Chapter 2
There was a deathly silence.
After a while, the faint click of a lighter came through the phone. Franklin took a drag of his cigarette. “How did you know?”
Zaria stared at the ceiling of the ward. The fluid in the IV drip fell, drop by drop, like a countdown to the end of her hopeless devotion.
“You only need to answer my question.”
Another second of silence ensued.
Then, finally, the man spoke. His tone didn’t give away anything, and his breathing was noticeably uneven. “Come to me within seven days. We’ll get married. And…”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “Once you marry me, you must never be involved with Callum again.”
Zaria closed her eyes as she replied softly but firmly, “I won’t. After seven more days, I won’t see him ever again.”
After hanging up, she immediately booked a flight to Solenthia. She would fly there in seven days.
Solenthia was Franklin’s territory.
…
Callum didn’t show up for the rest of the day.
A nurse came in and informed, “Ms. Slate, Mr. Fenwick’s swamped with work. He asked us to take care of you.”
Zaria replied with a hum, though she knew that was a lie.
She knew Callum wasn’t busy—he was probably with Cyrene and refusing to leave her side for a second.
It wasn’t until the day she was discharged that Callum finally appeared.
He was in a sharp suit. Though he looked weary, he was still handsome enough to take one’s breath away.
Seeing Zaria packed and standing at the door, he walked over quickly, reaching out to take her bag.
“Sorry, Ria. The company’s been extremely busy lately. And… I’ve been preparing a surprise. That’s why I haven’t been here.”
Zaria avoided his hand. She carried the bag herself as she walked ahead. “What surprise?”
Callum smiled slightly, and there was an unusual softness in his eyes. “I’ll bring you somewhere.”
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a luxury hotel.
Zaria followed Callum inside. The moment the banquet hall doors opened, a sea of roses and candlelight greeted her eyes.
It was a proposal.
All the guests turned to look at her, and their eyes were focused.
Callum held her hand and led her to the center before getting on one knee and pulling out a diamond ring from his pocket.
Looking up at her, he asked earnestly, “Ria, will you marry me?”
Zaria stared at him blankly. Her heart clenched.
She had once longed for this moment so much.
But now, as she looked at the dazzling diamond ring, all she felt was bitter irony.
The proposal she had waited so long for was exchanged for her kidney.
She was about to refuse when someone suddenly pushed the banquet hall doors open.
“Sorry, I’m late.” A soft and frail voice came through.
Zaria turned and saw Cyrene in a white dress. She was standing in the doorway. She looked pale, and tears were shimmering in her eyes.
Cyrene walked over. Her voice was choked with emotion. “Callum, Zaria, what happened back then was my fault. I shouldn’t have stuck by Callum’s side. I’ve been disturbing your relationship. When I found out about the proposal, I came to give my blessing.”
As she spoke, she took out two delicate gift boxes from her bag and handed them to Callum and Zaria.
“I wish you… happiness.”
After that, she turned to leave. She had only taken two steps when she suddenly swayed and “fainted” on the spot.
“Cy!”
Callum’s expression changed drastically. He sprang up and rushed over without hesitation, scooping Cyrene into his arms.
He completely forgot that he had just been kneeling in front of Zaria while clutching the diamond ring.
The guests instantly started whispering among themselves.
“Tsk, tsk. It’s the same every time. The moment Mr. Fenwick sees Cyrene, he can’t see anyone else.”
“Zaria’s been with him all these years, but he doesn’t even bother to spare her a glance.”
“He has always loved Cyrene.”
Zaria stood there. Her fingertips dug deep into her palm.
She watched as Callum carried Cyrene away in a hurry as Cyrene mouthed to Zaria, “You’ll never beat me.”
What pathetic acting.
But Callum didn’t even question it. He just believed it.
