Chapter 4

Ian stood at the manor gates, stuck. He had no idea how to explain this to Edward.

Evelyn had told him Edward's plan to settle her on Pear Lane was just a kindness, and her leaving on her own was actually better for everyone.

If Lillian found out, she and Edward would definitely fight and stop talking to each other.

The servants would be the ones caught in the middle and suffering.

It made sense at the time. Lillian was spoiled, and Edward doted on her constantly. If she discovered he was keeping a mistress, she'd blow everything up.

So Ian let Evelyn leave without a second thought.

But now, walking back to the manor, his feet felt heavier with each step.

Lillian throwing a tantrum was one thing, but his ignoring Edward's direct orders was something else entirely.

If Edward asked about it, what would he say?

Ian returned to the estate with his heart in his throat, but luck was on his side. Edward was too consumed with preparations for Lillian's arrival to notice anything else.

The Hastings family had standards to uphold, and they would never accept a woman from a brothel as Edward's legitimate wife.

But Lillian's pride wouldn't allow her to be merely a mistress.

After Edward's persistent negotiations, his parents reluctantly agreed to look the other way and accept Lillian as a secondary wife.

When Lillian learned she wouldn't be labeled a mistress and that, without a first wife, she would essentially hold the position of a legitimate spouse, she feigned reluctance before finally accepting.

Edward showed no interest whatsoever in Evelyn's situation, and Ian breathed a massive sigh of relief.

He pushed the entire incident out of his mind.

The estate buzzed with activity as preparations for the wedding took over.

Lillian wasn't technically becoming the heir's official wife. Still, Edward clearly valued her, so the servants didn't dare treat her casually.

After the wedding, Edward and Lillian were inseparable, lost in their honeymoon bliss.

Two weeks passed before Edward finally remembered to check on Evelyn.

After all, she'd just miscarried when he sent her away.

Ian followed behind him, constantly wiping cold sweat from his brow.

They finally arrived at the infamous Pear Lane, the discrete street where wealthy men housed their kept women. Edward glanced around, taking in the scene.

A man slipped carefully into the alley and knocked softly on one of the doors.

It opened immediately, and a delicate woman draped herself over him, her voice dripping with playful reproach. "What took you so long? I've been dying without you."

The man quickly pulled her inside and shut the door.

Edward turned away, but as he raised his hand to knock on Evelyn's door, he couldn't help imagining her acting that way.

A smile tugged at his lips.

Edward knocked on the door but heard nothing inside.

No sultry mistress answered. No one answered at all.

He frowned and called out, "Evelyn, I'm here to see you."

The house remained silent.

Edward sensed something was wrong and kicked the door open.

He stepped inside, and dust covered everything. The place looked abandoned.

"What the hell happened? Where's Evelyn?"

Behind him, Ian dropped to his knees and looked miserable. "Mr. Hastings, I didn't tell you before, but Evelyn never moved into Pear Lane.

"She asked me to thank you for the severance pay. She said with that money, she could finally take a boat south."

Edward's breath caught.

He grabbed Ian's collar and demanded, "Why didn't you tell me something this important?"

Edward's sudden fury made Ian tremble.

"I thought you and Mrs. Monroe were newlyweds, and I didn't want to cause problems between you two."

His voice turned confused and hurt as he continued, "Mr. Hastings, you dismissed your mistresses for Lillian's sake. You didn't even care that Evelyn had a miscarriage. That shows she meant nothing to you. Now she's gone on her own. Isn't that better for you?"

Edward fell silent.

He opened his mouth to speak, but caught sight of a figure from the corner of his eye. His expression shifted.

Ian followed his gaze, and his eyes widened.

Lillian had followed them to Pear Lane.

Ian tried to explain nervously. "Mrs. Monroe, you've got this all wrong. Edward came here to—"

"Shut up!" Lillian snapped and cut him off. Her eyes blazed red with fury. "Perfect. We just got married and you're already keeping another woman behind my back, you bastard."

In her rage, she rushed forward and slapped Edward hard across the face.

Ian gasped.

Edward had been feeling guilty, but the slap made him explode with anger.

Neighbors poked their heads out from nearby apartments, and Edward, who always cared about his reputation, felt utterly humiliated.

He grabbed Lillian's wrist and his voice carried barely restrained fury. "Enough. Stop making a scene. We'll talk about this at home."

But Lillian had always been spoiled by Edward, and she didn't notice his mounting rage at all. She kept up her tirade. "Why should we go home? You're the one who cheated on me. Why should I let this go?"

She continued, "I knew you had a thing for that bitch Evelyn. And now I've caught you red-handed, haven't I? Fine! If you dare betray me, then I'll run away with your baby and hook up with other men. You'll be begging me to come back—"

Before she could finish her outrageous threat, a sharp slap cut her off. Her cheek burned with stinging pain.

She froze and stared at Edward in shock.

"You hit me?" Lillian asked in disbelief.

Edward gripped her face, and his eyes burned with fury. The tenderness that once softened his gaze had vanished completely. "You're mine and you dare fool around with other men? So what if I hit you?"

Tears sprang to Lillian's eyes. "What about you and Evelyn? You promised we'd be together forever, just the two of us."

Edward scoffed impatiently, "Those were just sweet nothings to keep you happy. You actually believed them? I'm the heir to the Marquis. Did you really think I'd spend my life with just one woman?"

Lillian shook her head frantically. "No, I don't believe you."

Seeing her like this, Edward's anger eased slightly. He patted her cheek. "Just behave and learn from Evelyn. Wouldn't it be easier if you were obedient and available whenever I need you, like she is?"

Lillian burst into hysterical laughter. "Like Evelyn? You mean get used up and then tossed aside? I'm not stupid enough to let that happen!"

Edward's expression turned ice-cold. "Take Lillian back. She's lost her mind."