Chapter 3

I retreated step by step until my back met the wall. Henry braced one hand against it, trapping me in his shadow.

"Sarah," he said, my name rolling off his tongue. "What did you marry into my family for?"

For money, for the inheritance, and for you to die as soon as possible.

Of course, I didn't dare say any of that. I managed a grim smile and lifted my thermal flask with unsteady hands.

"I just… wanted to take care of you. I noticed you didn't look too well, so I made you some honey ginger tea."

Henry lowered his gaze to the pink Hello Kitty thermal flask. The corner of his lips twitched slightly.

"Honey ginger tea?" he asked, a faint, ambiguous smile forming. "Do you really think I need that kind of 'tonic'?"

I stood there awkwardly. "Well… it's for wellness. Prevention is key."

Henry didn't reach for the thermal flask. Instead, he pulled his hand back and walked toward the bed.

"I don't drink sweet things," he said, lifting the blanket and lying down. "Turn off the light. It's time to sleep."

Relieved, I quickly switched off the lights and climbed into the other side of the bed in the dark.

Pressed against the edge of the mattress, I could hear the steady rhythm of his breathing beside me. There wasn't the slightest sign of heart failure.

I closed my eyes in despair. "Oh, Sarah, your intel work is awful," I thought.

Forget widowhood—I was basically playing with fire. That night, I didn't dare sleep at all. Yet until dawn, Henry hadn't even so much as turned over.

Perhaps he was all bark and no bite. How else could he remain completely unmoved on our wedding night? A flicker of hope rose in my chest again.

"Get up." A cold voice broke the silence.

I woke to find Henry already dressed, standing right next to the bed.

"W-what's the matter?" It was only 5:30 am.

"I'm going for a run."

"Huh? Are you… Are you sure your body can handle it?"

Without a word, Henry reached over and pulled me out from under the covers.

"I'm fine. You're the one who can't keep up." He gave me a quick once-over. "You're in terrible shape. From now on, you'll run three miles with me every day."

Three miles? That was pure torture.

After being dragged through the run, I collapsed onto the couch, feeling half-dead.

Henry, however, appeared entirely unaffected. After showering and changing into a suit, he took his seat at the dining table and read the newspaper.

The same breakfast was placed in front of me, but I was longing for cereal and pancakes.

"Eat up," Henry said, not once lifting his gaze.

I didn't dare make a scene and could only choke down my bread. Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes.

Just then, Valentino approached with the telephone receiver in hand. "Mr. Larson, you've got a call from the Nufer family."

Henry took the phone, his brows knitting together. "Okay," he replied curtly.

After hanging up, he glanced at me. "The Nufers are hosting a dinner tonight to celebrate Lily's marriage."

This was meant to be the post-wedding reception. I had no doubt Lily would stir things up again.

"I don't want to go," I said quietly. "I'm not feeling well. My legs hurt."

Henry wiped the corner of his mouth and stood up. "Prepare the car," he said, brushing aside my protest as he spoke to Valentino. "Also, please escort Mrs. Larson to change into another outfit."

His eyes flicked over my T-shirt. "Don't wear those rags. You'll only embarrass my family."

An hour later, I had changed into a long dress and put on a necklace.

Henry appeared at the doorway. His gaze lingered on me for two seconds before he extended his arm.

I stood there in a daze before realizing he was signaling me to take it. I placed my hand on his firm forearm, feeling its warmth seep into my palm.

The entrance was packed with luxury cars, all gathered for Frank—the heir of Braventhorn's elite circle.

In the living room, Lily was busy boasting to a group of socialites. "My sister? She married an invalid. She's probably busy serving him his pills right now."

"The thought of living like that is depressing."

Amid their laughter, the doors to the living room swung open.