Chapter 5

It was the middle of the night, and I couldn't sleep. I went to pour myself a glass of water, and that's when I heard a woman's scream coming from upstairs.

Without thinking, I headed upstairs, drawn by the sound.

The door was barely ajar, and through the narrow gap, I could clearly see two figures entwined on the bed.

It was Edward and Emily.

Emily's voice was sweet and teasing as she purred, "Edward, why are you being so gentle with me?"

Edward chuckled softly, "Dummy, you're pregnant. I have to be gentle, don't I?"

Emily giggled, "But you were always like this, even before I got pregnant."

Edward's voice was low and restrained. "Silly girl, I just can't bring myself to be rough with you."

I pressed my hand to my mouth, tears streaming through my fingers.

He couldn't bring himself to be rough with Emily, so he kept making me do things in bed instead?

Just to please him, I even watched porn and tried to pick up tricks, all just hoping he'd be satisfied.

But only now did I realize that, from start to finish, I was nothing but a joke.

I tore my gaze away, about to head back to my room.

I had barely taken a few steps when Emily came out of the room.

Emily sneered, "Can't sleep? Came to eavesdrop on me and Edward making love? Wow, Ms. Lane, I didn't know you were into that kind of thing."

I didn't want to deal with her, so I tried to leave, but Emily grabbed my wrist, tight and rough.

"Don't think I don't know what you and Edward used to be. You were just his plaything to blow off steam while I was gone! Now that I'm back, don't even dream of taking my place. Just stick to your secretary job, or I'll make you wish you were dead!"

I yanked my hand away, my voice cold. "Have you said enough? Can I go to sleep now?"

"Edward and I just finished up, and the bed's all sweaty. I hate it. Go in there and change the sheets for us."

"Emily, let me say this again. I'm not your maid! I'm just here to cook for a few days, that's it. If you want the sheets changed, call the housekeeper."

"Don't forget, Edward said I could hit you if you don't listen!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"You think I won't?" Emily closed in on me, her tone icy. "Don't tell me you don't know how scary Edward can get when he's pissed. I'm going to take a shower, make sure the room's spotless before I'm out."

I nodded, resigned. "Fine, I'll do it."

I bit down so hard on the inside of my cheek that I tasted blood.

Only then did I finally step into the room.

When I walked in, Edward was slouched on the couch, smoking a cigarette after sex.

He frowned when he saw me, looking annoyed.

"Sophia, why are you here? Isn't this the maid's job?"

I didn't bother to answer, just got to work changing the sheets.

The air was heavy with a cloying, sickly sweetness that made me want to gag. I forced myself to swallow my humiliation and finish changing the sheets.

Suddenly, Edward wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"I'm sorry, Sophia. I know it's been rough for you lately, but that's just how Emily is. Please, just hang in there a bit longer."

"Let go."

I pushed him away, my eyes cold and distant.

"Don't be like this, Sophia. She's pregnant. I don't have a choice."

Listening to his usual crap, I didn't even get mad. I just smiled. "Yeah, I get it. Wow, Mr. Grant, so responsible, huh?"

With that, I grabbed the pile of sheets and walked out, determined not to look back.