Chapter 2

Coralie arrived at the advertising company where she worked early in the morning to hand in her resignation letter.

"Coralie, why are you resigning? Oh, I get it. Mr. Griffiths spoils you so much, he must not want you to work after the wedding, right?" Jamison Anderson, the boss, teased while Coralie forced a bitter smile.

"No, it's just that I want to take a break for a while."

Jerold laughed, thinking he understood the situation. "So you're planning to have a child, then. That makes sense, since Mr. Griffiths's parents have been eager for grandchildren. You should hurry up."

Coralie felt a pang in her heart. Kellan was indeed about to have a child, but unfortunately, it wouldn't be hers.

Although Jamison was friends with Kellan and was reluctant to lose such a talent as Coralie, he reluctantly signed the approval.

As Coralie stepped out of the company, she received a call from Kellan's sister, Dana Griffiths.

"Hey, Coralie, you didn't forget that today is my birthday, did you? I've booked a room for tonight. You have to come!"

A smile appeared on Coralie's face. Dana, a carefree college junior, was her favorite person in the Griffiths family, aside from Kellan himself.

"I wouldn't forget your birthday. I'll be there tonight."

What Coralie didn't expect was that Kellan would also be there.

"Surprise! I just couldn't wait to see you." Kellan said with a smile, pulling Coralie into his arms and leaning in to kiss her.

Coralie subtly pulled away. "Weren't you supposed to come back the day after tomorrow?"

Her tone was normal, but her heart ached. He had married abroad yesterday and returned today to appease her. It must have been exhausting.

"What's going on? Aren't you happy I came back early?"

Kellan's mood soured. Coralie's refusal was unfamiliar to him. Just then, the door opened, and Perla entered with a smile.

"Perla? When did you return to the country? Coralie, let me introduce you. This is Perla Clarkson, my brother's childhood friend. She went abroad in high school and hasn't been back for years. I've been thinking you looked familiar since I first saw you. Recently, I realized you look just like Perla." Dana said, oblivious to the awkward tension between Kellan and Coralie.

Coralie glanced at Kellan, who looked a bit flustered. Clearly, he didn't know Perla had returned either, but she noticed the joy in his eyes.

"Let's play a game, and whoever loses has to take a sip."

In the first round, Perla lost. She smiled and touched her belly, her eyes on Kellan.

"Kellan, I can't drink. Can Coralie drink for me?" She asked, shooting Coralie a challenging look.

Kellan cleared his throat, knowing Coralie was allergic to alcohol, yet he didn't refuse.

"Honey, this drink is practically non-alcoholic. Just drink for Perla."

Coralie stared coldly at Kellan. He used to protect her, never letting her touch a drop of alcohol because he had seen her allergic reactions.

Now, he was pushing her into danger for Perla's sake.

"Sorry, I'm allergic to alcohol." She said coldly, pushing the glass away.

"You're always spoiling the fun! Who knows if you're really allergic or just faking it?"

"Yeah, Kellan, you spoil her too much. She doesn't even respect Perla."

"Coralie, can't you just fit in? Stop acting so high and mighty."

Others joined in, fueling the fire.

Kellan's expression darkened as he handed the glass to Coralie.

"Honey, don't put me in an awkward position." He said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

She had just opened her mouth to refuse when Kellan poured a large mouthful of wine into her, making her choke and tear up.

The crowd cheered, and Perla smiled triumphantly.

Kellan didn't look at Coralie's distress, instead laughing along with everyone.

Coralie felt a burning pain in her throat, her breathing unsteady, and her skin began to itch and redden.

"Kellan... I feel terrible. Please take me to the hospital." She pleaded, reaching for him, but Perla suddenly cried out.

"Kellan, my stomach really hurts. Please take me to the hospital."

Kellan stood up, and Coralie barely managed to touch his sleeve as he scooped Perla up and rushed out.

Dana, seeing Coralie's distress, urgently called after her brother. "Kellan, Coralie is really having an allergic reaction. You should take her to the hospital first!"

Kellan paused, glanced back at Coralie, and said, "Honey, you just had a sip. Take some antihistamines, and you'll be fine. Be good, wait for me at home."

He left with Perla without looking back. Coralie forced a pained smile. Love and indifference were suddenly so clear.

Not wanting to ruin Dana's birthday party, she stumbled out alone. Passing the restroom, she heard familiar voices inside.

The deep, affectionate voice of a man, one Coralie knew all too well.

"Perla, why did you come back?"

"Because I missed you! Kellan, I don't want to be away from you for even a moment. Don't send me away, okay?"

"Alright, I'll agree to whatever you say."

"So, when will you tell Coralie about us?"

"Soon. She's been with me for seven years. Give me some time. But from now on, don't use the kids as an excuse to scare me anymore, or I'll punish you even harder than today."

The sounds of their movements pierced Coralie's ears. She leaned against the wall, sliding down as tears flowed freely.

Coralie thought to herself, "Kellan, it was truly over between us."