Chapter 3

It made Robin's heart race like a startled deer, and for the first time, she thought that maybe Waldo could actually fall in love with her.

After that day, Robin spent countless hours practicing how to tie a tie, until she finally nailed it.

The first time she managed to tie Waldo's tie perfectly, her eyes lit up like stars. "Waldo, I want to be the one tying your tie for the rest of your life!"

Waldo still didn't say a word, but from that day forward, he would always let Robin tie his ties.

If he went on a business trip and Robin wasn't around, he just wouldn't wear a tie at all.

But today, when Waldo called Robin, she just slouched at the table while eating. She did not even look up.

Waldo's brows furrowed slightly. Just as he was about to say something, Judy walked over. "Mr. Nash, let me help you."

The moment their eyes met, they could practically feel the chemistry crackling between them.

Waldo paused for a second, then handed the tie to Judy.

Judy rose up on her tiptoes, looping the tie around Waldo's neck. Their breaths mingled, necks brushing. It was so close that the air was thick with tension.

Robin's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging so deep into her palms that pain radiated through her.

Suddenly, Judy let out a soft gasp. "Mr. Nash, what happened here?"

She looked utterly shaken, her body trembling, face going pale as she stepped back, her gaze glued to the red mark on Waldo's neck.

It was the mark Robin had left the night before, biting him in a desperate attempt to escape his grip.

Waldo's face changed slightly, and he instinctively covered the spot, quickly trying to explain himself.

"It's just a mosquito bite. Don't misunderstand," Waldo said quickly.

Robin scoffed to herself after hearing that he called it a misunderstanding.

She and Waldo were married. Being intimate was totally normal. There was no need for him to explain himself.

He just didn't want the woman he loved to see him with another girl and get hurt.

Robin couldn't stomach another bite of breakfast.

She tossed her spoon into the bowl and got up from the table.

Judy was shaking like a leaf, snatching up the bowl of soup and rushing over to Robin.

Judy asked, "Mrs. Nash, is my breakfast not to your liking?

"Is it too plain, or too salty? If there's anything wrong, just tell me. I'll fix it next time, I promise..."

Robin shot her a look, that whole fake innocent vibe making her want to gag, and she couldn't help but snort in contempt.

Robin snapped, "Ms. Neel, Waldo's the one who likes potatoes in his soup, not me.

"After three years, you only just now care about what I like? Seriously?

"Let's be real. As long as Waldo's taken care of, that's all that matters in this house, isn't it?"

Robin turned her gaze away, not bothering to look back as she started to walk off.

But Judy suddenly let out a startled cry, stumbling backward as the whole bowl of soup splashed all over her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she said. "Mrs. Nash, if you don't like it, I'll fix it. Did you really have to push me?

"Please, you must have misunderstood. There's nothing between Mr. Nash and me. I'm just the help here. I'd never dare to think about anything like that…"

Waldo swept Judy into his arms in just a few quick steps, his expression turning cold. "Robin, you've gone too far."

Robin let out a cold laugh. "Are you blind, Waldo?"

Waldo stared at her, utterly stunned. "What did you just say?"

Without warning, Robin slapped Judy hard across the face.

Robin looked at their shocked faces, rubbed her palm with an unreadable expression, her voice icy.

She said coldly, "I hate being accused of something I didn't do.

"Since you both already decided I'm the one who pushed her and bullied her, I might as well play the part."

Robin raised her hand again, aiming to land another slap right on Judy's face.

But Waldo caught her wrist in a vise-like grip. "Robin!" He gritted out, his voice cold as ice and eyes full of menace.

He asked, "What is wrong with you today?"

Robin yanked her hand back, letting out a cold laugh. "Why don't you ask yourself that question?

"Are you still taking your sleeping pills?"

Waldo's eyes went wide, stunned.

Something weird flashed across Waldo's face. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.

Robin rubbed her wrist, about to blurt out the truth.

Judy whimpered, "It hurts..."

Before anyone could react, she shut her eyes and fainted right there.

Waldo's face drained of color. Without a second thought, he swept her up and rushed out, not sparing a single glance back.

Robin was left standing there alone, a bitter, self-mocking smile tugging at her lips.

He didn't even stick around long enough to hear the truth.

Robin felt that she could never hope he'd fall for her when his heart already belonged to another woman.

Robin felt that maybe this marriage was never meant to happen in the first place.

At least she found out the truth now, before she let Waldo waste any more of her time.

Robin had the maid whip up a new breakfast for her. She was only halfway through when her best friend sent over the full scoop on Judy.

Judy was the daughter of Waldo's mother's nanny, Veronica Neel, who had served the Nash family her entire life. Waldo always treated her like an aunt.