Chapter 2
My father and Bowen Morris, Edwin's father, had been childhood friends from the private academy. When they met again, Bowen had just returned from the north, and Edwin followed behind him, tall, striking, and brimming with youthful spirit.
I'd pictured the kind of man I wanted to marry a thousand times, but I never expected he'd show up in front of me so soon.
Even though my parents could see what was on my mind.
They just told me, "The Morris family is way above our station. Honestly, your mother and I just hope you find someone who truly loves you back."
Edwin wasn't just easy on the eyes; he had this effortless charm and knew exactly how to treat people. I'd met my share of spoiled rich boys, but honestly, none of them even came close to him.
I never bothered to hide how much I liked him, and my friends loved to tease us about it. But every time, Edwin would just laugh it off and change the subject, never once overstepping or making things awkward between us.
Just when I was about to keep my feelings to myself, everything fell apart at home.
Both my parents died, one after the other, and all the family responsibilities landed on me.
When the legendary eighty-eight carriages of wedding gifts arrived from the Morris family, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I was afraid Edwin might be just another man swooping in when my family was at its lowest, or worse, that he was marrying me only because of Bowen.
But the Morris family had unmatched power and endless wealth, and Bowen never interfered in Edwin's marriage decisions, not even once.
On our wedding night, with doubt and hope tangled in my heart, I couldn't help but finally ask him what I'd been holding in for so long. Edwin just smiled, slipped off my shoes, and gently pulled me into his arms.
He said, "Just chalk it up to me wanting to protect you. I just can't stand seeing anyone treat you badly."
Then he added, "Bertha, will you trust yourself to me?"
Those were the happiest days of my life. I finally had a home again, and with Edwin's help, not only did the Haggai family's business stay intact, but it flourished, even more than when my father was around.
Edwin never once meddled in my business. Every store, every bit of money, was mine to manage alone.
Every time I tried to thank him with money, he'd always return it.
He'd just smile and say, "That's not why I married you."
And then he'd add, "Bertha, I meant every word. I just want you to live a full and happy life, with the Morris family backing you up."
After that, I just let it go. Everyone said he loved me, and honestly, if anyone should know, it's me. I had no reason to doubt him.
I stopped wondering why he chose to marry me. What mattered was how good he was to me, how he made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world, and honestly, that was more than enough.
I was lost in a dream, caught up in a world as fragile and unreal as a mirage, until Lillian came along and tore it all apart herself.
I was six months pregnant, and Edwin stuck to me like glue every day, his hand on my belly, grinning like he had everything he ever wanted.
He'd always say, "Once the baby's here, our life will be perfect."
He cared about me and the baby more than anything. Whenever he wasn't busy with army stuff, he'd grab my hand and take me out for a walk.
His fellow officers couldn't help but tease him about it.
"We've never seen you like this before. Looks like you're totally under your wife's spell now."
Edwin would just playfully shoo them away, then kiss the back of my hand.
He'd say, "Being wrapped around your finger? Honestly, it's sweet as honey to me."
Every day felt like I was living in a honey jar. Edwin and the child growing inside me were blessings sent from above.
But those sweet days were always fleeting. One night, he was suddenly called away, and just like that, he disappeared for over half a month.
When he finally returned, he walked in with Lillian cradled in his arms.
All those words I'd been saving for him, all the longing, all the love, suddenly felt like a thorn stuck in my throat.
Right in front of everyone, he walked right past me without a word, carrying Lillian straight into the side room in the west wing.
Jerry even made a point to come over and remind me.
He said, "The general's been working himself to the bone out there. You shouldn't give him more to worry about. Some things are fine, but some things are just off limits."
My heart sank. If I'd just nodded and turned a blind eye to Lillian, maybe things would've gone back to the way they were.
I couldn't help myself. I had to see her for myself. I needed to know what kind of woman could make everyone care so much.
When I got there, Lillian was sprawled out on the bed.
She looked so pale and frail, her clothes seemed to hang off her like rags. She gave me a look full of sarcasm, and her tone was downright hostile.
She said, "If you're looking to pick a fight with me, you've got the wrong person.
"Edwin brought me here. If you've got a problem, go complain to him."
She acted like she had all the power, when really, I should've been the one in charge. But facing her hostility, and thinking about Edwin, I couldn't do a thing.
While I was napping, she scratched herself up so badly she was covered in wounds. By the time Edwin woke me, my maid had already been beaten to a pulp.