Chapter 2Twice Loved, Once Betrayed

In the Scottish Highlands, the climate is cold and damp. Even ordinary plants struggle to survive.

Delicate flowers from London would wither here in days.

So on the 15th of every month, a private jet would land at the nearest airport, delivering rare plants that could only survive in a greenhouse.

Orchids, phalaenopsis, never the same kind twice.

They were sent by Ethan.

He knew I didn't like to be disturbed, so he never appeared in person.

He only sent flowers with a brief card.

Considering Caleb's feelings, I never responded.

Until yesterday, when I broke the rule.

It was the 15th again. A black business van stopped punctually at the studio entrance.

"Miss Ava, these are lilies of the valley Mr. Sterling just ordered from France."

I reached out, gently touching the white petals.

"They're beautiful. Please thank him for me."

The butler delivering the flowers was clearly stunned, then smiled.

"This is the first time Miss Ava has replied in three years. Mr. Sterling will be very happy to know."

I curled my lips and said nothing more.

If Ethan was truly as devoted as they said, he wouldn't have watched me leave back then.

Caleb stayed in Lydia's rented apartment all night. The next morning, he came to settle accounts with me, looking exhausted.

"I specifically asked you to take care of her before I left. Is this how you take care of people?"

I didn't look up, continuing to organize the design sketches on the shelf.

"She has legs. She came here herself."

Caleb exploded, sweeping the sketches off the table.

"Ava! Do you know she cried all night last night? She even had an asthma attack!"

Papers scattered everywhere, a mess.

I stopped moving and was silent for a moment.

Even if Lydia had an asthma attack, she brought it on herself. What did it have to do with me?

"I told you many times, she's only staying for a few months until she finds a suitable apartment! She asks for nothing, didn't even want you to know!"

Caleb's voice gradually lowered.

He turned around, his tone turning cold: "You went too far, worsening her condition. I must bring her back to take care of her."

I said nothing, squatting down to pick up the drawings, holding a few in my arms.

Suddenly, I laughed.

"What about me?"

"You are still my wife, still Mrs. Reid."

I looked up at him, my eyes moist.

"No, I mean, I gave up a lot for you too. Why did you never think of compensating me? Or is your compensation bringing your 'white moonlight' into our home?"

Caleb froze, looking down at me, a flash of guilt in his eyes. He reached out to help me up.

"Ava, don't be like this. It's just temporary. Besides, you know Lydia, she's not a stranger."

"Whether she's a stranger or not isn't important."

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye, my voice terrifyingly calm.

"What's important is what you promised me back then."

Caleb met my gaze, his eyes darting away, finally gritting his teeth: "But before I came back, I also promised her I'd give her a place to stay."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Then bring her."

I heard my voice floating lightly, as if from far away.

Caleb stood there, seemingly not expecting me to agree so readily.

I turned to look at the two pots of lilies of the valley on the windowsill, somewhat distracted.

It was only September. I shouldn't have ordered custom winter coats so early.

I wouldn't be wearing them anyway.

"The weather is getting cold. I ordered some clothes a while ago. You can give them to her as my welcome gift."

I pointed to the unopened new clothes in the closet.

Caleb paused: "Give them all to her? What about you?"

With my back to him, my fingertips tightened slightly: "I can buy new ones."

Caleb finally relaxed, his tone lighter.

"Right, you have good taste. I'll accompany you to Edinburgh another day to buy some jewelry as compensation."

Before leaving, he finally noticed the two pots of flowers on the windowsill.

"Lilies of the valley? I didn't know you could grow these in the Highlands."

"I heard Mr. Sterling has been acquiring this flower globally recently. Seems like he's planning a wedding."