Chapter 2

Before the voice on the other end could reply, my phone was violently knocked out of my hand.

It smashed onto the cobblestone driveway, shattering into pieces.

Julian's brow furrowed with suppressed rage.

"Vivian, stop playing dumb."

"So what if I made you take the fall for Serena and spend three years in prison? It's not like it killed you."

"But look at you. You jumped out of the transport van the moment you got out, and you've made Serena feel guilty for an entire year!"

"When we go inside, you are going to apologize to her."

For some reason, a sharp, sudden pain pierced my chest.

My hands trembled as I picked up the broken pieces of my phone.

"You have the wrong person! I don't even know you!"

I turned to run, but Julian grabbed my wrist again, pulling me hard into his chest.

He was so close I could smell his expensive cologne, but his eyes were filled with pure disgust.

"Vivian, did those years in prison teach you nothing? No one is watching your little drama here."

My heart felt like it was being ripped apart. My breath caught in my throat.

An inexplicable terror wrapped around me, paralyzing my vocal cords.

Suddenly, another woman walked out of the mansion.

She was wearing a silk lace nightgown, peeking out from behind Julian's shoulder.

"Vivian! You're back!"

"Where have you been this past year? How could you just abandon your husband and your son?"

"Julian was wrong about what happened back then, but I already scolded him for you..."

Julian. The name sounded incredibly familiar.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember who he was.

"Don't touch me!"

I instinctively pushed her away. The woman gasped, slipping and falling hard onto the ground.

"I don't know you people! I want to go home! I want my—"

Before I could finish, a sharp pain exploded on my forehead. Warm blood began to trickle down my face.

The little boy, Leo, was holding a rock, glaring at me. "You evil woman! Don't you dare hurt my mom!"

Julian looked at me with a flash of worry, but he quickly swept Serena up into his arms first.

But Serena broke free, her eyes red as she grabbed my hand.

"Vivian, don't blame Leo. He's been raised by my side these past few years. He forgot that you're his biological mother."

She dragged me into the house, pulling out some antiseptic and bandages to dress my wound.

"You have no idea how desperately Julian has been searching for you..."

Realizing I was trapped, I stopped fighting.

I stayed silent, my eyes scanning the walls. They were covered in family vacation photos.

A man, a woman, and a child. Holding hands through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The dates on the photos ran from January to December of last year.

My lips curled into a bitter smile. I pointed at the boy who was still glaring at me from the corner.

"You say I'm his mother. Then who are you?"

"I..."

Serena blushed, her eyes darting nervously toward Julian.

Julian frowned and snapped at me coldly.

"Serena is Marcus's widow. What's with the dumb questions?"

"While you were in prison, Serena was the one taking care of Leo and me. You should be thanking her."

I found it hilarious. I looked directly at Julian.

"If you claim I'm your wife, let me ask you something."

"Why did I have to go to prison for her?"

Julian froze, his voice suddenly rising defensively.

"Serena is fragile! She couldn't survive a day in prison! You can't compare yourself to her!"

I stood up, taking a step toward him, throwing out question after question.

"Then tell me, what do I like? What's my favorite flower? What size clothes do I wear?"

Julian took a step back, his face turning pale.

His lips parted, but not a single word came out.

I stared into his eyes, delivering the final blow.

"When is my birthday?"

Julian remained silent. He clenched his fists, then suddenly roared in frustration.

"Enough! Stop acting crazy!"

I sneered. I raised my left hand, showing off the massive diamond ring on my ring finger.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Vance. I don't know what kind of delusion you're suffering from, but I really don't know you."

"I am happily married. My husband is waiting for me to come home."

"As for the physical assault and illegal detention today, my lawyer will be in touch with you very soon."