Chapter 2

The next day, I went out to order a coffin for myself.

The coffin shop owner was slightly surprised by my request. "Young man, you're still so young. Why are you preparing a coffin for yourself?"

I smiled bitterly and shook my head. I didn't answer.

But the coffin shop owner gave me a sympathetic look and let out a small sigh, as if he had seen through everything.

He must have thought I had some incurable disease at such a young age. But I didn't bother to explain.

Whether he was right or not, the outcome was the same. There was no escaping death.

After taking care of that business, I slowly wandered the streets of the city.

I walked past the moat where I had once sailed a boat with Princess Jasmine. I walked past the church plaza where we had watched fireworks together.

This city held so many beautiful memories of Princess Jasmine and me. With every sight, the bone-deep pain carved itself another inch deeper into my soul.

Only when night fell did I finally return to the manor.

From a distance, I saw smoke rising from my courtyard's kitchen.

I was confused. That small kitchen was usually where I cooked late-night snacks for Princess Jasmine. If I wasn't there, who was using it?

As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw Princess Jasmine and Stephen standing by the stove together, laughing and talking.

Stephen was pressed tightly against Princess Jasmine's back. There wasn't a single gap between them.

When she saw me, Princess Jasmine's face flickered with discomfort. She subtly moved half a step forward, putting distance between herself and Stephen.

A shadow of resentment quickly flashed through Stephen's eyes. Then he put on a smiling face and greeted me warmly.

"Alec, you're back. Come and try the sweet potato porridge that Jasmine and I made together."

Stephen never once acknowledged me as Princess Jasmine's husband. His intentions were obvious to everyone.

And I suddenly realized with a start that today was actually the Olten Festival.

As the saying goes: After Olten comes the New Year.

But I would be staying in this year forever.

Perhaps sensing something off in my mood, Princess Jasmine suddenly strode over to me, took my hand, and whispered in my ear.

"Don't be upset. I'll make it up to you tonight, alright?"

She reached out to pinch my cheek, just like she used to.

But out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of her sleeves, rolled up high. A sudden bitterness welled up in my heart. I turned my head and avoided her touch.

In five years of marriage, Princess Jasmine had always kept her distance from cooking. She had never once cooked a meal with me. But now, she was willing to break her own principles for Stephen.

I couldn't help letting out a bitter laugh. In her heart, which of us mattered more — me or Stephen? It was painfully obvious.

When I avoided her, a flash of anger appeared in Princess Jasmine's eyes. She seemed about to force me back to her side.

Seeing this, Stephen quickly stepped forward and inserted himself between us.

He deliberately and subtly blocked the distance between Princess Jasmine and me. Then he held the porridge up to my eyes and smiled.

"Alec, I know you've suffered a lot because of me. So today, I personally cooked this porridge to make amends. You absolutely must do me the honor of taking a sip."

I couldn't help glancing at the bowl of porridge. My brow furrowed.

That bowl of porridge had garlic.

Garlic had the ability to drive away ghosts and evil spirits.

If I drank this porridge, I would surely suffer the agony of my intestines bursting and my stomach shredding.

Thinking of this, I slowly shook my head. "I'm not feeling well. You two go ahead and drink it."

Rejected, Stephen immediately dropped his smile and put on a pitiful expression. His eyes reddened as he looked at Princess Jasmine.

"Jasmine, Alec really won't forgive me.

"But I didn't mean to steal you away from him. I'm sick. It hurts so much. I just wanted you to stay with me.

"I know Alec has always looked down on me. He thinks that because I'm a widower, I'm bad luck, and that's why he won't accept my apology."

His words were like oil on a fire. Princess Jasmine's face immediately darkened. She shoved Stephen behind her protectively and screamed at me.

"Alec, what is your problem?! When it came to saving Stephen's life, you were already reluctant. And now, when Stephen wants to show gratitude and thank you, you put on this attitude again.

"I see you're just deliberately targeting Stephen. He's a sick man. Why are you making things so hard for him?!

"You will drink this porridge today, whether you like it or not! Otherwise, don't even think about walking out that door."