Chapter 2

Interrupted, Alexander's expression hardened with anger.

"All this over a ruined dress?"

"Liam is eight, he's just a child!"

"You're supposedly his mother! I haven't even asked what you've been doing these past eight years that made the kid hate you so much. And you have the nerve to throw a tantrum?"

Mother?

How could I possibly be?

I wasn't even his lover, just a vessel, a convenient body to satisfy his needs. There were countless others who could replace me.

Years ago, he had been engaged to me, but then he fell for my adoptive sister, Brooke.

He swore that even if I returned, he would only marry her.

Alexander orchestrated a lavish proposal, a fairytale event. Everyone there celebrated their eternal bond.

But then, Brooke suddenly died in a drunk driving accident.

My parents refused to give up the opportunity to marry into the prestigious Alexander family.

Seeing Alexander consumed by grief, they hatched the plan to send me to his house.

Because of the abuse I suffered from my foster parents, my eyes were almost blind.

So, Mom arranged for Brooke's cornea to be transplanted into my eyes.

Alexander, maddened by longing, obsessed with the idea of a child that shared Brooke's blood.

And because of my eyes, he agreed to let me move in.

The agreement was that I would stay for eight years, raise Liam, and then I could leave.

No wedding dress, no ceremony, not even a marriage certificate.

From beginning to end, no one ever asked if I wanted any of it.

I lowered my gaze, stating calmly, "I'm not throwing a tantrum."

"It was just an eight-year agreement."

"Being here without a proper title, I'm also delaying you from finding someone new."

Alexander's brows relaxed, and his rigid posture softened considerably.

"Scarlett."

He sighed, coaxing gently,

"All this fuss you're making, it's just because you want a proper title, isn't it?"

"Actually, if you're a good girl, and if you give me a son this time, I can consider marrying you."

"No, it's not."

When I was a child, my foster parents beat me, and I rarely had a full meal.

After being found, I was like air in my own family, treated only as a tool to be used.

I had never been loved myself.

How could I bear to bring a child into this world to suffer?

I stepped back half a pace, pulling out a pre-prepared folder from my bag.

"All the recipes are saved on this flash drive."

"Liam's preferences, his academic progress, his extracurricular class schedules – I've detailed everything."

"Liam is grown now, and he hates me so much. My presence here will only hinder his growth."

"You should find a good tutor to guide him."

Alexander reached out and gripped my chin, his gentle facade cracking.

"Scarlett, since when do *you* get to make decisions?"

He snatched the flash drive, throwing it against the wall. It shattered, parts scattering everywhere.

His long fingers slowly tore the remaining papers.

He spoke emotionlessly,

"Don't test my patience."

"I'm letting this go because you raised Liam and because of *those eyes*. This time, I won't hold it against you."

"Go back to your room. Close your online shop. You're not leaving the house for a single step this month!"

He yanked open the door, coldly ordering his staff:

"Take her home immediately. And make sure she stays put."

As the car drove towards the house.

We passed a park where many parents were flying kites with their children.

The kites soared high on the wind.

But they were always firmly tethered by a thin string.

Before I was sent to Alexander's house, Mom took me to a high-end clinic, getting me a slew of cosmetic procedures to make me resemble Brooke.

Mom meticulously coached me on all of Brooke's preferences: her clothing styles, her favorite perfumes, the foods she loved, everything.

I watched myself in the mirror, becoming more and more unfamiliar.

Mom came up behind me, resting her hands on my shoulders, and placed a delicate silver charm bracelet on my wrist.

"This was Brooke's. Wear it to constantly remind yourself how you got into the Alexander family."

"Don't feel wronged. The Alexander family is worth hundreds of millions. How many women are desperate to get close to him?"

"Remember this. It's your leverage to stay in the Alexander house."

"When you become Mrs. Alexander later, you'll thank me."

I was obedient, mimicking Brooke's every move.

Alexander was very pleased with me over the years.

That's why he even allowed me to open my own online shop and do designs.

But a fake can never become real.

Charity can easily be withdrawn.

…

I was just about to head upstairs.

A bucket of dirty water rained down from above. Liam stood on the steps, laughing hysterically.

"Scarlett, does my pee smell good?"

"If you don't stop clinging to my house, next time I'll make you eat sh*t, I swear!"

I was covered in filth, and the house staff all hid in the background, watching the show.

He was clearly delighted with his prank.

Forgetting every lesson I had ever taught him.

When Mom visited me shortly after Liam was born, she had said, "Even if he's not your flesh and blood, he came from your belly."

"Raise him well, and you'll find peace in your old age."

The moment I held the tiny infant in my arms, my heart melted completely.

In those ordinary, fragmented moments, I harbored a hope I shouldn't have.

Now, the pretense was over.

It all ended in nothing.

0