Chapter 2
My son was cradled in Remington's arms, and I didn’t dare make a move. Seeing the satisfaction on his face, I almost believed he really wanted a child with me. But Matthew wasn’t his. I never lied to him.
"Remington, Matthew isn’t your son. I have important matters to attend to back home. You’d better let us go soon, or you'll find yourself in over your head."
Lincoln is not one to be taken lightly. Our return was prompted by a company eager for him to host a major event. He was also interested in pursuing his career domestically, so he suggested Matthew and I come back first. We were supposed to receive a warm welcome, but unexpectedly, the moment I landed, I ran into Remington.
He merely chuckled dismissively, "Bringing my wife and child home—what trouble could arise? Annalise, you’re truly heartless. Not a single word from you all these years. If we hadn’t bumped into each other at the airport, would you have kept avoiding me forever?"
He turned to face me, his eyes surprisingly holding a hint of grievance.
"Yes," I responded without hesitation. "I’m married now, and my husband treats me well. At least he respects me as the only woman in his life, not reduced to a mere mistress."
Lincoln may come across as stern and somewhat emotionless, like a machine, yet he's always been wonderful to me—so much so that everyone believes he has changed. I feel lucky to have met him.
"Shut up, Annalise! You're just trying to fool me. You promised you'd belong to me forever, only to me," Remington barked, urging the driver to hurry to the Washington estate.
My phone was confiscated, leaving me unable to contact anyone. Observing Remington’s increasingly erratic behavior, I sensed he intended to hold me captive. Once we arrived at the estate, he carried Matthew inside, leaving me no choice but to follow.
"Remington, give me back my son!"
"This is my son, too. What’s wrong with holding my own child?" Remington retorted. "Annalise, isn’t this what you always wanted?"
Back then, I did wish he’d officially recognize me and the child. But that child... I lost him. I am no longer the person I was.
Before I could respond, a familiar voice rang out, "Remington, do we have guests?"
I looked up to see Rayna standing at the top of the staircase, peering down at me with an unsettling look. Her pupils shrank upon seeing me—and Matthew in Remington’s arms.
Soon, Matthew was taken downstairs by someone else. I reassured him not to be afraid and let him go, knowing it was unavoidable. Now it was just the three of us, a painful flashback to the past.
"I never expected Miss Andrews would willingly return, and not only return but bring a child to compete with me. Just as I predicted..." Rayna said as she descended the staircase, inspecting me with contempt. "Pathetic."
Without hesitation, I slapped her hard across the face twice, leaving everyone in the room stunned. Rayna stared at me, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Miss Montgomery, ever the eloquent one. I warned you that your sharp tongue would get you into deep trouble."
Rayna glared at me, ready to strike back, but Remington stopped her. "Enough, Rayna. I brought her here to discuss marrying Annalise and legitimizing the child under your name."