Chapter 2

Scarlett POV

"I'm just here to grab something."

James's voice was as cold as his demeanor, utterly devoid of warmth.

He didn't even glance at the dinner on the table.

"Serena cut her hand, I'm going to take care of it. I won't be eating at home tonight."

His tone was flat, as if he were talking about something completely unrelated to him.

But I knew, anything about Serena was always related to him.

"Can't you stay?" I instinctively grabbed his sleeve, a hint of desperation in my voice that even I hadn't realized was there.

"I... I don't feel well."

His gaze finally landed on my face.

There was no concern in his eyes, only scrutiny, impatience, and the disgust for my "greed and scheming" that his mother had repeatedly instilled in him.

He mercilessly shook off my hand.

"Scarlett, stop pretending to be sick for attention."

His words cut like an icy blade straight through my heart.

"I saw your medical report last week. You are perfectly healthy. You could even donate blood."

James pulled a black card from his wallet and casually tossed it on the floor.

The metal card clattered against the marble, a harsh, grating sound.

"If you want money, just say so. Don't use your body as an excuse."

With that, he turned and left, without a single backward glance.

I stood frozen, watching the familiar taillights of his car disappear into the night, a bitter ache in my chest.

I once thought that saving my life would at least earn me a shred of warmth.

Now I understood, that was merely my delusion.

My phone screen automatically lit up, a new entertainment notification popping up.

The photo showed James carefully cradling Serena's finger, his brow slightly furrowed, his expression focused and tender.

The caption read: "Christmas Eve Romance! Dr. James Vance Bandages His Lover's Wound, He's So In Love With Her!"

My heart clenched painfully.

For me, it was coldness and humiliation.

For Serena, it was devoted affection, held in the palm of his hand.

"Mommy." A soft, childish voice came from behind me.

Leo had somehow stumbled downstairs.

He saw my tears, and his little brow immediately furrowed.

He pulled a slightly melted candy from his pajama pocket.

He stood on tiptoes, trying to push the candy into my mouth.

"Don't cry, Mommy. Leo brought you a present."

The child's innocence was like an even sharper knife, cutting my heart to shreds.

A sudden, metallic taste surged up my throat.

My vision blurred, nosebleed began to flow uncontrollably, and my body went limp, collapsing directly to the floor.

In the last moment before losing consciousness, I heard Leo's terrified scream.

If I were to die like this, perhaps it would be a release.

James, I'm free.

But what about you?