Chapter 2

A dull pain throbbed in my lower abdomen. It was likely from the strain of throwing the ring just moments ago.

I sank back onto the couch on the balcony, my hand gently pressing against the sore spot.

"I didn't hear her," I said casually. "From now on, no one is allowed in my room unless I say so. Not even you."

I pointed at Carter, watching the shock in his eyes.

Every piece of furniture in this room had rounded corners. There wasn't a sharp edge in sight.

Whenever I lost control during an episode, I would lock myself in here.

Back then, Carter would stay by my side, holding me close. He'd bury his chin in the curve of my neck, gently trying to calm me down.

At one point, I couldn't imagine my life without him. The thought of him leaving was my worst nightmare.

But now, things were no longer the same. He had changed, and so had I.

After being surrounded by the constant beeping of hospital machines, I began to see everything in a new light.

Carter didn't look away from me for a second. After what seemed like forever, he finally scoffed. "Are you seriously acting like this just because I didn't pick up your call?

"I've explained this before—I was away on a business trip, and Jodie's my secretary. Why does it matter that she answered your call?"

Before I could reply, the sound of porcelain crashing to the floor echoed from downstairs. Without a second thought, Carter turned around and bolted down the stairs.

As I followed behind him, I spotted Jodie on the floor, with a large blister burned into her wrist.

"I saw that Regina wasn't feeling well, so I thought I'd bring her some chicken soup..." she murmured.

Carter shot me a furious glance. "Shoot, Regina! These past few years have been a total nightmare. Because of your mental state, I can't afford to slack off when I'm at the office. I've got one computer for work and the other just to keep an eye on the security cameras at home.

"To be honest, your condition has nearly driven me to the edge. All I wanted was someone to make me a cup of tea when I'm worn out. I don't have the capacity to care about your feelings when I'm barely holding on!

"Whatever. Let's go to the hospital."

With that, Carter steadied Jodie by the waist and walked toward the door.

Staring down at the mess scattered across the floor, I called out for the housekeeper, Hilda Lukasiak.

The mansion, however, stood in eerie silence.

With a sigh, I carefully picked up the shattered porcelain bowl and tossed the pieces into a nearby trash bin.

Just then, a flash of lightning split the night, followed by a thunderclap that rattled the walls.

Startled, I collapsed to the floor. In my panic, I tried to get to my feet, but my hand struck the jagged porcelain, leaving deep cuts along my palm.

Taking a moment to steady my breath, I scrambled for my phone and called the family doctor, Frank O'Connor.

By the time my wounds were dressed, the storm outside had begun to subside.

Frank took his time packing up his medical kit. At one point, his gaze faltered, as if he wasn't sure how to put his question into words. "What happened to—"

"I aborted it."

It was almost ridiculous. The first man to learn I was pregnant wasn't my husband, but the family doctor.

Gazing out at the persistent rain, an inexplicable sadness enveloped me. "I'm leaving. Michael says I only bring trouble to Carter. According to him, Jodie and Carter are the perfect match.

"Even though I've stood by Carter through every challenge and helped him build his business, he's never truly been happy these last few years. It's only with Jodie that he can be the man he's meant to be.

"After giving it some thought, I believe Michael was right. This mansion is about to have a new lady of the house."

Once Frank left, I started packing my things.

Halfway through, my phone buzzed on the table. When I picked up, Carter's voice came through, tinged with unease. "Tomorrow's the anniversary of my father's death."

"Okay," I said. "I'll take a cab to the cemetery tomorrow."

Irwin Gresham had always shown me kindness when he was alive. Paying him a visit was the least I could do to honor his memory. Besides, it didn't make a difference whether I left a day earlier or later.

"I'll come pick you—"

Before Carter could say more, I quickly cut him off. "It's fine. I know you're busy."

With that, I hung up. After stuffing the last of my clothes into the suitcase, I zipped it up and set it in the corner.

Ever since the car accident last year, driving had become something I couldn't bring myself to do. Perhaps my mental state was also part of the reason.

The next day, I arrived at the cemetery two hours behind schedule.

Carter's face was grim, and the people around him looked just as tense.

I knew it was my fault. My hands shook as I struggled to compose myself. "I'm sorry I'm late. It's just—"

Before I could continue, Carter’s friend, Michael Conway, spoke up sharply. "Regina, I don't mean to criticize, but how could you be late on a day as important as Mr. Gresham's memorial?"

"I know, right? Even Ms. McRae arrived early to set everything up, and yet here you are, showing up late. Did you forget you're Mrs. Gresham? That's tough to excuse, don't you think?"

"Exactly. It's one thing to be late to casual events, but how do you justify being late on a day like today? It almost feels like you don't care about Carter's family at all!"

Carter remained silent, though his expression conveyed everything that needed to be said.