Chapter 2

The sound of the door creaking open froze me in place. I did not turn around, but I felt a hand land swiftly on my waist.

Alfred pulled me into his embrace from behind, chuckling, "Honey, I caught a bit of your chat. What's this about not having more kids? I'm ready whenever you are."

I turned away, only to find myself lost in Alfred's deep, loving gaze.

Those eyes had fooled me so many times before, making me believe he adored me.

Suddenly, all I saw was how fake he seemed, his frightening facade.

Ready whenever I was?

What a lie. Alfred had not laid a finger on me since Ruby was born.

He claimed I was too frail after giving birth and needed to recover. I bought into it, feeling guilty for not being able to meet his needs like other wives.

However, I saw the truth. He thought I was unclean, and that was why he kept his distance.

I shoved him off, putting on a bashful act. "Alice is right here. What are you on about?"

Alfred squeezed my cheek gently and replied softly, "Come on. We're past being bashful, aren't we?"

The scent of the perfume clung to his fingers. It was Janet's scent, and I could not help but gag.

Alice's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Mrs. Hawkins, you're not expecting, are you?"

Alfred's grip on my waist tightened suddenly.

I let out a wry laugh and shook my head. "No, just a little under the weather."

Alfred let out a quiet sigh of relief, then put on a show of concern. "Caught a chill? Let's get you back to your room."

With that, he scooped me up and carried me to the master bedroom.

Pressed against his chest, Janet's perfume invaded my senses, and I pushed against him in revulsion. "What's that smell on you?"

Alfred paused, clearly feeling guilty, but managed to keep a straight face. "It's a new perfume from the company. I thought if you liked it, I'd get you a bottle."

He looked down at me with a playful grin. "What's got you so worried? Scared I'm stepping out? Don't worry, I only have eyes for you. I'll always treat you right."

Staring at him, my mind screamed, 'Liar!'

Once we were in the bedroom, Alfred lay me down and hovered over me, his eyes swirling with desire.

I felt a rush of panic, and as he leaned in for a kiss, I shoved him away.

He looked at me in confusion. "Don't you want this? It's been a year since we've..."

I turned away, my voice shaky. "It's not that... It's just been so long. I'm nervous."

He tried to soothe me. "It's okay, honey, I'll be gentle. I'd love to give Ruby a sibling."

My heart dropped. Did he really want more kids?

Was he really after another 'backup heart' for Yoana?

That thought made me so mad I could scream.

My voice shook as I said, "You forgot, my stomach's upset."

Alfred quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I got carried away. Hold on, I'll get you some water."

I gave a small nod and lay back, his figure retreating from my view. All I could picture was him holding Janet close.

Perhaps Janet had lit a fire in him, and he was looking to me to put it out.

The thought made me sick to my stomach, and before I knew it, I was in the bathroom, throwing up.

That was what gut-wrenching disgust felt like.

Alfred rushed in, coaxing me to sip some water, then gently wiped my face and carried me back to bed.

He brushed my forehead and said, "Good thing you don't have a fever. If you're still sick tomorrow, we'll go to the doctor."

I was sick of his fake concern.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine after some sleep," I said, dragging the words out.

Then, I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, too exhausted to deal with anything more.

I could feel Alfred watching me for the longest time. Did he notice something?

After a whirlwind of thoughts, sleep finally took over.

However, it was restless, filled with nightmares. In my dream, Ruby was drenched in blood on an operating table.

I woke up startled and alone. Alfred was not there.

Then, I heard an engine from downstairs.

Going down, I saw Alfred holding Janet as they came in.

She was crying in his arms, choking out, "I never imagined Maverick could betray me like this. Alfred, I made a mistake, I never should've gone for him..."

Alfred gazed at her tear-streaked face and said with a pang in his heart, "Please don't cry. It hurts me to see you like this. Don't worry, I'll get Maverick to come and apologize to you.

"Nobody's going to steal your happiness away."

I watched them, and even though I knew all too well who they really were, my heart still ached at the sight.