Chapter 2
It was Vivian.
She walked up to William and looked me over. Her face was all surprise, but I caught the flash of hatred in her eyes.
She said, "William, thank goodness Charlotte is alright.
"That fire was so intense—I really thought she was gone, not even ashes left. I was devastated, couldn't eat or sleep.
"Charlotte, that fire was so odd. William spent years investigating, but never found anything. Now that you're here, it makes sense. You set it on purpose to get his attention, didn't you?
"Was it really worth risking your life just to win him over? Do you even know William nearly burned to death trying to save you?
"How could you do this to him?"
Vivian hurled accusations at me, then threw in a few dramatic coughs for effect.
Just like that, the guilt in William's eyes vanished. His gaze softened with concern—for her.
He immediately scooped her up. "It's freezing out here, and you're still recovering from that sword wound. What are you doing out here?"
Vivian had taken a blade for William a few days ago.
To repay her, he'd come to Duke Manor today to beg my husband for some legendary medicine.
If not for that, we never would've seen each other again.
"William, I was so worried. You were gone so long—I thought something happened. Actually, I don't even need that medicine..."
Her voice trembled, and William's eyes actually welled up.
I laughed—cold and sharp. Perfect match. A bastard and a bitch.
William turned back to me, frowning. "Charlotte, come home with me. Now. Don't make me repeat myself."
His eyes brooked no refusal.
I stepped forward, ready to tell him exactly where he could shove that order.
Then Vivian started coughing harder.
She coughed up blood. "William, I feel awful. Am I dying? William, I'm scared."
William panicked. He shoved me aside, swept Vivian up, and rushed her to the carriage.
"Vivian, we're going straight back to see the doctor!"
That was the last thing he said. I watched him leave and let out a bitter laugh.
Of course. I knew it.
This wasn't the first time William had chosen Vivian over me.
Funny thing was, back when William was nobody—before he became a general—I was the one who saved him.
He was 12, collapsed at my clinic door, beaten bloody.
I patched him up. After that, he wouldn't leave.
He swore undying loyalty to me, vowing to stay by my side forever.
We spent years together—every season, every moment.
I treated patients, and he gathered herbs for me in the mountains.
While I was working on medicine formulas, he practiced his swordsmanship beside me.
For seven years, his gaze was filled with undisguised adoration.
One day, William said, "Charlie, will you marry me? I swear I'll cherish you forever—you're my one and only."
He was never good with words. But when I saw his blushing ears, I said yes.
Seven years—from the time I was just ten, we grew up hand in hand.
So how could William—who once loved me like I was his whole world—turn his back on me the second he made something of himself?
When he brought Vivian home, I was pregnant and sobbing. He shoved me aside, annoyance in his eyes. "Charlie, a lifetime is too long.
"I can't spend it with just you. You're still my wife. I love you. I just want another woman. Why are you making such a scene?"
That one sentence stunned me.
He couldn't understand why I made a scene.
Honestly, even years after I left him, I sometimes wondered the same thing. Why did I make such a scene?
William had a point, didn't he? He just broke a promise.
When I first left, I'd wake up every night calling his name, heart pounding.
Just thinking about him made me cry.
The pain didn't fade with time—it only cut deeper.
Then, I met Edward.
And on our wedding day, it finally clicked.
I understood why I'd fought so hard.
Because I loved William.
Back then, I loved him with everything I had.
But I'd let go now. Not out of stubbornness—I just didn't love him anymore.
I wiped my tears. When I looked up, Edward was standing there, not far away.
He spread his arms wide with that beautiful smile. "Charlie, I'm back."