Chapter 3

When I got home, I started packing my things.

I shoved the contract I had with Edward into a cardboard box and chucked it straight into the trash.

I smashed the handmade mug he had given me into pieces.

Most of my belongings in the house were cleared out.

As I was packing the rest, Edward returned home with Vivian.

He held Vivian's hand carefully, stepping over the scattered mess.

After helping Vivian onto the sofa, he finally looked my way.

Our eyes met, and he asked in a low voice, "Did you take down the photos from the room?"

He then said, "Lily, today was my fault. You've always been so considerate.

"Vivian's pregnant, and seeing our photos could have upset her. It's good you thought to take them down."

Vivian looked at the empty wall and tugged on Edward's sleeve, pouting.

"Edward, this wall looks so empty. Why not hang our photos there? That would really cheer me up," she said.

Edward glanced at me, clearly conflicted.

Vivian rested her hand on her belly and piped up sweetly, "Edward, the baby just kicked me! See? He agrees too!"

Edward gave her nose a playful squeeze and agreed softly, indulgent in tone.

I stopped in my tracks, my hands frozen in mid-motion.

My nose stung with the urge to cry.

Back when we first renovated this house, Edward made sure to leave a wall for us.

He'd put up our pictures with his own hands, holding me close as we dreamed about what was ahead.

"Every year we'll update the photos on this wall," he'd promised, excitement in his voice. "This year it's just the two of us, but one day there will be pictures of our family of three."

His promises still echoed in my ears.

But he wasn't the same person anymore.

Vivian sat on the sofa, unable to hide a small, triumphant smile.

"Lily, don't be mad at Edward," Vivian said, her tone honeyed. "You've been through pregnancy yourself, so you know how easily a pregnant woman worries. For the baby's sake, please just bear with it for now."

My expression darkened instantly.

Ryan had promised to help me, and in three days, I'd be out of here for good.

Whose photos covered that wall, who lived in this house—it no longer mattered to me.

I packed my things even faster.

Just as I was about to carry the box back to my room, Edward stopped me.

"Lily, the housekeeper's off today," he said. "Did you make anything for dinner?

"Vivian's expecting—you know she can't skip a meal."

I pointed at the untouched food in the kitchen and strode away without a word.

Just as I returned to my room, a piercing scream cut through the air.

Before I could react, Edward burst into the room.

His gaze was icy as he grabbed my wrist and yanked me out without a word.

"Lily, what did you put in the food?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Why is Vivian in so much pain?"

I struggled with all my strength, trying to break free.

"What are you even talking about? Let go of me!" I snapped, confused and furious.

But Edward grabbed my neck from behind, pressing my face toward the steaming food.

"I never imagined you could become like this," Edward shouted, disbelief and anger twisting his words. "How does hurting Vivian benefit you?"

The scalding steam hit my face, and tears welled up instantly.

Panic gripped me—I was terrified he might actually shove my face into it.

I quickly cried out in explanation.

"Edward! I didn't do anything!" I shouted, my voice shaking.

But Edward had already decided I was guilty and wouldn't listen.

His grip tightened.

Vivian, clutching her belly in fake pain, shot me a taunting look from the sofa.

My face brushed the steaming food, making me flinch from the heat.

Then Edward suddenly let go, his expression shifting.

"Lily, I..." He faltered, at a loss for words.

Vivian curled up on the sofa, sobbing and crying out in fake pain.

Edward's face hardened again, his eyes turning ice cold.

"Take this as a lesson," Edward said coldly, his voice full of menace. "If you ever lay a finger on Vivian again, I won't let you off easy."

With that, he turned, scooped Vivian into his arms, and hurried to the hospital.

I gave a hollow, bitter laugh, swiping the food stains from my face.

I'd truly had enough.