Chapter 2

Aria's POV

Hearing my name, Julian's gaze turned toward me.

The instant our eyes met, he quickly withdrew his hand from around Vanessa South's waist, his brow furrowing.

"Aria, she and I aren't-"

Vanessa smiled and stepped forward, cutting off his words.

"I'm Julian Ashford's wife. If I'm not mistaken, you must be the private doctor Julian's been hiding at home, keeping from me, right?"

I didn't want to engage with her. I knew my position was disgraceful, and I didn't want to humiliate myself. I turned to leave.

But Vanessa grabbed my hand first.

"Don't rush off. I'm quite curious about you. Dr. Aria, coming to obstetrics-you're not pregnant too, are you? Who's the baby's father? I hope you're not one of those classless girls who becomes someone's mistress."

She could say anything about me, but she couldn't insult my mother!

My mother raised me alone from childhood. She was my bottom line.

I turned back.

"I don't know how old this lady is, but why do you gossip about other people's business like a nosy neighbor? I'm a doctor. Coming to the hospital is normal work. If you have time, you should manage your own husband better instead-stop letting him drop your hand the moment he sees someone else."

Vanessa's face darkened, her expression so fierce it looked like a storm was brewing.

"You're just a mistress. How dare you speak to me like this?"

I smiled coldly.

"Get your timeline straight. Julian Ashford's obsessive love for me was common knowledge five years ago."

I wouldn't swallow my anger when someone bullied me.

Vanessa glared coldly at Julian.

"Julian Ashford, I'm the South family's pampered daughter. In the business world, my word is law. No one dares speak to me like this. Your mistress has quite the nerve. If she hadn't made a scene in front of me, I could have turned a blind eye. Today, you must give me an explanation."

Julian stepped forward, his eyes as deep and affectionate as always, but his tone brooked no argument.

"Aria, Vanessa's status is different from yours. Apologize to her."

"I should apologize to her?"

I laughed coldly.

"First, she provoked me. Second, the person who should apologize most in this whole situation is you, isn't it? Julian, have you forgotten all the promises you made me these three years?"

"Whatever I promised you, Vanessa is now my legally registered wife. You should respect her."

His gaze turned cold and severe, scanning me up and down.

"You need to know your place. Apologize to Vanessa."

Know my place? What place is that?

His lover? His mistress? Or someone completely insignificant?

I bit my lips tightly.

"What if I refuse?"

Julian raised his hand in a signal, and two bodyguards immediately stood behind him.

He pinched my chin, his fingers caressing my face.

"Aria, weren't you always so obedient before? Be good, and I'll compensate you."

I used to be obedient because I still dreamed of becoming his wife.

Now he wants me to be obedient?

Vanessa had insulted my mother, crossing my bottom line. I would never bow my head to her.

"Then don't blame me."

Julian's expression turned cold as he waved at the bodyguards.

"Go easy. Don't hurt her."

The next second, two bodyguards twisted my arms behind my back, kicked hard at my knees, forcing me to kneel on the ground, and pressed my head toward the floor.

Sharp pain shot through my knees. I couldn't help but groan. I saw Vanessa leaning against Julian.

"Looks like you still know what's important. I'm satisfied. The family won't hear about this. Let's leave it at that. I hope next time Miss Aria sees me, she'll remember her place."

After they left, the bodyguards finally released me.

I moved my neck, dusted off my knees, and limped toward the examination room to get my ultrasound report.

My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian.

"Aria, the family needs the South family's support right now. I'm sorry you were wronged. I'll compensate you."

I swiped left and deleted it.

I had already decided to leave. From now on, Julian's affairs had nothing to do with me.