Chapter 3

Andrew stood at the doorway, his gaze sweeping over me and Gilbert, his brow crinkling just a touch.

"What are you doing here?" Andrew pressed again, his voice colder than before.

I tightened my grip on the water cup, feeling my fingertips trembling.

"Just came to see a doctor. Got a fever," I replied, eyes downcast, keeping my voice steady.

Andrew's gaze settled on my pale face for a moment before shifting to Gilbert. "And you are?"

Gilbert reached out, calm as ever. "Gilbert Bennett. Cecilia and I went to high school together, and I work at this hospital."

Andrew didn't take his hand, just gave a brief nod, then turned to me. "Can you leave now?"

I froze for a second, surprised.

Was he... offering to take me home?

Before I could answer, Gilbert jumped in. "She needs proper rest. It's safer if she stays tonight for observation."

Andrew's frown deepened. "We have meds at home."

Gilbert's voice stayed gentle but unyielding. "Her temperature's pushing 103.1°F. She really should be monitored overnight."

The room went silent, the tension thick in the air.

I could feel Andrew's presence growing almost suffocating, so I quickly stood up. "I'm fine. I can go home."

Gilbert shot me a look of clear disapproval, but didn't say anything more. He handed me a bag of meds. "Take these as scheduled. Here's my card. If anything comes up, just call me."

I quietly thanked him and followed Andrew out of the exam room.

Andrew strode down the hallway so quickly that I almost couldn't keep up. My head was swimming, and I had to bite back the discomfort and half jog to stay with him, pretending I was fine.

Andrew didn't drive me home. Instead, he just called me a cab. As we parted ways, he finally spoke, "If you get sick again, call Dr. Lewis, our family doctor."

I slumped into the cab seat and shut my eyes. "Alright."

"And that Gilbert," he paused, voice cool and distant, and said, "keep your distance from him from now on."

I opened my eyes and met his gaze. "Why?"

Andrew shot me a steely look, his profile sharp. "You're married now. Don't forget where you stand."

I almost laughed out loud at that.

He could be with whoever he wanted, but I wasn't even allowed to talk to someone I've known since school.

But I was too tired to argue, so I just closed my eyes, feeling completely drained.

When I got home, I basically passed out as soon as I hit the bed.

In the dead of night, my phone vibrated and yanked me out of sleep.

It was a message from Andrew: [There's a party at Hall Manor tomorrow night. Get ready.]

I stared at the screen, wondering if he was that kind of inconsiderate person or if he just didn't care about me. He knew I was sick, and yet he asked me to go to a party.

But in the end, I just replied: [Okay.]

*****

The next night, I pushed myself to get ready—put on some makeup, changed into an evening gown, and went with Andrew to Hall Manor.

The ballroom sparkled with luxury, awash in gold and crystal as guests chatted, glasses clinking everywhere.

I linked my arm through Andrew's, managing a graceful smile even though my temples throbbed and my head was spinning.

"Mr. Hall, who's this?" someone asked, eyeing me curiously.

Andrew replied flatly, "My wife, Cecilia."

The guy looked genuinely surprised for a second, then forced a smile. "Nice to finally meet you."

I lowered my gaze.

See? Even people doing business with the Halls didn't even know I existed.

"Andy," A sweet voice called out.

Janice floated over in her white dress, all grace and poise, hooking her arm through the other one of Andrew's as if it were the most natural thing. "Finally, you're here. What took you so long?"

Andrew just gave a noncommittal grunt, making no move to stop her.

I slipped my hand off his arm, trying to be invisible.

Janice suddenly acted as if she'd just realized I was there, putting on a show of surprise. "Cecilia, you're here too? Wow, you look so pale. Did you go a little heavy with the makeup, or are you not feeling well?"

Her voice was loud enough for everyone nearby to pick up on it, and soon people were glancing over to stare.

Andrew gave me a frown.

Janice leaned closer, her voice dripping with fake concern. "Come on, it's not a contest to see who has the heaviest makeup. You know, some occasions call for a more natural look."

She was holding a glass of red wine and, pretending to slip, she tipped it over.

The cold liquid splashed straight across my light-colored dress, leaving a big, ugly red stain that caught everyone's eyes.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry," Janice gasped, fussing with a napkin to clean me up, but out of sight, she squeezed my arm hard. I winced but kept quiet.

I flinched from the pain, instinctively pulling my arm away to protect myself.

Janice took a dramatic tumble, her glass smashing on the floor with a spray of glistening shards.

"Jan!" Andrew was at her side in a heartbeat, making sure she didn't get cut on all the broken glass.

Janice's eyes filled with tears as her voice cracked. "Cecilia, I said I was sorry. Did you really have to shove me like that?"

The whole ballroom went wild, whispers and gasps echoing all around us.

Every eye in the room was shooting daggers at me—contempt and accusations swirling everywhere.

Frozen in place, I could feel the blood draining from my hands and feet.

"Cecilia." Andrew's voice was cold enough to freeze the air. "Say sorry."

Staring up at him with a lump in my throat, I stammered, "I... I didn't push her."

"I saw it myself," he growled, his eyes blazing like he wanted to eat me alive. "Don't make me say it again."

The gossip swirling around me got louder by the second.

"Anyone else notice how Mrs. Hall kinda looks like Ms. Gellar?" one asked.

"Seriously, who would do that? Pushing someone with everyone watching... that's pretty nasty," another said.

"You can totally tell Mr. Hall cares more about Ms. Gellar than his own wife," yet another said.

My fists were clenched so tightly that my nails were biting into my skin.

What a joke. He wouldn't even hear me out. I couldn't help but feel a bitter laugh bubbling up inside.

Janice snuggled into Andrew, and even though her lips barely moved, I could see that smug little smile. She thought she'd won.

I drew a shaky breath and forced the word out. "Fine."

With everyone watching, I grabbed a fresh glass of red wine off the table and—without hesitating—dumped it straight over Janice's face.

"Ah!" Janice screeched, her flawless makeup now a total disaster, running down her cheeks in streaks.

The whole room went dead silent.

I put the glass down and stared straight at Andrew, catching his shocked look. "Now this time, I really do owe her an apology. Oops, guess my hand slipped. Sorry."