Chapter 3

My gaze snapped to Julian, disbelief warring with a sick dread, but he avoided my eyes.

That bakery's cake held a special place in my heart.

When we were first engaged, I was always distant with Julian.

I'd always eaten little since childhood, especially breakfast, which I rarely touched.

To get me to eat even a few bites, Julian, then the sole heir of the Davies family, would drive two hours to that bakery on the west side of town every day before dawn, just to stand in line. He'd only heard my father mention once that I liked their cakes.

Isabelle noticed the tense atmosphere between us and spoke up with a smile.

"Seraphina,, don't be upset. Julian only bought me the cake because I was feeling down a few days ago."

"Julian always spoils me like a child, but I'm already twenty-three, and I graduated college last year."

"Though compared to you, Seraphina, I suppose I really am just a child."

Listening to Isabelle's taunting words, I only felt ridiculous.

So, my favorite cake, the cake that once moved my heart.

Was disliked by Isabelle.

I looked directly at Isabelle.

"I am Mr. Davies's wife. You should address me properly."

"Mrs. Davies."

Isabelle choked, and Julian flushed with awkwardness.

"Come on, let's go greet everyone."

Midway through the banquet, I had already exchanged pleasantries with most of the people I knew.

My chest felt too heavy, so I left the dining area midway, seeking some fresh air in a private seating area on the balcony.

But just as I reached the balcony, Isabelle called out to me.

"Wait!"

I turned to look at her.

"Is there something you need? I don't think we're close enough for a private chat."

Isabelle chuckled softly.

"You don't look very happy today. I wonder if it's because of me."

"But whatever the reason, please forgive me, and please don't take it out on Julian. He's already working so hard taking care of me and the baby right now."

As Isabelle spoke, she brushed back her hair, and a bracelet on her wrist caught my eye.

It was a keepsake Julian's late mother had left him, something he treasured immensely. Not even I was allowed to touch it.

But he had given that bracelet to Isabelle.

I withdrew my gaze.

"That's a matter between my husband and me. It has nothing to do with you."

"As long as we're not divorced, the child in your belly will always be illegitimate. You don't need to gloat in front of me."

Isabelle, however, paid no mind to my words, stepping closer to me.

"Seraphina, you probably don't know this, do you?"

"She hasn't gotten pregnant in all these years; there have been quite a few rumors circulating in the city."

"They say that she was involved with those kidnappers..."

I raised my hand and slapped Isabelle hard.

"Shut up!"

I put every ounce of my strength into that slap.

Isabelle was knocked to the ground by the impact, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain.

The guests in the hall began to stir. Julian rushed over to Isabelle and me.

He saw Isabelle on the ground but ignored her, pulling me into his arms and checking me over.

As if he was terrified I might be hurt.

The worry and urgency in his eyes were so real; if it weren't for everything that had happened recently, I might have believed his concern was genuine.

Isabelle clutched her stomach.

"Julian, I..."

Julian, only concerned with me, pretended not to hear Isabelle's voice.

Isabelle's face went white instantly, and she stood up with difficulty, aided by a waiter, looking mortified.

I laughed coldly to myself.

It seemed Isabelle still hadn't understood that no matter how much Julian doted on her.

In our circle, in public, she could never get the upper hand on me.

Even for the sake of Davies Corp.'s stock, Julian would always side with me.

Julian held my hand, breathing into my palm.

"What's wrong? What happened? Why are you so angry?"

I didn't answer, just stood there.

Seeing my silence, he turned to the waiter standing nearby, his voice dangerously low.

"Speak! What happened?"

"Who was foolish enough to upset my wife, Mrs. Davies?"