Chapter 2

"She only got close to Landen because she needed money for her dad's medical bills," she said coolly. "Landen kept her around out of pity."

"Now that her father's died of cancer and Landen's tired of playing with her, she should know better and leave," Karlee added.

Every word cut like a blade.

Was that really why my daughter had married Landen?

She had always told me she loved him, and that he loved her.

She always said she was happy.

So this was the truth of her life all along?

My hand slowly curled into a fist.

Karlee pressed on, her contempt growing bolder.

"So what if Jasmine is the official wife? Landen loves me. Sooner or later, she'll have to make room for me."

"Why stir up trouble in your own family over a woman Landen's already bored with?" she finished.

I let out a cold, humorless laugh.

She stood there, smugness written all over her face.

"You want to marry into the Carson family?" I said evenly. "Landen's opinion isn't enough. You'll need my approval first."

Karlee paused, then smiled gracefully.

"You're right," she said smoothly.

She continued, "But let's be real. These days, family background is everything. I'm the Powell family's heiress, and Jasmine's just a broke girl from nowhere..."

"You know who can actually make the Carson family shine, don't you?" she added.

I looked at her, a cold smile playing on my lips that didn't reach my eyes.

"You really want to marry into the Carson family that badly?" I asked.

Karlee thought I was about to say yes, and her smile grew even brighter.

"Don't worry," she said eagerly. "Once I marry in, I'll be the perfect daughter-in-law. I'll take wonderful care of you..."

Then I repeated it, slow and deliberate. "Take Miss Powell's things to the storage room."

"Since you're so determined to replace Jasmine," I added calmly, "congratulations. That room is yours now."

The color drained from Karlee's face.

"What?!" she blurted out.

There was the sound of someone pushing open the door.

Landen walked in, frowning as he took in the disorder around him.

Karlee's eyes filled with tears. Looking fragile and pitiful, she threw herself into his arms.

"Landen..." she sobbed.

"What happened?" he asked anxiously, wiping her tears away.

Then his gaze lifted to me. "Dad, I told you before. If you're upset, take it out on me. Why are you making things difficult for Karlee?"

Karlee clutched his arm, forcing a weak smile.

"It's not your dad's fault," she said softly. "I just got a little emotional."

"My room has the best sunlight anyway. Jasmine should stay there," she added gently.

"But... could you talk to your dad for me? Please? I really don't want to live in the storage room..."

"The storage room?" Landen exclaimed.

He snapped his head toward me, his expression turning grave.

"Dad, Karlee could give birth any day now. How can you put her there? That place is tiny and damp. There isn't even any sunlight," he went on. "Is that somewhere a person can live?"

My heart went cold.

So even Landen knew the storage room wasn't a place for anyone to live.

But he still made Jasmine stay there, acting like he couldn't care less.

I shot back coldly, "Jasmine is your real wife. So tell me, what's wrong with the way I've arranged things?"

Landen couldn't say a word.

After a long pause, Landen finally stammered, "But Karlee's nine months pregnant. I have to make sure she gets the best care."

"Jasmine's only a few months along. She can tough it out for now. It's not a big deal," he added.

I was so furious I almost laughed.

"Landen, your real wife is only seven months pregnant!" I snapped.

"You haven't even been married a year, and your side chick's about to give birth before your wife? Isn't this a total disgrace to the Carson family?"

"All you care about is her. Have you ever once thought about Jasmine?" I shot back.

Landen's face went bright red.

"Can Jasmine even compare to Karlee?" he retorted.

"Karlee is the love of my life. I promised I'd make things official for her and our child..." he said.

"Promises? Like yours are worth anything now?" I scoffed.

Landen was left speechless.

I shot back, "At your wedding, you stood there and swore to her dad you'd treat Jasmine like she was your whole world, that you'd love her forever.

"You said you'd never hurt her, never toss her aside, and that you'd always be there for her. So tell me, did you actually do any of that?"

Hearing the bite in my words, Landen's lips pressed into a thin line. He just stood there, silent, not daring to say a single word.

After a long pause, Landen finally frowned.

"Dad, why are you sticking up for Jasmine today?" he said.

"She's not even family. Shouldn't you be backing me up instead?" he added.

Landen's voice grew harsh, his words cutting through the air.

"Did she go behind my back and say something to you? I knew it. She never knows her place..." he muttered.

The more I listened, the more ridiculous this whole thing sounded.

Landen was honestly just laughable.

I shook my head, without another glance at him, and headed straight for my study.

I'd barely sat down when a blood-curdling scream echoed down the hallway.

I hurried out and saw Landen swinging his belt, whipping Jasmine hard.