Chapter 2

The meds still hadn't worn off, and my whole body was aching.

Not long after, I slipped into a dazed sleep, and in that blurry space between dreams and reality, I caught a glimpse of Ralph Slater at twenty.

The Woolery and Slater families had been close for generations. I was the Oakridge heiress, and he was the crown prince of Oakridge. Our families had been planning to tie the knot for us for ages.

Ralph was ambitious and accomplished, nothing like those spoiled trust fund brats. Tons of women wanted to snag him, but he never let any of them get close.

I'd secretly had a crush on Ralph since I was seventeen, and when I heard our families were planning to arrange a marriage, I was over the moon.

After that, I always found excuses to be around him. He never turned me away, and we just naturally ended up together.

Later, when I got pregnant, he proposed to me for real.

I thought we were in love, but it turned out the one he truly loved was his niece, not by blood.

In my daze, I could almost see Ralph looking at Thora with so much affection, gently stroking her hair, comforting her. "Come on, Thora, just listen to your uncle, okay?

"Just apologize to her, will you? Her baby was lost because of you. Can't you just say sorry?

"I only did it for your own good when I had to cut your hair. Otherwise, Victoria would've called the police and had you taken away."

That was when it hit me. I wasn't dreaming. Thora burrowed into his arms, fidgeting restlessly, still refusing to apologize.

I saw Ralph's Adam's apple bob as he struggled to keep his feelings under control.

I thought once I saw the truth, I wouldn't care anymore, but seeing them together like that still made my heart ache.

I couldn't stand to watch any longer, so I gave a little cough to let them know I was awake.

Ralph released Thora from his arms and quickly came over to my bedside. He asked, "Victoria, you're awake. Are you feeling hungry?

"After your miscarriage, the doctor said you should stick to something light. I ordered you some veggie porridge. It'll be here soon."

Then his face darkened as he turned to Thora. "Hurry up and apologize to Victoria. What did I just tell you? Have you already forgotten?"

Thora finally trudged over, pouting, her apology drawn out and reluctant. "Sorry."

Ralph shot her a glare, raising his hand as if about to scold her, but let it fall, his tone harsh. "Apologize properly."

Thora's eyes welled up with tears as she shot him a wounded look, sniffling and trying to pull herself together. "Victoria, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. Please forgive me."

She shot Ralph a glare, crying as she spoke. "Is that enough for you? Are you happy now?"

With that, Thora ran off in tears.

Ralph tensed, ready to go after her, but just then, the delivery arrived. He paused, torn, but chose to stay.

When I saw how much Ralph cared about Thora, my heart was drowning in despair.

Ralph helped me sit up and tried to spoon-feed me some oatmeal, but I pushed his hand away.

He looked genuinely shocked, like he couldn't believe I'd actually rejected him for once.

Ralph complained, "What's wrong? Are you still mad at me for calling off the police? Are you just sulking?

"Victoria, I've already made up my mind to marry you. Why can't you accept the girl I raised with my own hands?

"I've told you before, Thora is just someone important to me, like family. You're the woman I love, the one I want by my side for the rest of my life. Can't we both care for her together?"

Ralph gazed at me with that loving look, and I knew he was just waiting for me to back down and give in.

He was always like this, using his so-called love for me as a shield, putting me in a position where I couldn't refuse him, forcing me to agree to whatever he wanted.

When I stayed silent, he let out a weary sigh, looking helpless. "Alright, just eat your dinner and get some rest. I need to head back and cook for Thora. She's a fussy eater and doesn't like takeout.

"And since you're not feeling well, you need to rest up. Tomorrow, I'll have Thora pick out your wedding dress for you.

"Girls all like the same stuff anyway. If Thora likes it, you will too."