Chapter 2

From the moment I married into the Thorne family, I knew I’d have to put up with Damon’s wandering eye. He’d had casual flings, even scandals.

The year Lily was born, I had a huge fight with him. It was the first time I’d ever seen him truly angry.

His eyes turned icy, making the air around us freeze.

He said, “You need to remember, Elara, the status I gave you, I can take away just as easily.”

For Lily’s future, I didn’t argue anymore. That storm ended quietly, without even a ripple.

Later, I learned my lesson. Because no matter how many women he brought into his life, he always knew this home existed.

Sometimes I even felt a genuine attachment in his gaze when he looked at me.

After all, I was his wife, and I held a different place in his heart.

He drew an invisible line between his family and his girlfriends.

I pretended to be oblivious inside that line. They, outside the line, played out one romantic escapade after another with him.

Until Chloe appeared, that balance was shattered—

She brazenly climbed over that wall and stood right in front of me.

After putting Lily to sleep, I returned to our bedroom. Damon stood by the balcony, flipping through documents, a slight smile on his lips.

“You’ve had a long week. Get some rest.”

He rarely spoke so gently to anyone. A flash of Chloe’s delicate face from earlier that day flickered in my mind.

I didn’t respond, walking straight into the bathroom.

The water was barely running when a warm, strong body pressed against me from behind.

His husky voice whispered from above, “Did you miss me these past few days?”

I gently turned, grabbing a towel and wrapping myself tightly. “I’m a bit tired. Not tonight.”

As I turned to leave, my wrist was suddenly yanked back. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of playful mischief.

“I’ve been saving myself for you. If you won’t take it, should I give it to someone else?”

He loved to make lewd jokes like that in bed. No matter how I reacted, he always seemed so sure I wouldn’t truly push back.

When I pushed him away again, the smile in his eyes only deepened. “Jealous?”

“There’s nothing going on between me and her. It’s just that she looks a lot like you…”

“If you don’t like it, I won’t do it again. Alright, just for you.” As he spoke, he kissed my neck.

What should have been a burning touch sent a chill through me.

“Damon, please, don’t touch me.”

The bathroom filled with steam, and his expression instantly darkened.

“Don’t be difficult, Elara. Not while my patience is wearing thin.”

I froze, my fingers slowly turning white. Seeing that I wouldn’t soften, he simply scooped me up, tossing me onto the bed.

In the dark, he gritted his teeth and said, his voice quiet but chilling, “If you want things to go smoothly, just behave.”

My entire body stiffened. I couldn't utter a word.

Much later, tears silently streamed down my face.

The next morning, Lily burrowed into my bed, kissing my face. “Mommy, Daddy’s taking me to the park today!”

I was surprised. Damon never liked taking her to places like that, let alone personally.

Damon leaned against the doorframe, a gentle smile on his face. “Come on, my little princess. Time to get up.”

The moment they left, I went to the hospital. Last night’s events still felt off.

When I received the test results, I was stunned myself. The doctor said calmly, “You’re four weeks pregnant. The first few months are unstable, so try to avoid intercourse. If you don’t plan on keeping the baby, decide soon. Waiting too long can have a significant impact on your body.”

I clutched the diagnostic report tightly, sobbing uncontrollably in the car.