Chapter 3
I glared at Remington Washington.
"You're out of your mind! That child is not yours!"
Lincoln is attending the party tomorrow, and just thinking about the spectacle that might unfold is making me anxious.
But Remington dismissed everything I said.
"Annalise, you're still chasing status, aren't you? There's a party tomorrow, with the town's elite attending. Wouldn't you be satisfied if I acknowledged you then?"
He always believed I was obsessed with reputation.
He never truly understood me.
Rayna Montgomery stood next to him, fuming with anger.
"Remington, tomorrow's event isn't trivial, and Mr. Andrews will be there. I think..."
The mention of "Mr. Andrews" made me freeze. Could it really be that the Washingtons invited us to host it?
"If Mr. Andrews is attending, it's even more formal. I've made my decision, Rayna. I've done enough for you these past seven years, and you need to keep your promise to me."
Remington said with impatience.
At their wedding, Remington married Rayna and, in front of the whole town, asked if I would agree to be his mistress.
I became a laughingstock, and Rayna, putting on a gracious facade, told me she didn't mind having another sister and was willing to let me become his mistress.
I refused that day and was beaten until I miscarried and was sent abroad.
The memory sends a chill down my spine.
"Remington, are you aware I'm married now?! You better let us go, or you'll regret it!"
"Enough, Annalise. I'll give you recognition at tomorrow's event. If you cause a scene, don't blame me for tying you up!"
Remington stared at me and eventually had me locked in the bedroom.
As I looked around the familiar room, memories of how Remington married Rayna on what was supposed to be our wedding day flooded back. He had claimed he was tired of me.
And today, he ties me up here again. Is it because I seem fresh to him once more? It's all so ridiculous.
Thinking of Lincoln, I can hardly imagine what chaos tomorrow's party might bring. But no matter what I say, they won't believe me.
Until the next day, at the party, Remington sent someone to deliver an evening gown to me.
I overheard Remington on the phone,
"Mr. Andrews' wife and child are missing? Then go find them! Today's event can't afford any blunders! Just tell Mr. Andrews they've been found, and make sure he's on time."
His voice sounded a bit frantic, and he was completely unaware that Mr. Andrews' wife was me.
When I finally donned the gown, it was the same dress from what was meant to be my wedding, which felt rather ironic.
Remington hung up the phone and looked at me, momentarily stunned, then walked over.
"Annalise, you're even more stunning than before."
"Really?"
I sneered.
"Too bad I'm not the person I used to be."
Maybe he sensed the underlying message in my words, as Remington hesitated briefly.
"It was a momentary lapse of judgment..."
"Where's Matthew? Where's my child?"
Everything would become clear at the party.
"Rayna has taken him. Since she will be his mother, she has the right to take him wherever she chooses."
Hearing this, my eyes widened in shock.
"What did you say?! Rayna took Matthew?"