Chapter 2

Case Hathaway glanced down at his cold coffee, forcing a sheepish smile. “I didn’t expect you to notice. I did come early, I was just too anxious.”

Brent Haines smiled, his brows curling in a way that instantly softened the distant look in his eyes. “I understand. After all, we’ve been talking for so long. If it were me, I’d be curious too.”

The two of them couldn’t stop talking. They discussed everything from hobbies to future plans. When Brent Haines talked about his dream of becoming a designer, his left eye sparkled brilliantly, making his entire demeanor come alive. Case Hathaway listened intently, gradually forgetting about the flaw in her right eye. To her, this girl seemed to radiate light from every pore.

“You’re even more capable than I thought,” Case Hathaway said, raising his cold coffee in a slight toast. “Despite being in a difficult situation, you’re far more sensible than most people.”

Brent Haines shook his head, his fingertips gently touching the rim of his cup. “I just don’t want to give up. Compared to those who have nothing at all, I’m already very lucky.”

Casey Hathaway raised an eyebrow, teasing her on purpose. “So you’re not afraid that I might be a bad person? After all, the internet is full of all kinds of people. You can see someone’s face, but not their true nature. What if I deceive you?”

Brent Haines looked up at him. His left eye was clear and determined, without any hesitation. “I’m not afraid. I can tell that you’re not a bad person.”

Her gaze was so sincere that Case Hathaway’s heart trembled violently. His Adam’s apple moved as if he wanted to say something, but Brent Haines’s laughter interrupted him. “You’re quite humorous,” Brent Haines said, covering his mouth with a laugh and smiling. “It’s easy to talk with you.”

That day, they talked for the entire afternoon, until the sun set in the west. Only then did they part with reluctance. When saying goodbye, Case Hathaway offered to arrange another meeting. Brent Haines didn’t refuse; he simply nodded and turned to leave, his steps seeming a little hesitant.

Back at the Hathaway family villa, Case Hathaway lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. The image of Brent Haines wouldn’t leave his mind: her smile, her determination, her vacant right eye. It was like a tangled mess that kept him restless.

He admitted that he was attracted to her. But those lifeless eyes felt like a thorn piercing his heart. He wasn’t particular about appearance, but the thought of having to deal with such a flaw in the future made him want to back away. What troubled him even more was that he could sense that Brent Haines seemed to feel something for him as well. But was this feeling genuine, or was there another motive behind it?

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a clear cry came from downstairs, breaking the silence of the villa: “Kays!”

Casey Hathaway frowned. It was obvious who it was: Ilona Finch. His childhood sweetheart, who had grown up with him. Her family was as prominent as Hathaway’s, and she was extremely attractive. She had always been persistent in her pursuit of him. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway even considered her as a potential daughter-in-law.

Downstairs, Ilona Finch politely greeted Mr. Hathaway, wearing a sweet smile on her face. Yet, beneath that smile, there was a hint of eagerness that was hard to detect. “Good morning, Mr. Hathaway. I’m here to see Case.”

Mr. Hathaway put down the newspaper and joked with a smile, “You little girl, all you can think about is Case. You’ve even forgotten about your uncle.”

Iloona Finch’s cheeks turned slightly red as she lowered her head, pretending to be shy. “Uncle, I didn’t mean to. I just… really miss Case.”

At that moment, Mrs. Hathaway came down from upstairs. She took Ilona Finch’s hand and said affectionately, “It’s great that Ilona is here. Casey is still sleeping. Go up and see him. He just got back yesterday and must be extremely tired.”

Iloona Finch’s eyes lit up. She nodded quickly. “Thank you, Auntie. I’ll go now and not bother you any further.”

Watching Eilona Finch go upstairs, Mrs. Hathaway’s smile faded instantly. She turned to Mr. Hathaway and snapped, “Don’t say anything foolish just now. Eilona is such a wonderful girl. Her family background and appearance make her perfect for Case. I’ve made up my mind about this marriage. You better not ruin it.”

Mr. Hathaway frowned and waved his hand impatiently. “I know, I’m aware of it. Leave these matters to me.”

Mrs. Hathaway snorted coldly and said nothing more, but inwardly, she resolved that she would definitely bring Eilona Finch into her home as a wife. Upstairs, Eilona Finch gently pushed open the door to Case Hathaway’s room. Seeing the sleeping figure on the bed, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips. “Case, you can only be mine. No one else can take you away from me.”