Chapter 2

The night was still. I changed out of the ornate gown and into dark, practical clothes that let me move without a sound.

My maid, Molly, was already deep asleep.

Silently, I took the bronze candle holder and slipped outside.

The hallway lay in perfect quiet, only the distant glow of the night watch's lanterns drifting past.

I'd timed it perfectly, slipping through the gaps in their patrols without a trace.

After three years at Ashcroft Estate in my previous life, I knew every hidden corner of this place.

Casper's study was tucked deep within his wing, and Vivian's Tranquil House stood right beside it.

How convenient. Made their nightly little visits all too easy. He and his widowed sister-in-law were acting out their forbidden play.

I moved through Casper's courtyard like a shadow, swift and silent as a ghost.

Light still glowed from the study. Against the painted window, two silhouettes stood clear: Casper and Vivian.

Vivian's voice was soft, almost fragile. "Casper, is everything prepared?"

"That candle... Isabelle did light it, didn't she?"

Casper's tone was all reassurance. "Don't worry, Vivian. That woman has always trusted me blindly. I watched her light it myself. She's no doubt fast asleep by now."

Vivian released a gentle sigh. "I do feel somewhat sorry for her... but for our future, we must put her through this.

"Once you inherit the title, we won't have to hide anymore."

"Put her through this?" Casper let out a derisive snort. "She married above her station.

"She's just a general's daughter, and is so coarse and unrefined. How could she ever be worthy of being my wife?

"If not for the Harrington family's military influence, I wouldn't even bother with her.

"You, Vivian. You are the one meant to be mistress of Ashcroft Estate."

Listening from outside the window, I felt no pain, only cold clarity.

In my previous life, I never understood what made me so unworthy.

Now I saw. In their eyes, my very existence was a mistake.

I couldn't stay another moment. One more word and I might've burst in and torn them apart right then.

No. That would be too merciful. Death would let them off far too easily.

I would ruin their reputations. I would make them suffer a hundred times the shame I endured.

I circled to the other side of the study. A small vent window opened into their little hideaway, the spot they used for these secret trysts.

Gently, I pushed it open and placed the bronze candle holder on the ledge where the draft would carry the scent inside.

The fragrance seeped silently into the room.

Once it was done, I turned and vanished into the night. Back in my chamber, I changed into my nightgown and lay down on the bed.

Eyes open, I stared up at the canopy's hanging tassels. Sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.

Memories of my previous nightmare played on repeat, mingling with every whispered word I'd heard tonight.

My heart didn't ache anymore. Only cold hate remained, and the chill thrill of revenge.

I could already see the two of them breathing in a double dose of that spiked scent, and tomorrow, at the birthday party, what a scene it would be.

I was even a bit excited.

I couldn't wait to watch Casper's hypocritical mask torn away before everyone.

I longed to see Vivian's delicate, innocent act shattered, her dignity ground into the dirt.

The Ashcroft title? The future mistress? She could keep dreaming.

This time, I would climb higher, stepping right over their fallen faces to get there.

I closed my eyes, that cold smile still lingering. I didn't dream at all.

By first light, Molly was at my door, ready to help me prepare for the day.

She blinked in surprise. "My lady, you're awake so early.

"Did you sleep well last night? How was the calming candle Master Casper sent over?"

I met my own gaze in the mirror, calm, clear, unwavering.

"I slept perfectly," I said softly. "Better than I have in years."

I was ready to personally deliver a gift to my dear husband and sweet sister-in-law, one they would remember for the rest of their lives.