Chapter 2 Her Secret

Brendon had no intention of hiding anything from her.

"Well, she's back," Brendon paused and for once explained a little more, "I was very clear with you about it before. You should remember."

Ranita did indeed remember.

Three years ago, Ranita saved Wyatt Stuart, Brendon's grandfather. In return, Wyatt forced Brendon to marry her, using his illness as leverage. Brendon didn't get angry but instead found Ranita first and made his emotional intentions clear.

Basically, he had no feelings for her and even if they got married it would just be settling down together. Plus he had someone who was the love of his life and who was currently abroad after having a fight with him.

He agreed to the marriage partly out of spite.

What did Ranita say at that time? She hid her true thoughts and answered him, "I'm only doing this for the 1 million dollar startup capital."

Brendon did it for his love while she did it for 1 million dollar.

They both got what they wanted without any real emotions involved.

Memories rolled through her mind as Ranita took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions while looking calmly at Brendon.

"I understand," said Ranita with a forced smile trying to keep things civil. "These past three years have been good thanks to you taking care of me. Let's part ways on good terms now and live our own lives!"

"I'll pack up my things and move out soon."

Brendon nodded lightly saying, "Do what you want. I have something I need to do outside so go ahead and sleep."

As Brendon picked up his coat heading towards the door, he suddenly turned around asking, "Before marrying me didn't you also like someone else?"

Ranita was stunned momentarily before responding nonchalantly, "Yeah!"

Back then when Brendon was younger, he sat across from her staring coldly at her eyes. In order not make herself look too pathetic, she replied casually, "I'm only doing this for the 1 million startup capital... I like someone else."

A woman who married solely because of money yet still held onto feelings should be easier for Brendon, right? At least when they divorced, each could maintain their dignity...

It was just self-consolation though. She never expected that he would still remember after all these years!

"You remembered," said Ranita lowering her gaze but smiling slightly as if recalling sweet memories from happier times together.

"Of course!" Brendon pouted silently, feeling a bit unhappy. He leaned against the door and pulled his tie, saying, "Well then, I wish you happiness."

Ranita's heart felt empty for a moment.

Brendon left and Ranita sat in the study for half an hour before picking up her pen to sign her name. Ranita's handwriting was elegant while Brendon's was bold and powerful.

Her slender fingers touched his name and her heart filled with pain once again.

Three years of youth exchanged for a fleeting dream - she didn't know if it was worth it or not.

Ranita couldn't sleep; she kept thinking about Brendon and their three years together. Most of the time they discussed work calmly but there were also times when they played around or cared for each other. These few beautiful moments were enough to immerse herself in them repeatedly like sand grains invading her bones and flesh.

The black fog outside the window remained as if hiding the secret buried deep within her heart - a secret that she never dared to tell Brendon.

She loved him, had loved him many years ago already.