Chapter 110

Behind the iron door was a small room, empty except for walls plastered with countless photographs. Chase moved closer, realizing he was the star of every single one. I had always suspected Nicole's intentions toward Chase were not innocent, but I never imagined they would reach such a chilling level.

I examined the photos, the earliest dating back to when she joined the Reyes family with her foster mother. Most were candid shots, capturing a younger, more naive Chase. His expression often held a hint of reserve. When he looked at Nicole, his eyes were filled with disdain and resentment; his bond with his mother was deep, making it impossible for him to accept his father's remarriage, especially to the woman who was his mother's lifelong nemesis.

Over time, the hostility on his face faded. His gaze softened, and the way he looked at Nicole lost its previous edge. In the last couple of years, the photos were no longer sneaky snapshots but posed pictures of the two together. Initially, Chase must have been dragged into these photo ops, judging by his awkward expressions and lack of closeness. But as time went on, their bond strengthened, and he stopped resisting her presence. He would wrap his arm around Nicole and smile for the camera. They had traveled to countless countries and witnessed numerous sunrises and sunsets. No wonder I had seen less of him these past two years; he was always busy, often away on business trips—trips he took with Nicole.

Each photo felt like a dagger to the heart. Standing in that room, I felt like the biggest fool. The photos were artfully arranged: one wall displayed a massive heart made of pictures, and next to it was a collage forming his portrait.

Chase stepped back, his face a whirlwind of emotions. "This is…"

Nicole leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. "From the moment I saw you, I fell for you. I was too young then to understand that what I felt was love. I just wanted to see you every day."

"So you took all these photos of me?"

"I'm sorry," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I just loved you too much. I knew you hated me and wouldn't let me near, so when I couldn't see you, these photos were all I had. I never meant to compete with my sister. I just… I just loved you too much."

Honestly, had I not witnessed her true colors with her grandmother, I might have fallen for her act. Clearly, Chase was falling for it, his emotions running high. He lifted her chin and kissed her. Nicole wrapped her arms around his neck, and I caught a glimpse of triumph in her eyes.

And I laughed.

This was Chase's so-called love for me. Perhaps he had unknowingly fallen for Nicole; otherwise, he wouldn't have defended her despite his doubts. What he held onto were the memories we had shared, not me. Those first two times were Nicole's calculated moves, but this time, Chase's feelings were real.