Chapter 2

That wasn't how Yuvan used to speak to me.

We grew up together, and we were childhood friends. Everyone in both families had always assumed we would end up together one day.

I followed in my father's footsteps, training in martial arts, climbing trees, and getting into fights with other children.

Every time, my mother would scold me.

"A proper young lady should act like one. If you keep behaving like this, Yuvan won't want to marry you."

But every time, Yuvan would step in front of me.

Even as a child, he would lift his chin and promise her with complete certainty.

"That won't happen. I like Kayla the most. When she's quiet, she's gentle and calm. When she's lively, she's bright and full of energy. When I grow up, I'm going to marry her."

Now, I had married him just as he promised.

Yet, the way he described me had changed.

I was now rough and unrefined.

Everything we once shared, those years of growing up together, had already disappeared the moment our fathers fell from grace.

I said quietly, "I'm sorry. I'll be gentler."

I pushed myself up from the ground and knelt again in front of Sabrina. This time, I not only cleaned her shoes but also gently massaged her lower legs.

I didn't even know what I did wrong this time, but Yuvan's expression only grew colder as he watched me.

"Pathetic," he said under his breath.

Then he turned and left without another word.

I was pathetic. I knew he was hurting me on purpose.

And still, I tried to please him.

Because my family's lives were still in his hands.

There were still three more days. Once the royal decree was finalized, I would be able to save them.

All I could do now was play the role of his obedient wife for three more days.

That was the only way to keep my family alive.

-

That night, I had just changed out of my clothes and was preparing to rest when the door was suddenly shoved open from the outside.

Yuvan walked in with a dark, stormy expression. I quickly pulled my clothes back into place and went to meet him.

The moment he got closer, I caught the strong scent of alcohol.

He had been drinking heavily, though I knew he never truly lost control from it.

"Sabrina is pregnant. She can't serve me right now. Tonight—"

I paused for only a moment, then forced a smile.

"Congratulations, my lord. Since Sabrina is with child, you should stay with her. I'll have the servants escort you back to her room right away."

I turned to open the door and call for someone. But before I could, he grabbed my wrist.

His expression was darker than I had ever seen it.

He pulled me closer, his warm breath mixed with alcohol brushing against my face.

"Are you playing hard to get? You think tricks like this will make me notice you? Remember this. You're not even worth my time."

Before I could respond, he shoved past me and stormed out.

I stood there, confused, watching his back disappear down the corridor.

I really did everything he wanted, so why was he still angry?

Maybe he was upset that I hadn't immediately gone to take care of Sabrina after hearing she was pregnant.

So, I immediately went to the kitchen and spent all night preparing a nutritious soup.

At dawn, I brought it to Sabrina myself.

"Congratulations on your pregnancy," I said softly. "I don't have anything valuable to give you, but I spent the night making this. I hope you don't mind."

Yuvan had his arm around Sabrina's shoulders, gently helping her choose hair accessories.

When I held out the bowl, Sabrina leaned into him even more with a smug smile on her face.