Chapter 2

I gripped the business card tightly, then threw it in the trash.

"Mario, I won't go."

For the last month of my life, I just wanted to live for myself for once.

Mario's brow furrowed. He was about to speak when Neyland walked in from outside, her eyes red.

"Aurora... I know I'm not Mom and Dad's biological daughter, so you've never liked me."

"But now that you have Mario, won't you even do me this one favor?"

When my parents saw Neyland, they rushed to wipe her tears as if she were their actual daughter.

"Don't cry, Neyland. Don't worry!"

"Even though the family's going through hard times, we absolutely won't let that bastard touch you."

My heart ached terribly as memories of being violated flashed through my mind.

I looked up at them, my voice trembling.

"What about me? Can anyone just touch me however they want?"

I still couldn't forget how I'd truly believed Mario back then, how I'd been pinned down by that disgusting worker.

I lay on the cold ground covered in blood. It was Mario who carried me to the hospital, his eyes red as he begged me to open my eyes.

After more than ten years of companionship since childhood, I never imagined he would personally push me into hell.

And now, he wanted to humiliate me in the same way again.

Mario froze for a moment, then his tone softened.

"Aurora, stop making a scene. I'm just asking you to stay at Mr. Chris's place for a few days. Nothing's going to happen to you."

"Besides, you'll always be my wife. If something happens to Neyland, how will she ever get married?"

My heart felt unbearably bitter.

Neyland. Always Neyland.

Ever since Mario was brought back to the Jordan family, his eyes had only been for Neyland—only her safety and her reputation mattered.

Even if it meant exposing my scars in front of everyone, he didn't care at all.

I wiped away my tears and turned to leave.

But suddenly Neyland grabbed me and shoved her phone in my face.

"Aurora, you're always targeting me. You're the one who brought Chris around, aren't you?"

A chat record appeared before my eyes. It showed messages I had supposedly sent to Chris.

[Mr. Chris, Neyland isn't the Williams family's biological daughter. If you like her, feel free to take her.]

But after I was diagnosed with cancer, I'd been so weak most of the time that I spent my days sleeping. I barely looked at my phone—how could I have possibly sent messages to Chris, someone I didn't even know?

I instinctively denied it. "It wasn't me, I—"

But the next second, my father's palm struck my face.

"Just like a jealous shrew raised by country bumpkins! You'd even plot against your own family!"

My father grabbed me and started dragging me outside.

"Since you wanted to set Neyland up, then you can go keep that bastard company yourself!"

I broke free from his grip and looked at Mario with pleading eyes.

"Mario... it wasn't me. Please believe me..."

My parents, who had only recently found me, might not know the truth.

But Mario, who grew up with me, knew me better than anyone. He would never believe this.

But Mario didn't look at me. He just stared coldly at the screen, then his brow furrowed.

"Aurora, have I been too lenient with you all these years?"

"Did I not tell you—never hurt Neyland?"

"Since your mind is so poisonous, from today on, you're not allowed to step foot in the Williams house again."

"After you're done with Chris, go back to the countryside."

Hearing the anger in Mario's voice, it felt like my internal organs were being twisted together.

He knew my character better than anyone. We were both children raised by Grandma.

Why had he become so unfamiliar now?

At that moment, the maid had already dragged my luggage to the door and began throwing my clothes outside one by one.

Seeing the mockery in Neyland's eyes, I wiped away my tears and forced out a bitter smile.

"Mario, I'll grant your wish. Let's get divorced."