From Broken Bride to Tycoon's Trophy Wife

Chapter 2

I looked up at him, eyes empty.

"What?"

Nolan shifted uncomfortably, something flickering behind his eyes, frustration, maybe. Or guilt dressed as annoyance.

Then his phone buzzed again.

He glanced down, thumbed a quick reply, and shoved it back into his pocket.

"I need to go on a business trip," he said. "A few days. Maybe longer."

He offered a half-hearted smile. "Take care of yourself while I'm gone."

"Mm," I replied flatly.

Honestly, it was a relief. The sooner he left, the sooner I could make my final rounds, say my goodbyes, and leave Harbor City behind.

The next morning, I grabbed the gifts I'd prepared and made my way to the Wilson family estate.

Mrs. Wilson's eyes instantly welled with tears when I told her I was going back to New York.

"Lily, sweetheart, what happened? Everything seemed fine, why so suddenly?"

Before I could answer, Mr. Wilson slammed his hand on the table.

"Where the hell is Nolan? He didn't come with you?"

His eyes narrowed. "Did he hurt you?"

I hesitated, a thousand words stuck in my throat. But I swallowed them.

"No… nothing like that. I've just been away for so long. It's time to go home."

Mrs. Wilson's voice was gentle, but laced with concern. "Does Nolan know you're leaving?"

I nodded. "He knows."

She stared at me for a long moment, clearly unsure whether to believe me, but finally let it go.

We chatted a little longer, but I could feel the weight of unspoken questions hanging in the air. I stood to leave.

Just as I was reaching the door, it swung open.

And there he was.

Nolan.

And right next to him, Wendy.

She clung to his arm, looking at me like we were all old friends and none of this was awkward.

"Lily?" she said sweetly, tilting her head. "What a coincidence. What are you doing here?"

As if this were her house now. As if she belonged here.

I smiled, but there was no warmth behind it.

"Where I go is none of your business."

I walked past them, refusing to look back.

But Nolan wasn't done. He followed me out, voice low and rushed.

"Lily, wait, it's not what you think. I brought Wendy here so my parents could help find her a better doctor."

Then he added the kicker:

"She's your best friend too. I figured… you wouldn't mind."

For a split second, I couldn't breathe.

Because in my mind, I saw cherry blossoms fluttering through the air. I was eighteen, and Nolan had promised me the world. Promised to bring me home, to this home, as his future wife.

And now?

He'd brought another woman here. Lied to my face. And still expected me to smile and nod like it didn't gut me.

I looked him dead in the eye.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm not the jealous type."

Because when someone stops mattering to you… their actions stop hurting.

Nolan stared at me, stunned. "You really don't care?"

God, this man was exhausting.

When I got upset about him and Wendy, he said I was overreacting.

Now that I didn't react at all, he looked like I'd just slapped him.

I was done explaining myself.

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Be good. Wait for me at home."

The second the elevator doors closed, I reached up and wiped it away.

He made me sick.