Chapter Two

One week ago…

"I glanced at my reflection in the mirror while running my fingers over my face, noticing a significant weight loss. After washing my face, I left the bathroom and began tidying up my room. 

As I gazed at the luggage I had brought from the Villafuertes’ mansion, memories flooded back of the day I first moved in there. I was overjoyed to join their family. Why am I getting emotional all over again? As I was cleaning, the door suddenly swung open, revealing Tyler entering the room.

He asked about what I was doing, and I demonstrated that I was in the process of unpacking.

“What's up, Tyler?” I inquired as he made himself comfortable on my bed.

“It's nice to have you back!” He greeted me with a smile, clearly teasing me about my recent visit to the Villafuertes’ mansion.

It seemed like my lifestyle didn't quite align with theirs. While unpacking my clothes, I heard a faint clatter. Tyler immediately got up and searched for the source, chuckling as he held up my wedding ring. Swiftly taking it from him, I discreetly stashed it away in my cabinet.

“Why not consider giving him a second chance, Tyra?” He suggested, prompting me to roll my eyes in response.

“Are you even listening to yourself? He cheated on me! And you're telling me to forgive him?” I raised my voice, observing Tyler's shock at my reaction.

“Relax! I'm just offering some advice,” he reassured me, to which I smirked.

“Well, your advice is utterly absurd,” I retorted, playfully nudging him out of my room.

Losing my appetite for dinner, I opted to stay in my room and watch a few movies. Despite choosing a romantic comedy, tears still welled up in my eyes. Ugh! I despise this emotional turmoil.

“Damy you, Laxus,” I muttered, wiping away the tears. 

I paused the movie and rose to get the wedding ring that Laxus had given me on our wedding day. Never did I envision that our marriage would crumble after a lengthy relationship together. While gazing at my wedding ring, memories flooded back, triggering a torrent of tears. I slipped my wedding ring back onto my finger and resumed watching the movie, yearning to recapture the feeling of being his wife once more. After finishing the movie, I decided to grab some snacks from the kitchen.

At midnight, when I was certain everyone was fast asleep, I ventured to the fridge and discovered a cake inside. My mother has a sweet tooth, so it wasn't surprising that we had a cake in the fridge.I helped myself to a slice and spotted a couple of beers on the other side of the fridge.

"You're coming with me now!" I declared triumphantly, grabbing the beers before heading back to my room. I cracked one open and settled in to watch a drama, tears streaming down my face as I sipped my drink.

Mid-sob, a knock on the door startled me. "What?" I called out, not wanting to be seen in such a vulnerable state.

"Did you just steal my beer?" Tyler's voice came through the door, causing me to chuckle.

"Oops! My bad! I'll replace it tomorrow," I replied, hearing him retreat.

After a few days cooped up at home, I decided to hang out with my friends. Joana and Trisha were waiting for me outside a club, rushing over when they spotted me.

"How are you holding up, Tyra?" Trisha inquired, concern evident in her voice.

"I feel like I've been chewed up by a dinosaur," I joked, welcoming their embrace.

"I can't believe he did that to you," Joana sympathized, attempting to lift our spirits.

"You know, we can never truly fathom what thoughts are running through their minds," Trisha responded, prompting me to inhale deeply.

"Let's not dwell on sadness; let's head inside," I suggested, and they concurred with my sentiment.

Inside the club, familiar faces from university greeted us. Joana took charge of the drinks, ensuring we had a wild night ahead.

"Who's the designated driver?" I questioned, to which Joana flashed a mischievous grin.

"I've already arranged for your brother to pick us up," she revealed, earning an eye-roll from me.

"Is my brother treating you well?" I probed, to which she nodded.

"And you, Trisha? How's Jared?" I redirected the conversation, drawing laughter from Trisha.

They never miss a chance to tease me, do they? We laughed, drank, and grooved to the music. As the night progressed, I pulled them onto the dance floor, reveling in the moment until exhaustion set in, prompting our return to the table.

I whispered to Joana as I spotted my brother making his way towards our table.

"Having a good time, ladies?" Tyler greeted us, planting a kiss on Joana's cheek.

"You came here too early!" Joana remarked, to which Tyler flashed a playful grin.

"Of course, I couldn't risk you dancing with someone else," he quipped, prompting me to playfully toss a beer can in his direction.

"Party pooper!" I teased, but he simply shrugged it off.

Engaged in conversation with Trisha, I was taken aback when Jared suddenly appeared and seated himself next to her. What on earth was going on?

"Girls, I specifically said no boyfriends allowed tonight," I scolded them, only to be met with laughter.

"I could call Laxus—"

"Stop it!" I cut off my brother before he could finish.

As they chatted amongst themselves, I found myself isolated. Just great! I had nearly polished off a bucket of beers when a stranger approached me.

"They seem occupied with each other," he remarked, trying to strike up a conversation, but I wasn't in the mood.

"I don't need company right now," I curtly replied, focusing on my drink.

"You seem like the broken one," he commented, which struck a nerve.

"Could you please leave?" I requested, to which he simply smiled.

"That's probably why you're feeling broken," he retorted before walking away.

"What did you just say? Hey!" I exclaimed, unable to tolerate his words being spoken to my face.

Attempting to follow him, I was swiftly intercepted by Tyler.

"Stop! You've had enough. Let's head home," he insisted, leading me out of the club.

In the back of Tyler's sedan, their banter felt like nails on a chalkboard. I covered my ears, desperate for some peace to catch some sleep. I stirred as a gentle touch roused me from my slumber. It was my mom, her face etched with concern. I glanced around and realized I was still in Tyler's car. What on earth! They had simply abandoned me here.

"Where's Tyler, Mom?" I inquired, to which she simply gave my shoulder a comforting pat. Assisting me to stand, she closed the car door.

"Can you walk?" she asked, helping me up and guiding me inside.

I just couldn’t believe that my brother abandoned me in his car. What a great brother! Thankfully, my mom took care of me, tucking me into bed where I drifted off instantly.

Morning arrived with a pounding headache and a topsy-turvy stomach, sending me rushing to the bathroom. Regret flooded in as I emptied my stomach, realizing I should've known my limits the night before.

After brushing my teeth and freshening up in the bathroom, I returned to bed, intending to catch a few more winks when the door creaked open. Footsteps approached, and Joana's voice broke the silence.

"Hey!" she greeted, prompting me to open my eyes.

"You're still here!" I remarked, shutting my eyes again.

"Yeah, but I'm heading out now. Just wanted to check on you," she explained, causing me to smirk with my eyes shut.

"You and Tyler abandoned me in the car last night," I half-jokingly chided, sitting up to chat with her.

"I know, I'm really sorry! I was pretty wasted too," she apologized, attempting to mend our rift.

"Fine! I get it. You're just looking out for me because I'm flying solo—"

"Hey, don't say that! We're here for you," she interjected, prompting an eye-roll from me.

Joana left, and I decided to doze off once more. The day flew by, and it suddenly dawned on me that it was Laxus' birthday. Despite our breakup, his mother kept urging me to attend the celebration.

My phone rang, displaying Laxus' mother's name. Taking a deep breath, I answered.

"Hi there!" I greeted warmly, mustering a smile even though she couldn't see it.

"Are you getting ready?" she inquired, to which I shook my head in disbelief.

"I don't think it's appropriate for me to be at his birthday party," I responded, still nursing the hurt from our past.

"I know my son! He wants his wife by his side," she explained, tugging at my heartstrings. They were aware of what had transpired and were eager to reconcile.

"I'll consider it. Thank you," I replied before ending the call.

Stepping out of my room, I found Tyler lounging in the living room.

"Why aren't you at work?" I questioned, to which he simply smirked.

"I've already been. Just taking it easy now," he replied, cracking open a can of soda. Whatever!

I hopped into my car and drove to the salon for my usual hair appointment.

"Nice to see you again!" Lars greeted me warmly, flashing a big smile as he ushered me to the VIP seat.

"Likewise!" I returned the smile, settling in for some pampering.

I described the look I wanted, and she suggested some enhancements to make it even more beautiful. After three hours at the salon, I returned home to get dressed.

"I suppose you're off to his birthday bash," Mom emerged from the kitchen, to which I nodded.

"His mother insists on my presence," I replied, earning a nod of understanding from Mom.

"Just be cautious," she advised before I headed out.

Driving to the venue specified by Laxus' mother, I began to doubt my decision. Maybe I shouldn't have come.

"Tyra!" I jumped as Laxus' mom tapped on my car window. Stepping out, I embraced her warmly.

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see you again," she expressed, melting my heart.

Mrs. Laura Villafuerte was genuinely kind, showing no hostility unlike Mika. Inside the venue, all eyes were on me. Spotting Mr. Michael Villafuerte, I greeted him too.

As the lights dimmed, signaling Laxus' arrival, the atmosphere tensed. He made his entrance, exchanging pleasantries with guests. His smile faltered upon meeting my gaze. I wasn't prepared for this. Mrs. Villafuerte and Mr. Villafuerte welcomed him warmly.

When Laxus acknowledged me with a nod, I mustered the courage to offer him a small gift. "My present for you," I stated as he accepted it with a simple "Thanks" before moving on. Mrs. Villafuerte comforted me, suggesting I grab some food.

Feeling out of place, I decided to make my exit. As I headed for the door, Laxus' friends beckoned me over.

"We didn't expect to see you tonight," Mona remarked, to which I smiled.

"Likewise," I responded, sensing her unspoken feelings for Laxus.

"Leaving already?" George inquired, and I confirmed, mentioning plans for a night out, although my true intention was to leave promptly.

"Oh, sorry—"

"It's okay! I should get going. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the evening," I interjected, walking away.

Leaving the venue, I made my way to the parking area, searching for my car. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me, and before I could react, warm arms enveloped me from behind. His familiar scent filled my senses—it was Laxus.

My heart raced. I missed his embrace, his scent... I missed him dearly. But he had betrayed me.

"Thank you for being here today," he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

"I couldn't refuse your mom," I replied as he chuckled.

"Just come back to me—"

"No!" I cut him off firmly, pulling away.

I looked into his eyes, seeing the hurt in them. Shaking my head, I walked away. I couldn't be with someone who had betrayed my trust.