Chapter 1
I returned to the country with my five-year-old son and unexpectedly ran into my ex-boyfriend at the airport.
“Annalise, it’s been seven years and you still haven’t figured things out? Clara’s even willing to let you stay as the second wife, yet you’re still holding onto your pride?”
Seven years ago, I was just about to marry Remington Washington when he left me at the altar and married someone else, suggesting I settle for a lower status. When I refused, he arranged for me to be taught a lesson and sent me overseas.
Now, Remington’s eyes lit up as my son tugged at my shirt, calling me “Mom.” He seemed inappropriately excited.
“Annalise, so you really were pregnant back then. If you let this child be recognized under Clara’s name, she might forgive you.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his proposal.
“What are you thinking? I’m married now. The child is mine and my husband’s.”
Remington hesitated at my response, then let out a derisive laugh.
“Annalise, who are you trying to fool? You used to beg to stay, crying that you couldn’t marry anyone else. How could you have a husband now?”
His expression was full of disdain and mockery as he glanced at my child.
Matthew cowered behind me, frightened, which seemed to only amuse Remington more. He raised an eyebrow and tried to push past me.
“Enough, Mr. Washington. We’re history. This child has nothing to do with you. We’re here for a reason and have responsibilities to attend to.”
I spoke coldly, observing how time had aged Remington, dulling the light in his eyes. Yet, when he saw me, something flickered.
Remington laughed disdainfully at my words.
“The past? I never said we were over. Annalise, you can always be the second wife. And this child… if he’s mine, Clara will accept him. She’s kindhearted, unlike you.”
Despite his nonchalant tone, Remington’s eyes never left me.
But I couldn’t care less. I had more important things to focus on.
“Do as you like, Mr. Washington. I have things to do, so I’m leaving.”
I took Matthew’s hand, intent on heading to the hotel I’d already booked.
I felt relieved to face Remington again without feeling shaken, no longer having the desperate urge to plead with him.
I closed my eyes to leave, but Remington suddenly blocked my path, his eyes intense as he looked into mine.
“Move aside.”
I glared at him icily, but it only made his eyes deepen with anger, making the past rush back.
When he pushed me down, asking if I’d agree to be the second wife because Clara wouldn’t settle for anything less.
I cried, telling him I was pregnant, that we had a child, but he just sneered,
“A child? Clara’s child is mine. Any others are just illegitimate. Annalise, you should be grateful for giving this one a name. Wanting more is asking for too much.”
I could never forget the look on his face when he said that.
As I recalled those moments, Remington suddenly picked up the frightened Matthew.
My heart dropped as I tried to take my child back, with Matthew reaching out to me, calling, “Mom... Mom, this man is acting strange...”
“Child, I am your father. I’ll take you and your mother home now.”
Remington smiled, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward the car.