Chapter 2

Fifteen years ago, my brother, caught up in his playful mischief, set off fireworks inside the house and accidentally ignited a fire. He ran out, leaving me trapped in the attic.

Thick smoke filled my lungs, making me lightheaded. Flames licked at the wooden beams above, and just when I thought I would die there, Roy appeared.

He climbed up to the attic, shattered the window, and carried me out. Then he gave me CPR.

When my consciousness returned, the first thing I saw were Roy's eyes—a striking shade of green, filled with tension and urgency. From that moment, I was hopelessly drawn to him.

I fell in love with Roy that day and nursed an unspoken affection for him over the next ten years.

Later, we discovered Roy was the youngest son of the Reid Group's owner. Reid Group was the largest trading corporation in the region.

It was clear we lived in entirely different worlds. My father often said that if his company could establish a connection with the Reid Group, our family could rise to a whole new social class. But precisely because of this, I kept my feelings hidden. I didn't want Roy to think my affection was just a calculated move for business gains.

Then, five years ago, my father's company faced a crisis.

That Christmas, my father invited me to go skiing in the mountains. When I arrived at the forest cabin, I didn't find him—only Roy, drunk and lying on the bed, a satin ribbon tied loosely around his body like a present.

I stood frozen in disbelief, then grabbed my phone and called my father.

"Dad! You can't do this! I know you're nearby. Come out now!"

His voice came through the receiver, calm and unyielding. "You and Roy clearly like each other. When he's drunk, he even calls your name. But you're both too reserved. I'm just giving you a little push. Penny, our family needs the Reid Group. This is the best solution."

I reached for my coat, intending to leave, but an odd sensation crept over me. My body felt warm, dizzy.

My father's voice carried on. "I lit some exotic incense in the room. I hope you two enjoy your evening."

That night, the world blurred and spun away. When morning came, I woke to find Roy asleep beside me. Overwhelmed by a reckless joy, I leaned in to give him a soft good-morning kiss.

But Roy pushed me away.

I pulled back awkwardly, intending to brush the whole thing off as a one-night stand. I never wanted to trap him. Before I could speak, Roy cut through the silence.

"Let's get married, Penny," he said coolly. "I'll take responsibility."

Dizzy with happiness, I nodded, believing it was the beginning of a beautiful life together.

The wedding was small and rushed. Even Roy's father didn't attend. I made excuses for him, trying to convince myself that his indifference wasn't personal.

But one night at a gathering, I overheard Roy speaking to a friend.

"Penny? I used to like her," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "But she's the kind of woman who gives herself away before marriage. Just thinking about the way she threw herself at me makes me sick. Marrying her was just something I had to do. A form of charity. My family would never accept someone like her. I haven't even told my father she exists."

I wanted to explain. But the next day, Roy accepted an overseas transfer and left without another word.

That night, however, left me with a child.

Our daughter, Eve, was innocent. She deserved to be loved and cherished like any other child.

I pulled out my phone, ready to call Roy, but before I could dial, the door swung open.

Roy stepped in and was stunned for a brief second when his eyes met mine. Then, his gaze drifted to Eve, barely acknowledging her existence, before looking away.

"For tomorrow's community event," he said. "I'll be taking Sammy and Linda. You two shouldn't bother coming."