Chapter 2

Scott had put on his pants in annoyance and grabbed my chin to say, "You need to know your place, Sophie. You were only able to marry into the Jameson family because you were pregnant. Otherwise, you'd be nothing to me."

That was when something inside me broke. Since then, I no longer made a fuss or caused any scenes. I would even make sure to give him space whenever he brought a woman home. It was not me giving in to my fate. I just understood the rules of the game now.

I leaned over to kiss Connor's soft forehead. He smelled heavenly. His milk-like scent was the only clean scent in this house. I whispered so softly in his ear that it sounded like a sigh, "Don't be impatient, my sweet boy. Everything the Jamesons own will soon be ours."

It was my in-laws' 70th birthday party, and they had reserved the top floor of Cloverton's most expensive hotel for the celebration. I attended the party in the champagne-colored dress Scott wanted me to wear. I was supposed to stand by Scott's side, but Rita had taken my place instead.

She walked into the hall, wearing a white dress that I had wanted but could not bear to buy. Everyone's attention turned to her. "Sorry I'm late, Scott," Rita said sweetly.

Scott kissed her on the cheek. "It's fine. The woman of the hour has to make a grand entrance." My in-laws frowned but said nothing. Several of the family's uncles exchanged knowing glances that were either sarcastic, taunting, or amused by the drama.

My seat was at the very end of the long table, next to several distant relatives who had little to do with the family. After going around toasting several tables, Rita came over to me with a wine glass in her hand. She spoke crisply and loud enough for everyone to hear, "Can you pour me a glass of warm water, Mrs. Jameson? I'm not feeling well."

Everyone turned to look at me, except Scott, who was too busy slicing up his steak to even glance at me. I put my wine glass down and said, "There are waiters behind you."

Rita's smile froze, but she quickly composed herself. "I'd like you to pour me the water."

I replied calmly, "If you'd like something to drink, you can get your boyfriend to help you." A few chuckles could be heard around us, and Rita's eyes turned red instantly.

"Scott…" She turned to where he was sitting, sounding like she was about to cry.

He finally stood up. "Why are you being so petty when all she's asking for is a glass of water, Sophie?" I stared into his cold eyes, got up to pour her a glass of water, and pushed it toward her.

Rita did not accept the water as she cried. "All I wanted was to get close to her, Scott."

Scott's face fell right away. "Apologize!"

The entire hall turned silent. My mother-in-law looked away as my father-in-law sighed. All I did was stand where I was. Everyone's gaze fell onto me. Some looked at me with pity, while others looked at me with taunting, disdain, and even with glee at seeing me in trouble.

One year ago on this day, it was at this very same venue that Scott had held my hand while introducing me to everyone, "This is my wife, Sophie Rivers." He looked like he was proud of me then, even though it was just a little.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you get the waiter yourself."

The party ended on a bad note. That night, Scott came home reeking of alcohol. He slammed the divorce papers on the table, lit a cigarette, and said, "Rita wants to have a family. It isn't easy for a young woman like her to survive in this world. Sign the papers."

I looked at the papers and was reminded of the night he proposed to me. "Marry me, Sophie. I promise to give you happiness for the rest of your life." He had looked serious about his promise, even though it was fleeting.

"Connor leaves with me."

Scott laughed coldly. " You can't afford to bring him up."

I stood up, and despite being a head shorter than him, I made sure to stand up straight. "Then I'll see you in court."

Scott's smile vanished. He stared at me with mixed emotions in his eyes before he ended up bursting with laughter. "Fine. If you insist on humiliating yourself, go ahead. You can't win this, Sophie. The Jamesons have a team of lawyers working for us. What can a doctor like you do to fight against me?"

He closed the door behind him as it started pouring outside. The rain splattered against the windows, its sound echoing throughout the house.