Chapter 2
As I stepped out of the car, wrapped in a dry towel, I took in the grand estate before me.
The butler and maids were already waiting at the entrance, holding up rain canopies.
Charles held an umbrella over me.
I was still soaked, and as I lifted my foot, I lost my balance and started to fall.
"Careful," Charles said. His voice was steady and calm, like his demeanor.
He glanced down at my bare feet and, without hesitation, scooped me up into his arms.
The rainwater from my body soaked through his designer suit.
Seeing that he didn't seem bothered, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
He stiffened for a moment, but quickly regained his composure and continued walking.
"Mr. Rivers, can you help save my mother?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied, his tone unwavering.
He set me down on the couch, towering over me as he looked down.
"So, are you here with me because you want to, or is it because you have no choice?" he asked.
That was a tough question to answer.
It was obvious that I was only here because I was desperate and had nowhere else to turn.
But if I said that, what if he got upset and refused to help me?
I looked up at him, my eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I don't dare answer," I whispered.
"Why?" he asked.
"I'm afraid you won't believe I love you," I said softly.
He let out a soft laugh.
"Go get yourself cleaned up," he said.
With that, he turned and left.
I thought he was going to get things ready, too.
But after I cleaned myself up and waited ages, he still hadn't come back.
Thinking about Evelyn locked up in prison, I didn't have time to put on my shoes before I ran out.
Led by David Lawson, the butler, I pushed open the door to the study.
"Why are you here?" Charles asked.
He had the documents spread open in his hands.
I walked over, pressed my hand down on the papers, climbed onto his lap, gently removed his rimless glasses, and kissed him.
Charles's breath faltered, and he eased me back a bit.
"In such a hurry?" he asked.
I clung to his neck and said, "Isn't this why you brought me back?"
He glanced at my bare feet and scooped me up, lifting me off the floor.
"I'm not the type to take advantage of someone when they're down," Charles said.
I kissed his Adam's apple, lingering there for a moment.
"I want this, Mr. Rivers," I whispered against his skin.
My kisses scattered across his neck, and I could hear his heartbeat thundering in my ears.
I didn't care about all that trophy wife talk Emily kept going on about.
If he didn't take things further, I wouldn't be able to ask him to help Evelyn find a lawyer.
It was easier to ask for favors when there was something in it for both of us.
He grabbed my hand, stopping me from causing any more trouble.
"Quit messing around," he said.
"Mr. Rivers," I whispered in his ear, "I'll do anything you want."
His hold on my hand tightened.
The next second, he picked me up and carried me to the bedroom in silence.
The next day, the Grant family's legal team reached out to me.
Not caring about my sore lower back, I rushed over to see them.
But I hadn't gotten far when someone jumped out of nowhere and hauled me into a side alley.
Before I could see who it was, someone yanked at my collar, nearly tearing it open.
"Lily Shaw, you slut! What the hell did you do with Mr. Rivers last night?" Emily snapped.
Emily yanked my collar down, exposing the hickeys on my neck for all to see.
"You can't stop throwing yourself at men, huh? Is your life that empty without one? How did I end up with such a pathetic sister?" she sneered.
I didn't bother covering my neck. I shot her a cold, mocking smile.
I snapped, "I've never understood you, Emily. You preach about how women should be strong and independent, never relying on men, yet the way you tear other women down makes you sound just like every guy with a male gaze and a chip on his shoulder.
"I get it now. You put on that whole 'not-like-other-women' act to impress men, but in the end, you're no different from the trophy wives you pretend to look down on."
Emily slapped me hard across the face.
Emily was shaking with rage as she yelled, "You're the one who slept with Mr. Rivers, not me."
"So you're jealous?" I shot back.
"Lily! You—" Emily called out.
She was about to slap me again, but I grabbed her wrist and slapped her hard across the face.
I didn't hold back.
That slap carried all the anger and bitterness I'd been holding onto since my previous life.
Emily was slammed back against the wall, clutching her face. For a long moment, she stood there, stunned.
She gritted her teeth, forced a twisted smile, and let out a scornful laugh.
Emily sneered, "Do you think Mr. Rivers is yours now?
"He's the kind who always has to win. He only brought you home to mess with me.
"Trust me, if I look his way again, he'll kick you to the curb without a second thought."
I stopped and stared at her for a second, letting her words sink in.