Chapter 2

Not expecting an apology, Anthony’s expression softened slightly.

“It was just an artistic photo. I told you we were attending an artist’s party. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. But you have to believe—there’s nothing going on between us.”

He didn’t even bother to explain further.

Sonia’s father, Timothy Scott, had been Anthony’s mentor.

When Anthony first started his business, he struggled to secure funding. Timothy had a car accident while trying to gather the money for Anthony’s startup.

He died shortly after arriving at the hospital, his final words asking Anthony to take care of Sonia. Out of gratitude, Anthony treated Sonia like a sister.

At first, he avoided interacting with her too much, worried I might overthink their relationship. Somehow, though, Sonia had grown closer to him than I ever was.

I was leaving anyway, so I decided to be blunt. “There’s no misunderstanding. I think you and Sonia are a great match. You should get married.”

Before I could finish, Anthony shoved me to the ground again, his face twisted with rage. “Sonia only sees me as a brother. Do you think she’s a shameless woman like you?”

My back slammed into the closet, and pain shot through me. I thought bitterly, ‘Yeah, Sonia did the deed with you for the sake of art. And I’m just a shameless woman for you to push around.’

Shaking, I stood up, gripping the wardrobe for support. Blood from my palm smeared the door, leaving dark streaks.

Anthony’s eyes widened in panic when he noticed. “Are… are you okay? You know I didn’t mean it...”

It didn’t matter anymore.

“Anthony, I promise to marry—”

Before I could finish, his phone rang. It was Sonia.

“Tony, it’s dark, and I’m scared. I had a dream about my dad…”

Anthony immediately began getting dressed. “What did you say just now?” he asked, glancing at me briefly. “Never mind. Sonia’s scared, so I’ll go keep her company. We’ll talk when I get back.”

He stayed out all night.

The next morning, I quit my job and packed the clothes I had sorted the night before. I was going to donate them.

At the donation center downstairs, I noticed moving trucks parked outside the apartment next door. Workers were unloading brand-new furniture. Someone was moving in.

Amid the bustle of people coming and going, I spotted Anthony. Sonia clung to his arm, her eyes full of adoration.

They looked like newlyweds preparing their first home, their eyes filled with love for each other. Anthony had looked at me the same way when we moved in here, eager to build a life together.

“Miss, your donation form is ready. Miss?” The staff member’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I signed the papers absentmindedly.

As I handed the form back, Sonia saw me and approached with a bright smile.

“Celine, you’re here too! What do you think of the apartment next door? I’ve been having nightmares lately, and you know Tony—he’s always worried about me. So, he bought me the apartment.”

I ignored her and turned to leave, but behind me, I heard a sudden scream.

When I glanced back, Sonia was sprawled on the ground, crying as though she had been pushed.

Anthony came running over, his face filled with concern as he helped her up. “Sonia, are you okay?”

His tone softened for her, but the moment his eyes met mine, his expression hardened. “Celine, I told you there’s nothing going on between Sonia and me. How could you be so cruel?”

Tears welled in Sonia’s eyes, and she tried to play peacemaker. “Tony, it’s my fault. This has nothing to do with Celine. I upset her by disturbing you.”

“Sonia, you’re too kind!” Anthony snapped, glaring at me.

Their sibling charade made me sick. I turned to walk away, but Anthony grabbed my shoulder.

“Did I say you could leave? You owe Sonia an apology!”

I frowned. “Apologize? For what? For her tripping over nothing, falling by herself?”

Anthony’s face twisted with anger. “You obviously pushed her! Don’t think I don’t know what kind of person you are.”

Seeing I wasn’t about to back down, Sonia stepped forward, biting her lip. “Stop arguing. I fell on my own. Celine didn’t push me.”

Anthony sneered. “Look at Sonia—so kind, so understanding. And then look at you. Why are you so mean and disgusting?”