Chapter 3Love Lost in the Maze, Never Returning

I was so angry I could barely hold the phone.

“You can take care of her yourself. I’m done.”

I hung up and immediately started packing a suitcase.

When my eyes fell on the wedding photo on our bedside table, the tears I’d been holding back finally broke free.

From the moment I could remember, everyone told me I would one day be Adam Croft’s wife, the matriarch of the Croft family.

My gaze never strayed from him, the most dazzling man in any room.

I remember in high school, I’d secretly watch to see which cafeteria line he chose, and then order the exact same meal, feeling a secret thrill of connection. The first clumsy flutterings of a teenage crush, all because he’d once casually handed me his jacket.

For him, I learned to cook, to arrange flowers, to give massages, to master etiquette.

And now, all those skills were meant to be used to serve Serena Vance.

Tears streamed down my face as I pulled the photo from its frame, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it in the trash.

I was dragging my suitcase to the door when it opened. Adam stood there, with Serena cradled in his arms.

The scarf I’d spent months knitting for him was now wrapped around her foot.

My numb heart was pierced again.

Adam frowned at me, his voice sharp with disapproval.

“We have a guest and you’re leaving? Is this how you show hospitality?”

“Is the room ready? And the food? Go heat it up and bring it here.”

Serena struggled to get down, stepping on the scarf as she gave me an apologetic smile.

“I’m so sorry to bother you, Clara. But would you mind drawing me a foot bath? My feet got muddy when I stepped outside.”

Adam carried her to the sofa without so much as a glance in my direction.

“Well? Aren’t you going to get it?”

I paused for a moment, then walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of cold water, and walked back and threw it directly in Serena’s face.

“Ah—!” she shrieked, recoiling.

“Are you insane?” Adam roared, staring at me in disbelief.

“You’re the one who’s insane,” I said with a soft, chilling laugh.

“Ten years ago, when you were cast out, she left you because you couldn’t afford her Chanel bags anymore and ran off with another man.”

Serena froze, her eyes burning with venomous hatred for me.

Adam’s face turned grim.

“You were sick, lying in bed calling her name all night, and when you woke up, it was me holding you.”

“You said you would forget her. You said you would build a good life with me.”

“Adam Croft, you broke your promise.”

I looked him dead in the eye, my voice steady. “So, the promises I made to you? I’m breaking them, too.”

For a split second, he looked like he might grab me, but the sound of sobbing behind him held him back.

“It wasn’t like that…”