Chapter 2

Colin stepped out of the car and wrapped an arm around Audrey.

Then he noticed my staring and feigned awkwardness. "Oh—we have company."

"It's fine," Audrey said, pulling away slightly. Her eyes flicked toward me. "Aaron's not a stranger."

Colin smiled softly, playing along. "You're right. Aaron's practically family."

His tone was warm, almost convincing.

Cold air bit into my lungs. I could barely breathe.

"Let us give you a ride, Aaron," Colin said, tilting his head. "We're not in a hurry."

I shook my head. "Really. I'm fine."

Colin's smile faltered. His eyes grew watery. "Aaron... you're not still holding a grudge, are you?"

He made it sound like he was the victim.

I looked down. "It's in the past."

"Good." His smile returned instantly. "Then let us take you. Think of it as... catching up with an old friend."

Audrey chimed in, "Get in the car, Aaron."

I knew refusing further would only drag this out.

My driver hadn't called yet. The flowers were too conspicuous.

"...The Regent Commerce Center," I said.

Colin's expression froze.

"The Regent?" Doubt flashed in his eyes. "Aaron... you're joking, right?"

He looked me over—my eye patch, my simple clothes.

"A place like that... There's no way you'd be going there. Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Audrey frowned, seeming equally skeptical.

Before I could respond, Colin went on, "You know, Aaron, we're about to partner with this huge company." He couldn't hide the pride in his voice.

His gaze dropped to my wrist. A faint smirk touched his lips.

"That watch... looks like a luxury brand. Must be a knockoff, huh?" He chuckled lightly. "Not that there's anything wrong with that. But designers work hard. We should respect their craft, right?"

I glanced at his tailored suit.

It was designer, all right.

But a bad fake.

"You're right," I said evenly. "Craftsmanship should be respected."

Audrey shifted uncomfortably. She cleared her throat. "Let's just go."

Colin paused, picking up on her tone. "Honey, where did you say you bought this suit again?"

"At the flagship store at Universal Trade Center," she snapped.

Universal Trade Center.

I repeated the name silently.

I knew for a fact—our group's plans didn't include that brand opening any stores there.

"It suits you," I said calmly.

Colin beamed and pulled the car door open. "Hop in, Aaron."

I slid into the back seat, flowers in my lap.

The car started moving.

Audrey kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror. Colin rambled on about their luxurious life, every word dripping with superiority.

They were waiting for me to break—to scream, to demand how they could live so well while I suffered, to beg for their help.

But I stayed quiet, nodding along occasionally.

It clearly irritated Audrey.

Maybe because she didn't see the bitterness or rage she expected.

"You've changed, Aaron," she said suddenly.

Changed?

Sure.

I just didn't love her anymore.