Chapter 2

After leaving Mistlake Villa, Rebecca returned to the place she had once called "Home." She opened the door, and nothing but silence enveloped the space. She immediately went to the study, turned on her computer, and booked a one-way ticket for a month later. All she had to do was get through the mandatory one-month divorce cooling-off period. After that, she would be free, and she could go wherever she pleased. She believed she would build the life she truly wanted and meet someone who genuinely loved her. As for Stanley, he would be gone from her world for good. At night, Stanley staggered through the door. He was extremely drunk. His tie hung loosely, and his suit jacket was casually draped over one arm. His eyes were glazed, and he walked unsteadily. But when he got close to Rebecca, a spark ignited in his gaze. He seemed to catch a familiar scent. His eyes burned with intensity, as if he were seeing something he'd long yearned for but lost. "Mia…" His voice trembled, laced with endless longing and pain. He suddenly pulled Rebecca into his arms, holding her tightly as if he wanted to become one with her. "Mia, you've finally come back to see me. I've missed you so much. This time, I'm never letting you go again…" Rebecca's body stiffened, as if something had pierced her chest. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. Then she gently pushed him away, her voice cold and clear. "You've got the wrong person. I'm not Mia." Stanley stumbled back, suddenly sobering up quite a bit. He let go of her and took a step back. The intensity in his gaze dimmed, giving way to a flicker of cold annoyance. "The scent of your perfume…" His voice was low, tinged with displeasure. "It's Mia's favorite. Don't wear it again." Rebecca felt a sense of despair. Her fingers curled tightly, almost digging into her palms. She lifted her head and looked him straight in the eyes. She replied indifferently, "Alright. I won't wear it again." Stanley said nothing else and walked to the bedroom, appearing cold and distant. Rebecca stayed in place, watching him disappear behind the door, feeling a chill in her chest. She gazed at her hand. Deep crescent marks from her nails had already formed in her palm. The next day was their wedding anniversary. Rebecca had assumed Stanley would ignore it, just like he did every other year. But to her surprise, he actually suggested taking her out for a candlelit dinner. The restaurant was softly lit, with gentle music playing in the background. Stanley sat across from her, looking aloof, as if the whole evening were nothing more than a formality. He opened the menu and, without much hesitation, ordered some food. Rebecca glanced at the selections, and her heart sank slightly. They were all Mia's favorite foods. Just as the waiter was about to leave, Rebecca suddenly spoke up. "Wait a moment." Stanley looked up and frowned with a hint of displeasure. "I don't like these dishes. Let's change them," she said calmly, but with a quiet firmness that left no room for argument. Stanley paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He set down the menu, his gaze settling on her face, as if trying to read her expression. "Weren't these your favourites? I remember you enjoying them." Rebecca looked up and met his eyes. "That was in the past. Besides, those were Mia's favorites, not mine. I don't like them, and I never will." Stanley's frown deepened, a trace of confusion and simmering anger in his eyes. "Rebecca, is this your new way of trying to get my attention? I've told you when we got married that my heart belongs to Mia. "You agreed to that, said you could accept it, and that's why you married me. So what's the point of saying all this nonsense now? Are you trying to compete with her? Does that make you feel better?" Rebecca didn't respond. She simply lowered her head and gently swirled the wine in her glass. She was calm, as if his words no longer stirred any emotion in her. She used to eat foods she disliked, even ones that triggered her allergies, just to spend more time with him. But now, she no longer wanted to compromise.