Chapter 2

The fifteenth of every month was Sebastian’s check-up day at the hospital.

He always stayed the whole day.

Today was no different.

I walked him back to his ward, and before I could even sit down, he tugged at my hand with a whiny pout.

“Sis, I want ice cream. Can you buy me one? Just one, promise.”

He held up a single finger, looking as serious as a child negotiating world peace.

I glanced outside. The clouds were thick and gray, and the air smelled like it might rain soon. Normally, I’d say no. Cold treats on gloomy days were a recipe for catching colds.

But this time, I nodded.

Sebastian’s eyes flickered. He was watching me too closely, like he was trying to read something in my expression.

I didn’t give him the chance. I turned and walked out.

Just as I reached the doorway, Tessa stepped into the hallway again.

I instinctively paused and turned my head.

That’s when I heard it.

A low, breathy gasp. Then another.

Followed by Tessa’s impatient voice:

“Sebastian, how long do I have to keep playing along with this charade? Your uncle gave up the entire Ashford family inheritance for Jade. She’s not useful anymore—so why the hell are you still keeping her around?”

My heart dropped like a stone in my chest.

Myles… gave up the inheritance for me? That couldn’t be real.

Why would he do something like that?

Then came Sebastian’s voice, laced with that familiar, twisted amusement.

“Not yet. It’s not the right time.”

There was a short pause.

“I want him to sever ties with the Ashford family completely. Grandpa adored him the most—he was the golden boy, the favorite. And now? He gave up everything… for a woman. Honestly, I can’t tell if he’s just stupid or pathetically in love.”

His words were like needles, stabbing deep into my chest.

All this time, I believed our love was real.

But the truth?

It had been a trap from the beginning. A game.

A slow, venomous strategy.

My nails dug into my palms so hard I felt a sharp sting, but I didn’t let go. I couldn’t.

Not when the pain helped keep me grounded.

I shut my eyes, trying to steady myself, but all I could see were flashes of the past.

The day we met at university.

He was the golden boy—student council president, basketball captain, heir to wealth, charm, and every girl’s fantasy.

He wasn’t just popular—he was untouchable.

I noticed him because my roommates couldn’t stop talking about him.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of me.

I started watching his games.

At first, it was from the back bleachers, where he couldn’t see me.

But then… he started glancing in my direction.

I wasn’t sure if he actually noticed me or if it was just wishful thinking. Still, it was enough to make my heart race.

With a little push from my friends, I decided to confess.

But before I even got the chance, he approached me first.

That day, the sun was blazing.

He stood in front of me, sweat glistening on his forehead, and smiled like he already knew the answer.

“Hi,” he said in a smooth, confident tone. “I’m Sebastian Ashford. Do you have a boyfriend?”

I was so stunned I blurted out, “No.”

And that was the beginning.

From then on, he was everywhere.

When I was happy—he celebrated with me. When I was down—he comforted me.

He knew exactly what I needed before I even asked.

I thought it was fate.

But now I know…It was all just part of his plan.