CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

—MAGGIE ELIZABETH SMITH—

As we make our way to Anderson's mansion in Tagaytay, I gaze out the window, lost in thought. I'm replaying our earlier conversation in my mind. It used to be easy for me to accept the idea that we'd eventually part ways, but now it's different. The thought hurts. Are my efforts to win his heart still not enough?

"Hey, Maggie," he called out, and I turned to face him.

"Yes?" I replied, forcing a smile despite the ache within me.

"What are you thinking?" His inquiry was unexpected; I'd never seen him take such interest in my thoughts. Perhaps he's just trying to pass the time, as the long drive to the mansion was starting to feel tedious. I decided to take advantage of the moment and chat with him.

"Hmm... I'm just thinking about Grandpa Enrico. I miss him so much." I said, even though that wasn't what was really on my mind.

"It seems you're quite close to him. Did you know him long before our wedding?" he asked.

"Not really. He'd often visit the café where I used to work." Ever since I bumped into him at the supermarket, he'd frequently drop by the café to visit me.

"Hmm. Can you tell me about your family?" This is what I had been thinking. I knew he'd ask about my family eventually, I just didn't expect it to be today.

"Well, I have busy parents and a younger brother." He glanced at me briefly, his brow slightly furrowed.

"That's all?" His tone hinted at disappointment. I merely nodded in response. "Okay, looks like you don't want to talk about them." It's not that I didn't want to discuss my family; I just didn't want him to know where I came from, because I'm sure he'd find a way to contact them.

The moment they knew my whereabouts, they would force me to go home and coerce me into doing something I didn't want to do. That's the reason I left home. And I need to work to support myself.

I offered him a smile of gratitude, but his gaze lingered, a hint of skepticism shadowing his eyes.

"I have no idea what Grandpa saw in you that made him choose you to marry me. Is there something special about you?" I could feel the contempt in her words. I was taken aback, unsure of how to respond, so I remained silent.

"When we arrive at the mansion, I expect you to behave like a cat." What does he think I'm going to do there that he needs to remind me of this? I stared at him with a questioning look. "We'll be with Grandpa there, and I'm sure he's only prepared one room for us. That's why I'm warning you, Maggie. Don't try to seduce me."

"Do you really need to remind me of that now, after three years of me never crossing that line with you?" My voice rose slightly, frustration creeping in. Why does he find it so easy to question me? We finally have a chance to talk, and it's already going downhill. Seduce him? The idea is absurd. I would never do that, no matter what our relationship is. I respect his boundaries.

"We've been sleeping in separate rooms for three years, of course. I don't know you personally. You're just a random girl that Grandpa met and forced me to marry. For all I know, you might be hiding some kind of promiscuity." I was taken aback by his blunt words. I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. A decision formed in my mind.

"Stop the car," I said firmly, but he ignored me. "I said, stop the car!" This time, my voice was filled with authority. He took his foot off the gas and slowly pressed the brakes.

I got out of the vehicle and slammed the door shut. I'd rather commute than hear more of his hurtful words. If only I knew it would be like this, I should have driven my own car instead.

I had only walked a short distance when I heard him calling out my name. I just ignored him and continued walking. There weren't many people around in this area, so we didn't draw much attention.

I was so relieved when a bus came along, and I immediately hailed it and got on. As I sat down in the empty seat by the window, I caught a glimpse of Liam, who seemed frustrated by what I had done. His shoulders slumped as he gazed after the bus I was on.

I'm certain Grandpa will grill Liam with questions when he gets to the mansion. And to make matters worse, he'll get reprimanded for letting me take public transportation. Liam's in for a world of trouble!

°°°F.G°°°