Chapter 2

I sat in the car for a long time until Eduardo impatiently called me.

“Ellis, how long do you plan to make a scene? Everyone’s watching, hurry up and come in!”

I pushed open the car door and walked into the banquet hall.

The entire hall was decorated like a fairytale castle. On the large screen in the center, intimate family photos of the three of them scrolled by.

Eduardo held an infant who shared some of his features, smiling tenderly.

A pure-looking woman leaned against him, her face radiating happiness.

That woman was Susan.

Seeing me enter, Susan immediately clung to Eduardo’s arm, her eyes welling up instantly.

“Eduardo, why is she here?”

“Didn't you say today was Ronald’s first birthday party, our family affair?”

“I told you long ago, I don’t want a title, and I don’t want to ruin your relationship. But I can’t let my son be pointed at!”

Eduardo quickly pulled her into his embrace, soothing her gently.

“Don’t overthink it. Ellis is here to wish Ronald well.”

He looked at me, his eyes carrying both command and warning.

“Ellis, quickly give Ronald his gift, then apologize to Susan. This whole thing will be over.”

My mind went blank. More potent than anger was the profound absurdity that chilled me to the bone.

Five years ago, he held me and said, “Ellis, when we have our own home, I’ll give you the best of everything in the world.”

But now, for the "family" he formed with another woman and child, he wanted me to bow my head and apologize.

“Eduardo, why should I apologize?”

His face darkened, and he lowered his voice. “Ellis, I don’t want to lose my temper today. Don’t push me.”

“Susan has been worried about Ronald's future because of you. Bringing you here today is to reassure her.”

After a long standoff, I saw the blatant protectiveness and veiled threat in his eyes, and a bitter laugh escaped me.

I spoke hoarsely, “Fine, I’ll apologize.”

Eduardo’s expression softened, carrying a hint of "I knew you’d be sensible" smugness.

He pulled me in front of Susan. “Ellis, hurry up.”

Just as I was about to speak, Susan cut me off first.

“Eduardo, I don’t need her apology.”

She took the teddy bear from my hand and tossed it directly into a nearby trash can.

“Something from a shameful other woman is bad luck. My Ronald can’t touch it.”

She looked me up and down, her gaze scornful and cutting.

“Ellis, right? Eduardo mentioned you. He said you were a loner, didn’t have many friends, and he was supporting you completely.”

“Honestly, I pity you. At your age, with no family name, no qualifications, nothing but a man. Your life is such a failure.”

“How about this, for Eduardo’s sake, I’ll have him arrange a cushy job for you cleaning toilets at the company. It’s better than clinging to him like this, barely scraping by, wouldn’t you say?”

The surrounding guests erupted in laughter.

Their mocking stares felt like needles, pricking me all over.

I trembled with anger, a familiar dull ache spreading in my chest.

“Eduardo, is that how you introduced me to her?”

He avoided my gaze, his brows furrowed. “Alright, keep it down. Today is just about Ronald being happy.”

He turned and picked up a glass of red wine from a waiter’s tray, offering it to me.

“Ellis, Susan speaks her mind. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Drink this glass, just for me.”