Chapter 2

For a second, I couldn't process her words.

That piano class was taught by a world-renowned pianist. I had pulled dozens of favors and spent months on a waiting list to get Lily in.

And Julian just gave it away to Celeste's son?

What kind of sick joke was this?

Without wasting another second, I took Lily and drove straight to the prep school.

After settling Lily in the waiting room, I stormed into the director's office.

"Why wasn't I notified that my daughter's spot was transferred?"

"I signed the contract. I paid the fees. Did anyone think to ask for my consent?"

The administrator looked incredibly uncomfortable.

Her face flushed red as she spoke softly.

"Mr. Sterling arranged it personally. He specifically instructed us not to tell you."

All the air left my lungs.

Classic Julian.

When he wanted to cover his tracks, not a single whisper would escape.

I had paid thousands in tuition, only for Celeste’s kid to reap the benefits.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. The administrator was just doing her job.

But as I turned to leave, she called out to me.

"Mrs. Vance... I highly suggest you pay closer attention to Lily's mental health."

"She’s been... isolated by her classmates lately."

The hesitation in her voice sent a chill straight down my spine.

Lily was a sweet, gentle girl.

How could she be isolated?

My mind was a chaotic mess as I walked out into the hallway.

And then, I saw him.

Julian was walking out of a classroom, holding Leo's hand. He naturally reached down to take the boy's backpack, carrying it for him.

I stared, dazed.

I wondered if he ever smiled like that when he was with Lily.

"Daddy!"

Lily saw him too.

She ran toward Julian, her little arms outstretched, desperately wanting a hug.

But Julian flinched.

He stepped back, avoiding her completely.

An expression of pure disgust flashed across his face, as if she were a stranger.

"You have the wrong person," he said coldly.

Lily froze.

Her hands fell to her sides, her tiny fingernails digging deep into her palms.

Class had just ended, and several kids gathered around, watching the scene.

"Look, Lily has no daddy!"

"Even my dog has parents. Lily is unwanted!"

The kids' laughter echoed down the hallway.

It pierced my ears.

Without thinking, I rushed forward and pulled Lily tightly into my arms.

"Go away! All of you!"

"I am Lily’s mother! She is not unwanted!"

My entire body was shaking.

It felt like someone had ripped a piece of my heart out.

My sweet Lily. What kind of hell had she been living in?

Three years ago, to protect Julian’s family assets during a massive corporate restructuring, we agreed to a legal divorce.

Back then, he had held my hands and cried like a child.

He promised it was just on paper. He promised that once things settled, we would remarry.

He promised Lily would never suffer.

Because of those promises, I waited. Year after year.

But it was all a lie.

Julian heard those kids mocking Lily. He heard her crying. But he turned around and walked away without a single backward glance.

As Julian got into his car, I ran out and blocked his path, standing right in front of the hood.

"You owe me an explanation!"

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