Chapter 3

"Seraphina, I'm so sorry."

Lily gave me a tearful glance, her eyes red, as if *I* had been the one to bully her.

She cried as she approached the filthy snake pit, her hand trembling as she reached in and pulled out the grimy key.

Lily offered me the key.

"I never thought you'd actually put your hand in. I just wanted to play a harmless prank."

The key was right there!

I yanked my hand free from Julian's grasp, trying to snatch the key.

But just an inch away, Julian moved faster, pressing Lily's hand down, preventing her from giving me the key.

He loomed over me, his gaze chilling.

"Seraphina, you're so desperate for that key. Is it to leave me?"

In the three years we'd been together, Julian had demanded I become solely his possession.

Before Lily appeared, I thought it was a sweet burden.

But it wasn't until I saw how he interacted with Lily that I understood what true love was.

He pampered Lily just as he had pampered me, but he didn't clip her wings; instead, he let her freely enjoy her youth.

While I, like a forgotten wife at home, waited day and night for him to return.

That was a normal relationship.

Perhaps Julian didn't love me at all; maybe he just wanted to conquer me because our families were rivals.

"Seraphina Davis, I'm talking to you," Julian called out, his face dark.

I snapped back to reality and fired back, "You can give the key to a third party, but not me? I'm your girlfriend."

The guests at the party recoiled, fearful of getting caught in the crossfire.

No one had ever dared to speak to Julian like that before; I was the first.

In the past, I had been incredibly obedient to Julian.

Even if he said one plus one was three, I would discard all reason and believe he was right.

So, not only were the guests surprised, but Julian himself seemed taken aback.

But quickly, a sarcastic smile twisted his lips.

He suddenly gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

"Seraphina Davis, what happens between Lily and me is none of your business. Daring to contradict me in public -- do you think your place in my heart is so high? It seems I've spoiled you too much, letting you run wild."