Chapter 3

I stared at that photo all night.

The next morning, a text from Felix arrived: "Isabella's heart was acting up last night, so I stayed with her at the hospital. Stop making a scene and get some rest."

It was painfully dismissive.

I didn't reply. I just grabbed my suitcase and prepared to leave. It was time to go back to my father.

But as I reached the front door, it was violently thrown open, sending me stumbling backward.

"So this is the woman?"

A middle-aged woman in a Hermès suit strode in, followed by a lawyer and two bodyguards in black.

Margaret Blackwood. Felix's mother.

"Mrs. Blackwood, what are you—"

"Shut up." Margaret looked me up and down with cold disdain. "I agreed to your engagement because you were pregnant. I never expected that the child wouldn't be Felix's! How dare you try to trap my son with a bastard child?"

"It's not a bastard, it's Felix's—"

"Felix's?" Margaret scoffed. "My son already has a child on the way, and it's the one in Isabella's belly. You shameless girl, did you really think you could blackmail a powerful family with an illegitimate child?"

I took a deep breath. "Mrs. Blackwood, I'll leave. I won't bother Felix again."

"Leave?" Margaret's gaze grew sharper. "It's not that simple. You will issue a public apology to the media, admit to your deceit, and then disappear from my son's life completely."

"I won't—"

"It's not up to you." Margaret waved a hand, and the two bodyguards stepped forward. "Take her."

They seized my arms.

I struggled. "This is kidnapping!"

"The Blackwood family's legal team will handle any legal issues," Margaret said with a chilling smile. "You're very naive, little girl."

The Rolls-Royce drove for an hour before stopping in front of a massive estate.

As I was dragged out of the car, I saw a sight that shattered what was left of my heart.

In the garden, Felix was gently helping Isabella take a slow walk.

Dressed in a flowing maternity gown, her hair perfectly braided, Isabella looked every bit the lady of the manor.

"Felix!" Isabella saw the car and waved cheerfully. "Is that your mother?"

Then she saw me, held fast by the bodyguards, and the smile froze on her face.

Felix looked up and his eyes widened in shock.

"Mom, what are you doing?" he demanded, striding towards us.

"Solving a problem," Margaret said calmly. "This woman needs to be taught her place."

"Let her go," Felix ordered the guards.

They didn't move an inch.

"Felix, you need to understand your priorities," Margaret said, her voice laced with authority. "Isabella is carrying your child. She needs a calm, peaceful environment."

I looked at Felix, waiting for him to defend me.

He avoided my gaze, remaining silent for a few long seconds.

"If she needs to be taught a lesson," he said, his voice flat and his eyes fixed on the floor, "then lock her in the attic."

Isabella linked her arm with his, her voice weak, but her eyes gleamed with that same smug triumph. "Felix, I'm feeling a little tired."

"I'll help you back to your room to rest," he said gently.

I was shoved by the guards and thrown into the attic.

Through the window, I watched Felix carefully guide Isabella up the steps, treating her like the most fragile porcelain doll in the world.

And me?

What was the difference between me and a banished prisoner?

Margaret left me locked in the attic all day.

It wasn't until late that night that I heard a voice.

"Vivian." It was Felix, standing at the door.

I kept my gaze fixed on the window, not turning back.

"I know you're upset," he said, stepping closer. "But please understand, Isabella's health is too fragile for any kind of stress."

"So?" I asked coldly.

"Once her baby is born safely, I will announce our relationship to the world," he said from behind me.

"For now, you'll stay here and rest. I'll arrange for the best doctors, and you'll have everything you need. In a month, our wedding will proceed as planned."

I finally turned to face him. "Felix, listen to yourself. You want me to wait around like some kind of backup plan?"

"You're not a backup," he denied quickly. "You're the one I love. Why can't you just be understanding?"

"Understanding about what? That you have another woman carrying your child, sleeping by your side?!"

Felix's hands clenched into fists, and he suddenly slammed one against the wall behind him.

"I said, for the next 30 days, you will stay in this attic. Whether you like it or not!"

He turned and ordered the guards to lock the door behind him.

"No one is to let her out without my permission!"