To Alex, Lily was a lifelong dream—his reason for everything.
He had searched for her for nine years, pouring time, money, and resources into finding her.
Nothing in this world mattered more to him than Lily.
Not his company.
Not his marriage.
Not even his unborn child.
"Stop overthinking," Alex said, his voice tight with restraint.
Alice let out a bitter laugh. "Don't lie to me anymore." Her voice was hollow, defeated. "You can use me however you want—just don't leave me. Please."
"Alice—"
"Do you know how happy I was when you said you'd marry me?" Her body trembled. "Even if I knew it wasn't real—even if I knew you never truly cared—I was happy."
Her voice broke.
"I told myself I didn't care who was in your heart. I convinced myself I could live with the illusion. But why… why did you have to shatter even that?"
Alex remained silent.
