Chapter 2

I bolted out of the study like I was running for my life.

The early autumn wind hit me, and it felt like it was freezing me from the inside out.

Back in my room, I grabbed Ivana's hand. "Ivana, let's go to my mother's family home!"

Ivana looked indignant. "Sure. I can't stand this lousy manor for another second!"

I forced a smile at her words.

Maybe I should've left a long time ago.

*****

Early the next morning, Aiden strode into my room, looking travel-worn.

He smiled, "Today's Colette's birthday. Are you heading to the Marquis's estate to celebrate her?"

I froze for a moment, my heart clenched with bitterness.

He remembered Colette's birthday perfectly.

But when it was my birthday last month, he only found out because his servant reminded him.

I forced a smile. "Honestly, I forgot all about it. I was planning to inspect the lands tonight."

Aiden frowned, then pulled me into his arms, coaxing me softly. "You only have one sister, so naturally, her birthday matters more.

"I've arranged a celebration in your name. Once we're done celebrating Colette's birthday, I'll go with you to inspect the lands, alright?"

I found his show of affection utterly laughable.

All this effort was just so he could openly wish Colette a happy birthday, using me as an excuse.

Since I was leaving him soon anyway, I'd just let him have his way one last time.

It would be the last thing I did for him as his wife.

*****

The biggest restaurant in the capital was overflowing with nobles and big shots.

Colette was right in the middle, basking in everyone's praise.

Seeing this, Aiden dropped my hand and rushed over to Colette.

"Colette, happy birthday," Aiden said brightly. "I got you something special for you."

I lingered behind Aiden, and when I heard him say that, it stung deep inside.

As my footsteps approached, Aiden's expression shifted, and with obvious reluctance, he corrected himself.

"Your sister and I got you a present," he said. "I'll go get it for you."

After Aiden left, I slipped into a secluded corner and sat down.

But even then, I still couldn't avoid Colette.

As soon as I sat down, she walked over gracefully and grabbed my hand, her words provocative.

"So, now that you're the Prince Regent's wife, you're going to ignore your little sister?" she said. "What, you really think you're all high and mighty now?"

She leaned in, her lips almost brushing my ear, and whispered, "It's a shame, isn't it? Every guy you fall for ends up falling for me. James did, and now Aiden too."

She flashed an innocent smile, but her words stung all the same.

Colette used to be the little sister I loved more than anyone.

After my mother died, my father's new wife was responsible for the death of Colette's mother.

I used my status as the legitimate daughter to protect Colette as she grew up.

But on the day of my wedding, she stole my husband.

Ever since that day, the two of us have been estranged.

I was consumed by endless pain.

Then Aiden appeared in my life like a ray of hope and saved me.

After we decided to get married, Aiden spread the word all over the capital that we were madly in love.

The rumors about Colette seducing my husband were quickly put to rest.

Thinking about it now, Aiden married me just so he could wipe away all the gossip and scandal surrounding Colette.

I glanced up, and my eyes were instantly drawn to the emerald bracelet on Colette's wrist.

My heart clenched painfully, and I couldn't help but tremble all over.

After my mother passed away, the only thing she left me was that emerald bracelet.

I kept it safe in my chest. How did it end up on Colette's wrist?

I stepped in closer, grabbing Colette's hand to get a better look at the bracelet.

"Ah, that hurts!" Colette yelped. "Edith, what are you trying to do to me?"

Her face turned white as a sheet, and she clutched her wrist, trembling uncontrollably.

The guests were startled, and a waiter rushed out to find a physician.

I remained unmoved, my eyes locked onto that bracelet.

"Colette, what's wrong?" Aiden shouted as soon as he returned and saw us. His face fell instantly.

He hurried over, pushed me aside, and carefully took Colette's hand.

"Let me see your hand. What happened?" he asked.

Colette's tears fell like broken pearls as she bit her lip and gently shook her head. "Aiden, I'm fine, really."

Aiden's brows furrowed, worry etched all over his face. "You're hurting this much and still say you're fine? Let's get a physician now."

He guided Colette out, but stopped in front of me, looking furious. "I've always known you two don't get along.

"Did you really have to hurt Colette like that? What if her hand is really broken?"

I clenched my jaw, holding back tears. "Doesn't her bracelet look familiar to you?"

Aiden frowned. "Seriously? Why would I recognize Colette's bracelet? All emerald bracelets look the same, don't they?"

He didn't look the least bit guilty.

The only ones with a key to my chest were Ivana and him.