Chapter 2
After she was sent home, it was just me and Julian in the carriage, neither of us saying a word.
It wasn't until we were almost back home that Julian finally broke the silence, pulling a small pouch from inside his coat.
"Lily, it's your birthday today. I had someone specially find this red coral ornament for you, all the way from the South Seas," he said.
I stared at the gift in my hand, feeling a wave of nausea churn inside me.
Rose had one of these on her finger, and that other girl had one dangling from her belt.
Julian, what am I to you, in your eyes?
Julian once loved a girl. They were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since they were little. That girl was my older sister, Grace.
Back then, I was always tagging along behind the two of them, like a little shadow. All the while, I quietly and secretly buried my feelings for Julian deep in my heart.
But everything changed the day before Grace was supposed to marry him. Grace tried to run away from the wedding, but she died on the boat as she tried to flee Riverside City.
Grace never loved Julian. She had no choice but to play along, caught up in something she couldn't escape. To save face for both families, I was forced to step in and take her place as Julian's bride.
The whole thing happened in such a rush and panic, I didn't even get a chance to grieve for Grace's death, nor did I have time to feel the happiness of finally marrying the man I'd loved for so long.
On our wedding night, I sat on our wedding bed, my heart fluttering, nervous and excited all at once. But reality slapped me awake, tearing me out of this dreamlike marriage and forcing me to face the truth.
I waited until deep into the night before Julian finally reeled into the room, reeking of alcohol. He casually lifted my veil, and I met his bloodshot eyes.
He let out a bitter laugh and then spoke words that would linger between us for a long, long time. "If you never wanted this, why force yourself?"
We both knew what this was. We were just using each other to get by. But I wanted more than I should have. He really didn't love me.
Half-awake and half-asleep, I kept drifting in and out of scattered dreams. Most were flashes from my childhood, tagging along after Grace and Julian. Without realizing it, my mind started to blur, slipping further and further away.
"Why are you burning up like this?" Julian's voice broke through my daze.
My mind suddenly cleared, and I realized Julian was cradling me in his arms. He looked anxious, like he was truly worried about me.
Only then did I notice how feverish my whole body felt.
"Quick. Go get the doctor!" Julian called out, still holding me tightly as he ordered the servants.
My eyelids felt so heavy, and I just wanted to drift off to sleep again. Through the haze, I thought I heard Julian softly calling my name.
But I was just too tired to think about it. When I woke up again, only a few maids were standing in the room. Julian was nowhere to be seen.
After quickly downing my medicine, I decided to go for a walk, only to bump into Julian, who was leading Rose by the hand.
Julian's gaze was tender, his voice full of affection yet unwavering. "Rose, I swear I'll marry you. Please, don't ever do anything foolish again. Nothing will happen to our baby, I promise."
Rose's cheeks turned pink with shyness, but her voice had a teasing edge to it. "You've already got a wife. How are you supposed to marry me? I'm not settling for being your mistress!"
Julian swept Rose into his arms and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I wouldn't dream of making you a mistress. I'll make you my official wife, marry you with all the respect and honor you deserve. How does that sound?" he murmured.
Rose had already spotted me, and when she heard his answer, she flashed me a smug, mocking grin. "What about Lily? Is she going to blame me?" Rose asked, her voice laced with fake concern.