedding for one more year. Some stuff happened with Lily, so I have to keep her company for a year."

Liliana was quick to chime in, as though worried that I wouldn't get angry.

"Rose, it's all my fault. I want to have my wedding together with you two, so wait for me to get a boyfriend, okay? Don't be mad."

To me, it was a ridiculously laughable excuse, yet Michael hastily comforted her.

Was it not enough that he had secretly been there for her for the past few years? Now, they were even boldly asking for one more year.

Amused at their antics, I answered indifferently, "You two can do whatever you like. It has nothing to do with me anymore. I'm already married…"

However, nobody seemed to have heard my words, for Michael's friends started jeering.

"It's just a small matter, Rose, so don't be angry. It's been so long since you two saw each other. Just kiss and make up, alright?"

Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave, wanting to get out of there as fast as humanly possible.

Unexpectedly, Michael pulled me into a hug, completely ignoring my struggles as he basked in his imagined bliss. Amidst his friends' teasing cheers, he prepared to force me into a kiss.

His tight grip was painful, but I finally managed to free myself and slapped him hard across the cheek.

I said firmly, "I'm already married, so please watch yourself."

A dead silence descended upon the scene.

Embarrassment flashed across Michael's face before anger took over.

"Rosalie Linton, you shouldn't joke about such matters. You already agreed to my proposal back then. It's not like you're in such desperate need of a man that you need to joke about this."

I couldn't help but laugh as he attacked me with those vile words.

A week before we were to marry, he ran off to apply for a classified project without so much as bothering to discuss it with me first, all because that was what Liliana liked.

For the sake of his future, I accepted his decision and endured.

But did he seriously expect me to remain loyal to him when all I had to get by on for those three years was a blurry photo? All because his childhood sweetheart was heartbroken from her breakup, he didn't bother giving me even one visitation day for three whole years.

It came to the point that nearly his entire department assumed that Liliana was his fiancee, leaving me to suffer their mockery as they thought I was a homewrecker.

"Miss, I suggest that you give up. Mr. Gordon and his fiancee are having a tiff right now. They're already a family. Don't you feel ashamed of what you're doing?"

Every time I came to seek a meeting with Michael, I would have to endure their derision.

While Michael and I were arguing, Liliana leaned against a nearby table where a kettle sat precariously close to the edge. The movement sent the kettle tipping over.

I wasn't able to avoid it in time. Instinctively, I reached out to grab Michael's arm. However, he shoved me aside roughly before yanking Liliana into a protective embrace.

The boiling hot water splashed onto my leg, immediately causing blisters to form.

Michael apologized anxiously, "Rose, I…"

I was in too much pain to bother with him. Ignoring him, I focused on splashing cool water on my wound.

Seeing that, the elderly doctor quickly tended to me.

It seemed that protecting Liliana had become second nature to Michael. It stung, but thankfully, I no longer loved him, and the feeling passed swiftly.

Liliana's eyes reddened, though a hint of smugness flashed in them.

"Oh, Mike, you're so horrible. I was standing next to the kettle, so I just needed to step aside a little to avoid being scalded. You should've protected Rose first."

I cut off her fake, over-the-top act, my tone calm. "You'll be covering my medical bills, lost income, and damages."

Liliana froze before biting down on her lip with an aggrieved look on her face.

Michael didn't even notice the wound on my leg. He simply rushed to speak up on her behalf, resentfully snapping, "Lily is already feeling guilty enough. Is this really the time to be talking about that?"

I shrugged. Of course, this was the right time. After all, her guilt had nothing to do with me.

Liliana stared at the bill with an uncomfortable expression.

"I'll go home to get the money now. What is your leg made out of, gold? Why are there so many kinds of medication?"

As she left, Michael hastily chased after her, though he did turn back to glance at me. Upon seeing me limp away, he hesitated for all of two seconds before he continued running after Liliana.