Chapter 2

The room remained silent as the sky outside darkened. Elena didn't know how much time had passed when she finally picked up her phone. Gabriella had updated her social feed. The caption read: "It's a relief to know that whenever I'm feeling down, you're always there." The accompanying photo showed Gabriella lying on the grass, gazing up at a sky filled with countless stars. It was beautiful, romantic, and breathtaking. The person holding her hand didn't show their face, but Elena looked closely and noticed a faint mole on those slender fingers. It was unmistakably Blake. Back then, Gabriella had added Elena on social media out of nowhere. Their colleagues had all been envious, saying that the CEO must have taken a liking to her. Only now did she realize that it had all started after Gabriella got together with Blake. Elena numbly scrolled through the screen as pieces of the truth surfaced. So, all those nights Blake claimed to be working late, he was actually with Gabriella. They were either watching the stars at the star observatory, sipping wine at a private vineyard, or soaking in a luxurious jacuzzi together. And on the nights when Gabriella posted about being happy with her boyfriend, Blake always seemed particularly down. He would hold Elena tightly those nights, gripping her like a lifeline, taking from her over and over again in bed. Back then, unaware of the truth, Elena had simply assumed he was stressed from work. That was why she had given him all the love and comfort she could. But now that she knew the truth, it turned into the cruelest joke of all. Her eyes burned red, and even breathing felt like a knife stabbing through her chest. She trembled as she rushed into the bathroom, turned the shower on full blast, and scrubbed her skin furiously. She didn't stop until her hands lost all strength. Only then did she slowly sink to the floor, curling into herself as she sobbed uncontrollably. By the time the morning sunlight spilled through the window, she realized that she had spent the entire night in the bathroom. She then stared at her reflection, at the hollow-eyed woman in the mirror, and her gaze slowly hardened. Half a month from now, she would be gone. She would disappear without a trace from this man who lied to her time and again. This game of love Blake was playing? She was done playing along. A strange sense of relief settled over her once she made up her mind. She submitted her resignation to HR and was just about to start packing up her things when a call came in from Tate and Sophie. "Elle, Sotheby's is holding an auction tonight at Saint Reton. There will be some rare jewelry pieces. We've already sent your information over, so just pick whatever you like. "Please go, sweetheart. You've endured so much hardship all these years. Buy as much as you want. Maybe then, we'll feel a little less guilty." Hearing her parents speak so sincerely, Elena didn't refuse. Sure enough, the moment she arrived outside the auction venue, a staff member spotted her and immediately greeted her with utmost respect. "Ms. Jordan, welcome. Jordan Corp is one of our most distinguished guests. Your private suite is ready now. Please, follow me." The staff led her through the grand hall and into the exclusive VIP area. Just as she was about to step inside, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.