When I Was Exposed, He Loved Me Secretly

Chapter 2

The early spring chill cut through her like a knife.

Meela walked out of the gala and saw Kaius standing with his hands in his pockets, staring up at the stars. He always seemed proud and composed.

He never played on his phone while waiting for her. He'd always given her his full attention.

Once, that had made her feel special. Now it just made her feel sick.

"Meela?" He turned around, and his brow furrowed when he saw her bare shoulders. He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her.

"What's wrong? I've been calling you, but you didn't answer."

Meela stared at the ground. "My phone died."

Kaius didn't question it. He led her toward the car parked at the curb. "We didn't get to finish earlier. Wanna try again in the car?"

He nodded suggestively at the Rolls-Royce.

Meela froze. She pulled away from him, remembering what she'd heard. "That's not your car, Kaius."

Kaius blinked in surprise. It was the first time she'd ever refused him. He thought she was just being shy.

"You're right. I borrowed it from a friend in a hurry."

"A friend?" Meela's lips trembled. "Do I know him?"

Kaius thought about the way his friend had looked at Meela earlier, and a flicker of jealousy crossed his face.

He changed the subject quickly. "The host is having an after-party. Wanna go?"

The last thing Meela wanted was to be alone with Kaius. She nodded immediately. "Yes."

Kaius raised an eyebrow, surprised, but didn't ask why. He told the driver to take them to his exclusive gentlemen's club.

Meela knew him better than anyone. She could read every thought in his head. He was wondering why she was acting so strange.

After all, she'd never stayed out late before she found out she was adopted.

Except once.

The night her secret had come out, she'd run away to a bar and gotten drunk. Kaius had found her half-undressed, drugged by some creep.

That was the night he'd crossed the line. That was the night he'd taken her.

Meela's heart ached. Would he still be her brother if that night had never happened?

A few minutes later, the car pulled up to the club.

Kaius walked in front of her, shielding her from the crowd like always. Meela followed close behind—until they saw a man and a woman fighting by the entrance.

Kaius stopped walking. He shot a glance at the manager.

The manager broke out in a cold sweat. He immediately signaled the security guards, who pulled the couple apart and gagged the man.

Kaius hadn't said a word. But his presence alone was oppressive enough to make everyone obey.

The woman ran over to him, her eyes shining with adoration. "Kaius... I mean, Mr. Goldwin. Thank you."

Kaius. She'd almost called him Kaius.

So this must be Brianna.

Meela said nothing. She would be the perfect sister from now on. Nothing more.

"This is Brianna Lee, my secretary," Kaius introduced her. "And this is my sister, Meela. Since you're here, come join us for drinks."

Brianna nodded shyly. But when her eyes fell on the suit jacket Meela was wearing, she quickly looked away and rubbed her arms like she was cold.

Kaius turned to Meela immediately. "Brianna's cold. You don't mind if she borrows your jacket, do you?"

Meela shook her head and took it off. Kaius helped Brianna put it on, and they walked inside together, completely forgetting Meela existed.

When Meela pushed open the door to the private room, Kaius was already sitting on the left with Brianna. The seat on his right was empty, saved for her.

Brianna waved at her. "Come sit here, Meela!"

The room went silent when they heard her name.

All the men looked at Meela with lewd, knowing eyes. "Well, well. If it isn't Ms. Goldwin. This is a rare treat."

Meela's blood ran cold. It was the man from the guest room.

Had all these men watched them? How dare Kaius!

Kaius shot them a warning look, then smiled warmly at Meela. "Come sit next to me, baby."

Meela nodded and sat down, pretending she didn't know anything.

Just then, the door opened. A waiter pushed a cart of drinks into the room. Suddenly, he pulled a knife out of the ice bucket and lunged at Brianna.

"You b***h! You ruined me! If I'm going down, you're coming with me!"

Kaius threw his wine glass at the man's head. The man stumbled, blood pouring down his face. He roared and charged at Kaius and Brianna.

Kaius pulled Brianna tight against his chest, shielding her completely.

And he left Meela exposed.

The calm, collected mask Kaius always wore shattered. He swallowed instinctively as he fought to control his voice.

"Take me! Leave my sister alone!"