Chapter 2

“But, are you sure you want to bind yourself to me for a man who’s not worth it?”

The guests’ whispers sliced through me like knives.

“I heard the Reynolds are drowning in debt. They’re only surviving because Mr. Grayson throws them scraps.”

“Like a stray dog. If she leaves him, she’ll be living on the streets by tomorrow, won’t she?”

I looked at the baby in my arms, a child that wasn’t mine, and felt a familiar ache in my heart.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of Julian and Serena, his childhood sweetheart and the woman who helped him build his empire, having three children and giving them to me to raise.

Six years ago, I cried and raged, refusing them, utterly broken.

Julian showed no mercy. He used the very survival of my family, the Reynolds, to force me into submission.

Three years ago, I rebelled again. Julian, without a word, confiscated my cards and threw me out.

I remember freezing in the winter cold, my mind hazy with despair, until I finally returned, weeping, begging Julian for forgiveness.

We fell in love young.

At his most devoted, he even shielded me from an enemy’s bullet.

But now, we’d grown to despise the sight of each other. It was time to end this.

“I’m sure.”

The man let out a pleased laugh.

“Three days from now, everything will be as you wish.”

The call ended. I stood in silence for a long time.

Seeing my red eyes and my quiet refusal to speak, Julian’s mocking expression softened slightly.

“Aurora, raising Serena’s children well is what truly matters. As long as you’re obedient, the position of Mrs. Grayson is yours forever. No more drama, okay?”

He was actually *coaxing* me, a rare occurrence, but it was all for her.

I had no strength left to fight. Clutching the baby, I turned and walked away.

As soon as I stepped back into the Grayson mansion, a picture book slammed into my forehead. The pain was so sharp I almost dropped the baby.

Six-year-old Leo, their first child, was glaring at me, his face a mask of fury.

“Why didn’t you warm up my milk?!”

I winced, glancing at the two nannies nearby. One was filing her nails, the other scrolling on her phone, rolling her eyes.

“Mr. Grayson said it’s *your* job to look after the young master. Don’t blame us for your laziness, Mrs. Grayson.”

Right… Julian had arranged all of this.

Julian deliberately made me care for his and Serena’s children, under the guise of “a wife’s duty.”

I remembered when Leo had a high fever, how I stayed awake for three days and nights, nursing him, a weak premature baby.

When he had chickenpox, I covered myself in ointment and quarantined with him.

Despite the mess between Julian and Serena, the children were innocent…

Yet, the children I poured my heart into raising were now staring at me like I was their enemy.

Blood truly ran thicker than water. In their eyes, I was nothing more than a glorified nanny, to be ordered around.

I warmed his milk, but as I handed it to him, he violently knocked it over.

“Can’t you even take care of a child properly?”

Julian was back. His cold voice came from behind me. He shoved me away.

“What if you burned Leo?!”

My throat tightened. I’d tested the milk. It wasn't hot enough to burn anyone, and besides… I was the one who got splashed.

Leo made a smug face at me, then burrowed into Julian’s arms.

“Daddy, Mommy is clumsy. When are you taking me out to play?!”

Julian ruffled his hair fondly.

“In three days, we’ll all go out with Serena, and bring your brother and sister.”

Serena’s smile stiffened when she heard him say her name, but she clutched Julian’s arm even tighter.

I noticed an emerald ring on her finger – a precious heirloom my mother had entrusted to Julian before she died.

My marriage to Julian was a billion-dollar deal.

Thirteen years ago, when Julian wasn't yet the head of the Grayson Empire, we were deeply in love. Then, I was accidentally misdiagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer.

To avoid burdening him and jeopardizing his fight for the family business, I faked family opposition and broke up with him.

Later, when my family, the Reynolds, faced bankruptcy, Julian appeared with a billion dollars. He said if I married him, he’d use the money to save my family.

I was so naive back then. I thought he loved me too much to let me go, that I was getting a second chance at our shattered love.

I never imagined he came back filled with hatred.

On her deathbed, my mother entrusted him with that ring. He promised, with tears in his eyes, he’d treat me well.

Now, that ring sat on Serena’s hand, a bitter mockery of everything.

“Aurora,” she purred, noticing my gaze, “Julian said this looks beautiful on me.” She playfully wiggled her hand.

“He said you’re always focused on the kids, why bother with appearances? It’s just a waste on you.”

Julian casually added, “It was just sitting there, collecting dust anyway.”

My heart felt a complicated, inexpressible bitterness. I just wanted to turn and leave.

“Oh!” Serena suddenly shrieked. The ring slipped from her finger, shattering into pieces on the floor.

My instinct was to bend down and pick it up, but then everything went black as I crashed into the coffee table.

As blood streamed down my temple, I caught a glimpse of Julian’s momentary panic. He frowned, his hand instinctively reaching out to steady me.

But then Serena suddenly cried out in pain, clutching her ankle. He instantly pulled his hand back, sweeping Serena into his arms with anxious concern.

I fell to the floor with a thud.