Chapter 2

I hadn't seen sunlight in a long time. My body and mind were both incredibly weak.

Lying in bed, I looked up and saw Julian sitting on the couch.

There was no guilt on his face. Instead, he wore a playful, cold smile, completely different from the Julian I once knew.

"Aren't you afraid I'll call the police?" I asked, gathering my courage.

Julian stood up, walked over to me, and looked down with disdain. "Chloe's death... you think that can just be forgotten?"

I shook my head frantically, tears streaming down my face. "It really wasn't me. I didn't do anything like that."

"This child," he said, his voice chilling, "consider it a small punishment for you. Even if it was some random kid, it was in your belly. As a mother, you failed to protect him. That's your responsibility."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. The one you lost was a boy."

My already weak body broke out in a cold sweat. My hands clutched the bedsheets tightly, fighting back tears.

Julian's parents passed away early; he practically raised his sister, Chloe, all by himself.

That little girl was like a princess, adored by everyone she met.

Three years ago, Julian and I met and fell in love. The first time I visited their family's estate, a bright and beautiful girl embraced me.

She welcomed me as her sister-in-law with such genuine warmth. I loved her no less than Julian did.

Julian treated her like his own child. It was a unique kind of love, one no one else could ever hope to share.

But even a girl as protected as Chloe would eventually grow up.

In college, Chloe fell madly in love with a man. Even Julian's disapproval couldn't stop her from getting deeply involved.

It wasn't until she brought the man home that I froze. It was Blake, the guy who'd confessed his feelings to me back in college.

Blake acted like he'd never seen me before, even joining Chloe in calling me 'sister-in-law.'

My reaction didn't go unnoticed by the perceptive Julian. "Do you two know each other?"

I quickly shook my head, but I caught a flicker of displeasure in Blake's eyes.

I tried my best to avoid Blake, but he still found a way to get me alone.

"Aubrey," he said, a sneer on his face, "this is the man you rejected me for? What's so great about him besides his money?"

"Blake, let's not bring up the past. I hope you treat Chloe well. She's a good girl."

During that time, I felt like I was walking on eggshells whenever Blake was around.

It wasn't just because we knew each other. I had this bad feeling, afraid of causing Chloe to misunderstand.

That sweet girl was crazy in love, but I couldn't see any love for Chloe in Blake's eyes.

My premonition came true. After a few misunderstandings, Chloe still insisted on marrying Blake.

I thought it would be a happy ending, but instead, it pushed me into an endless abyss.