Chapter 1
One day, while I was out for a walk to clear my head, I came across a young boy selling himself to pay for his father's funeral.
He was kneeling on the ground, his eyes brimming with tears as he looked up at me.
Suddenly, I understood why my husband, Bradley Sawyer, always favored his delicate mistress.
I paid off the young man's debts and brought him back to Zorvath, the capital, to settle him down.
I'd drop by to see him every now and then.
Later, Bradley, who was hardly ever home, discovered him.
He even almost strangled himself with a white silk ribbon, desperately pleading with me to break things off with the young boy.
While I was out shopping for Curtis Vance's birthday present, I unexpectedly ran into Bradley and his mistress.
They didn't care at all that they were out in public. They just walked into the Stationery Shop, arm in arm.
The young girl pointed at the expensive paperweights on the shelf, her cute face showing off her wealth and confidence.
She said, "Go ahead, look around. If you see anything you like, I'll buy it for you."
Bradley playfully tapped her nose, his voice full of affection. "You're being so generous today, you little money-grubber? But isn't all your money from me anyway?"
Chelsea pouted and rolled her eyes at him.
She said, "Since you already belong to me, why bother worrying about a bit of money?
"I'm buying this for you so you'll remember how sweet I am. Your birthday's coming up, and you'll have to go over there. I'm worried you'll see that old hag and forget all about me."
As if something occurred to her, she grabbed Bradley's cheek and made a fierce face.
She said, "Make sure you remember. When you go, you sleep in the study. Don't you dare share a bed with that old hag. Or else, I'm ignoring you."
Bradley was amused by her jealous little act and couldn't help but agree, doting on her as always.
He teased, "Alright, alright, how did I end up with such a jealous little thing like you?
"Haven't you seen how I've treated her these past years? Even if that old hag stripped down and tried to climb into my bed, I'd be disgusted."
I stood nearby, quietly watching.
The man who once called me his wife so tenderly now tossed out "old hag" like it meant nothing.
Strangely enough, I didn't feel a shred of sadness.
If I remembered right, Bradley was actually three years older than me.
If I were the old hag, what did that make him?
Just as I was about to make my quiet exit, Bradley's eyes suddenly shot over to me out of nowhere.
The warmth on his face disappeared in a heartbeat, his expression shifting instantly when he saw me.
All that remained was nothing but disgust.
I was hesitating, wondering if I should pretend not to notice them and quietly walk away, when Bradley suddenly called out to me.
"Why are you here?" he said.
His tone was laced with suspicion and defensiveness, making it obvious he thought I was stalking them.
After all, it wasn't like I hadn't done that before.
Bradley's words made Chelsea turn around and spot me.
Her cute face lit up with understanding, and she gave a smug little smile.
She said, "What brings you here? Don't tell me you were following us."
Looks like they're both thinking the same thing.
I gave them a dramatic eye-roll, not in the mood for their drama.
Then I handed over the money to the shopkeeper and had him wrap up the paperweight I'd chosen.
"Hold up," Chelsea suddenly called out.
She walked right over and picked up the paperweight I'd chosen, inspecting it closely.
She said, "This thing's not bad. I'll take it.
"Why don't you give it to me?"
Chelsea blinked, giving me her classic innocent look.
"Shopkeeper, hurry up and wrap it up," I said.
I ignored her little stunt and told the shopkeeper to speed things up.
A moment later, I grabbed my package and turned to leave.
Seeing that I was ignoring her, Chelsea rushed over and blocked my path.
She said, "Come on, just give it up already.
"Bradley doesn't even look at you anymore, and you're still dreaming that a birthday gift will win him back?
"He won't even accept it. He'll probably throw it away. Why not hand it over to me? At least I can get a smile out of Bradley with it."
With that, she tried to grab it right out of my hands.
I managed to react in time, holding Chelsea off before she could snatch it.
Suddenly, Chelsea let out a startled cry, her face turning pale as she reeled backward.
"Chelsea," Bradley called out, worry in his voice.
He hurried forward, catching her and pulling her into his arms.
Then Bradley looked at me with cold contempt.
He said, "It's just an item. If Chelsea wants it, hand it over. Is it worth all this drama?
"First, you stalk us, then you start swinging at her? The noble Lady of the Marquis Estate, acting like some common shrew."
Hit her? Seriously?
When Bradley started scolding me, I rolled my eyes so hard that I thought they might get stuck.
This tired act again, and he actually believes it.
I hefted the paperweight in my hand, feeling how heavy it was.
Yeah, it got some weight to it.
I said, "Bradley, go and take a good look in the mirror. You think I'd bother stalking a shameless old man like you?
"I'm gonna count to three. If you don't move, I won't mind letting you see what it's like when I actually hit someone."
When I raised my hand, looking ready to chuck the paperweight right at them, Bradley's face turned stormy.
He grabbed Chelsea and hustled her out of the way.
"What a wimp."
I said it just loud enough for them to catch.
As I reached the door, I turned back to Chelsea.
I said, "Dolly Odell, you have eaten so many delicacies that you actually think you are a lady?"
Chelsea froze for a moment, not recognizing the name right away.
Once it clicked, her face flushed bright red.
Seeing them both fuming and speechless, I walked out with a smug grin.
Three years ago, I started to notice something was off with Bradley.
He still acted warm and caring toward me, but those moments when he'd drift off and lose focus gave him away.
So, one day when he headed out to meet a friend, I took the chance to follow him quietly.