Chapter 2

“How are you feeling now?” Lucas asked as he gently examined the cut on Maria’s hand.

Maria sniffled and leaned into him, her voice trembling with false weakness. “A little better... but that woman—Scarlet—she’s cruel, Lucas. She’ll do anything to hurt me.”

She let out a soft whimper and clutched his arm. “You really need to send her away. Please… I can’t keep living like this.”

Lucas sighed. “I just need time. Uncle Lewis forced her into this marriage—I can't throw her out just yet. But don’t worry… everything is going according to plan.”

Maria’s lips curled in satisfaction, though deep down she hated waiting. She wanted Scarlet gone—now. But Lucas’ words, laced with promise, soothed her boiling rage.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the moment. The doctor entered and announced their discharge. Maria beamed and leaned into Lucas again, while Scarlet, at home, nursed both a throbbing wound on her cheek and a heavier wound in her heart.

That night, a bitter chill hung in the air, but Scarlet clung to one final hope.

She lit scented candles in her room. A soft glow danced across the walls. She had prepared Lucas’ favorite meal from scratch and changed into delicate lingerie—satin and lace hugging her frail body. The cold bit at her skin, but she ignored it. Her heart was louder than the shiver in her bones.

Maybe tonight he would see her. Just once.

She stepped toward his room, each footstep uncertain but determined. She clutched the tray of food tightly, her hands trembling—not from fear, but from desperation.

She knocked gently.

The door creaked open.

Lucas stood there—shirtless, wearing only boxers. His chest glistened with sweat, the heat of the room contrasting with the ice between them.

Scarlet forced a small smile. “I made your favorite. I just thought—maybe tonight—we could eat together. Maybe sleep… together. Like husband and wife.”

Lucas stared blankly, eyes unmoved. “Late-night meals? Really? Do I look like I want to end up fat and miserable like you?”

The tray shook in her hands, her knuckles whitening.

“I was just trying to—”

“To what? Disrupt my peace?” he snapped, then swiped at the tray. The plates, cups, and food crashed to the ground, shattering like her dignity.

Her chest tightened, but she held herself upright.

“Lucas… please. We’ve been married a year. We’ve never even shared a bed.” Her voice cracked. “It’s cold. I miss you.”

“You made a meal? That’s your big gesture?” he sneered. “You think food can buy love?”

She was about to respond when an arm slid around Lucas’ waist from behind—slender, soft, and unmistakably female.

Maria stepped out, draping herself on him like a second skin.

“Well, someone’s desperate,” she smirked. “Sorry, Scarlet. Lucas doesn’t need your kitchen skills tonight. We were just getting started.”

Scarlet froze. Her knees wobbled.

She wasn’t just being ignored. She was being replaced—in her own home, on her own marriage bed.

“What is she doing here?” Scarlet whispered, eyes burning.

Lucas didn’t hesitate. “To do what you can’t.”

“On our bed?!”

“Watch your tone, Scarlet. You were never meant to be here. You’re just a placeholder. Your time is running out.”

It felt like someone had driven a knife into her chest.

“When will you see me?” she asked, her voice shaking. “When will you love me? Or do I really mean that little to you?”

Lucas stepped forward coldly. “There’s no love here. There never was. Now leave. I want to sleep.”

And with that, he slammed the door in her face.

Scarlet stood frozen, eyes fixed on the closed door. Not a single footstep followed her. No regret. No remorse.

Inside the room, Lucas ran a hand through his hair.

“She never ceases to amaze me. What is wrong with her?”

Maria, still half-naked, reached for him again, but Lucas pushed her gently away.

“Not tonight, Maria. I need sleep.”

Maria’s eyes widened in disbelief. That was a first.

Meanwhile, Scarlet changed into her pajamas and sat silently on her bed, wiping off the makeup she had applied with such shaky hope. Her heart still pounded. Maybe, she thought, he’ll come to me.

And then—click.

The doorknob turned.

She sat up sharply, heart leaping.

The door opened… but it wasn’t Lucas.

Maria stepped in, oozing smugness.

Scarlet sighed, her voice heavy with disdain. “Maria, shouldn’t you be in bed with your lover?”

Maria dragged a chair over and sat with crossed arms. “We were childhood sweethearts. We were meant to be. I left for the States and everything changed. But now, I’m back to reclaim what’s mine.”

Scarlet crossed her arms too, unbothered. “And I didn’t ask for your romantic tragedy. What do you want?”

Maria leaned forward, her eyes fierce. “I want you gone. Leave Lucas. Leave this house. You don’t belong here.”

Scarlet stood slowly, her voice calm but cutting. “You cheat with my husband, crawl into my marriage, and I’m the one who should leave? What kind of twisted logic is that?”

Maria smirked. “He doesn’t love you. Neither does his family. How long do you plan to fight this losing battle?”

Scarlet's eyes narrowed. “And you think he loves you? Then why are you still a secret? Why hasn’t he claimed you? You’re not a partner, Maria. You’re a sex toy.”

That hit the nerve.

Maria lunged forward with a screech and grabbed Scarlet by the hair, yanking her violently to the floor.

“You evil bitch!” she screamed, dragging Scarlet by the roots.

Scarlet struggled. “Let go of me!”

“Not until I rip every strand out of your head!”

Scarlet’s head throbbed with pain. But she wouldn't let this woman destroy her. In one swift move, she raised her leg and kicked Maria hard in the stomach.

Maria shrieked and tumbled backward, hitting the floor.

Her scream rang through the house.

Footsteps thundered in—Lucas and Claire rushed into the room.

Claire, without asking a single question, raised her hand and slapped Scarlet so hard her ears rang.

Clap!

Scarlet stumbled, vision swimming.

Lucas went straight to Maria and scooped her up. “Are you okay?” he asked, brushing dust from her dress like she was made of glass.

Then, like a wild animal, he turned on Scarlet and grabbed her by the hair, dragging her across the room.

“Lucas! You’re hurting me!” she cried.

“If anything happens to Maria, I’ll kill you,” he spat, throwing her aside like trash.

And just like that, he walked out, arm-in-arm with his mistress… while his wife remained crumpled on the floor, her heart bleeding in silence.