[5]

No. Auri couldn’t accept it.

No matter what happened, she had to talk to Anna.

“Besides, it’s already time for Anna to leave this house. How much longer is she planning to stay here?”

That was it. Auri would address this immediately. She wouldn’t put it off any longer. If Ethan couldn’t remind Anna to start looking for another place to live, then Auri would do it herself.

The car finally drove away. Anna remained standing for a few seconds, waving before turning back into the house.

Not long after, Anna spoke again. “Auri, could you do something for me?” she asked with a faint smile. “Since I’ve already prepared breakfast, could you wash the—”

“I just want to remind you,” Auri cut in calmly. “You’re allowed to stay here for one month. No more than that.”

Anna looked at Auri intently. The smile that had been there vanished the moment Auri mentioned it—completely. “I know. I won’t forget something like that. Don’t worry.”

Auri didn’t respond. But before she truly walked away, she added, “Ms. Sonia will be coming shortly to clean up the mess you made in my kitchen. I’m pregnant too—I can’t stand for long just to wash dishes. Next time, if you want to prepare breakfast, there’s no need to use so many utensils. Just keep it reasonable.”

Auri didn’t care if Anna shot her a sharp look. She turned toward her bedroom. But after only two steps, Anna’s voice came again—soft, almost like a whisper filled with concern.

“Auri… wait.”

Auri stopped.

Anna took a few steps closer, keeping a polite distance. Her tone was gentle, even sympathetic.

“I was hesitant to say this. But I feel you need to know… so you don’t put too much pressure on Ethan.”

Auri turned slowly. “What do you mean?”

Anna drew a small breath, as if choosing her words carefully. “I heard it from Mom—Mrs. Valencia. She talks about you quite often, maybe without realizing it.” A faint curve touched Anna’s lips.

“She said she was surprised by Ethan’s choice.”

Auri remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

“She never hated you,” Anna added quickly, as if clarifying. “It’s just that she didn’t expect Ethan to choose a girl with a background that was… quite surprising.”

The word landed softly, but it weighed heavily on Auri.

“She said,” Anna’s voice lowered further, “that you grew up in an orphanage. That your family background is unclear. I truly sympathize with you—but you should know, for the Harrow family, that isn’t a small matter.”

Seeing Auri still silent, Anna pressed on. “Besides, you know how important Ethan’s career is, don’t you? Mom is quite worried—but what can she really say?” She shrugged lightly.

Auri swallowed hard. Old memories flashed through her mind—the cramped dorm rooms filled with too many people, simple meals where portions were often scarce, a life shaped by constant limitations, by endurance. Yet it was that orphanage, that very place, that had molded her into a strong, independent woman.

Still, hearing someone speak of it in a tone so faintly dismissive—so subtly belittling—hurt more than she expected.

“Mom also said,” Anna continued, her voice coated in sympathy, “that you’re lucky. Because Ethan loves you. That’s what made you acceptable.”

Auri’s hands curled into fists without her realizing it. “What are you trying to say?”

“Nothing at all,” Anna said, shaking her head gently. “I just want you to be careful. Don’t let it look like you’re controlling Ethan too much, or his family might feel you’ve forgotten your place.”

“I’m Ethan’s wife,” Auri replied tightly. “I don’t control him. And I know exactly who I am.”

“I understand,” Anna said quickly. “Truly. I don’t mean anything by it, Auri. But from the outside, sometimes… your behavior can be misunderstood. Especially by people who doubted you from the very beginning.”

Her tone remained soft. Her eyes even glistened, as if she were defending Auri—yet every sentence pressed precisely against Auri’s most fragile wounds.

“Learn to be grateful,” Anna continued quietly. “To Ethan. To his family. Because not everyone gets a chance like yours.”

Then she stepped closer and whispered, her voice barely audible, “Who knows? Maybe your place by Ethan isn’t as permanent as your wedding vows promised. Forever together. Who really knows?”

***

Over and over, Auri drew deep breaths and let them out slowly. She tried to calm her thoughts, to not feel so intimidated by Anna’s words from earlier—though it was hard.

She tried everything, watching dramas, playing calming music, lighting aromatherapy candles, continuing her novel—but none of it worked. Until—

The front door suddenly slammed open.

Rapid footsteps followed, along with a sharp shout.

“Auri!”

The voice was painfully familiar. Ethan’s voice. But why did her husband sound angry?

Auri stepped out of her room cautiously. “Ethan? You’re home already? But why—”

“Why weren’t you looking after Anna?” he shouted. “She fainted in the living room.”

“What?” Auri frowned. “She was fine earlier. We even talked—there were no signs—”

“Don’t make excuses!” Ethan cut her off. “You should have been more considerate. I’ve told you again—Anna’s condition is different from yours! She’s weak, Auri. Weak!”

The man rushed into the living room, where Anna lay sprawled on the floor. Her face was deathly pale. When Ethan lifted her into his arms, her body sagged limply against his chest. Auri was utterly bewildered—how could Anna be in this state when she had been perfectly fine just moments earlier?

“You’ve truly disappointed me, Auri,” Ethan said, his gaze cutting and cold—a mixture of irritation, anger, and deep disappointment. “She’s my friend. She’s been through so much lately. Her body is fragile and needs extra attention. What’s wrong with giving her a little care? Can’t you try to see her as your friend too?”

Auri looked at her husband, tears pooling in her eyes. “I’m pregnant too, Ethan. How could—”

“If anything happens to Anna,” Ethan snapped, “I swear I’ll never forgive you!”