Chapter 2

Early the next morning, Edward's mother, Emma, sent a maid over to collect the beddings.

Charlotte's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she stared at the bloodstain on the sheet.

After the maid left, Charlotte shooed everyone else out, leaving just me in the room.

She asked me, "Hazel, Edward was just as gentle as you said, but something feels off. My mother said women feel a bit hurt during their first sex, but I didn't feel anything at all. Why is that?"

My heart skipped a beat. Just as I feared, she got suspicious. Thank goodness I'd already prepared a cover story.

"My lady, the way Edward held himself back and treated you so gently last night just proves how much he truly loves you," I reassured her.

Charlotte took in my words and remembered the red mark on the sheet. All the doubt in her eyes faded into happiness.

"You're right. Edward must love me so deeply. He just couldn't stand to see me in pain," she murmured.

I'd managed to settle her worries for now, but I couldn't relax yet. All I could do was hope the rest of my plan would go off without a hitch.

Soon enough, it was Charlotte's first visit back to her family after the wedding. Mary was dying to have a private chat with Charlotte, but Edward was glued to Charlotte's side, holding her hand tight and refusing to let her out of his sight for even a second.

Mary finally got her chance when her husband, Peter, called Edward away to his study, leaving her alone with Charlotte at last.

In the warm sitting room, Mary looked Charlotte up and down, making sure she was really okay, before asking, "Charlotte, how has Edward been treating you?"

"Don't worry, Mother. Edward spoils me rotten. He's honestly the best husband ever. Even his mother is super nice to me; she gave me their family's heirloom bracelet," Charlotte said.

Mary glanced at the plain jade bracelet on Charlotte's wrist and sighed. She knew she'd have to nudge Peter to pull some strings and get Edward promoted as soon as possible.

Her precious daughter, born into wealth and privilege, shouldn't have to endure hardship with a broke scholar.

Mary chatted about a few trivial things before finally bringing up the private topic.

"Charlotte, was everything harmonious between you and Edward on your wedding night?" she asked.

Charlotte's smile was sweet and bashful. "Don't worry, Mother. Edward was so gentle. It felt like he was holding back the whole time, almost like nothing even..."

But before she could finish, a knock at the door cut her off.

"Dear, it's getting late. Let's go home," Edward called softly from outside.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness Edward showed up just in time. Otherwise, our secret would've been exposed.

Mary was no fool. She'd seen it all and was far too sharp to be tricked as easily as her daughter.

As soon as Charlotte heard Edward's voice, she quickly got up to take her leave.

"Mother, Edward and I are practically glued together. We can't bear to be apart for even a moment. I'll head home with him now," she said sweetly.

Mary wanted Charlotte to finish what she was saying, but before she could, Charlotte had already rushed into Edward's arms.

"Honey, sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go home," she said softly.

I made it through without a hitch. I rubbed my belly. Whether I could really change my fate this time, it'd ride on the baby.

Edward spoiled Charlotte rotten. Every day after court, he'd be right there with her, playing music or painting side by side. From afar, they looked just like a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Before I knew it, the roses were in full bloom, and Peter's mother, Sophia, hosted a flower-viewing party, all for the sake of her son's marriage prospects.

Charlotte stared at the gilded invitation in her hand and couldn't help feeling a little sour inside.

"Hazel, if Henry hadn't been incapable, Sophia would've been my mother-in-law, and there wouldn't even be this flower-viewing party coming up," she said, a hint of regret in her voice.

Her words hit me that she was already tired of Edward's gentle touch, and now she was craving someone with Henry's kind of raw masculinity.

But life didn't let anyone have their cake and eat it too. The choice was made, and it was too late for second thoughts now.

"My lady, your husband is head over heels for you. If he ever caught wind of you saying stuff like that, it'd break his heart," I said.

Charlotte smacked me across the face, loud and clear.

"You little wretch, are you trying to stir up trouble between me and Edward so you can climb your way up?" she snapped.

I bowed and begged, "Please believe me, my lady. I swear if I ever had any designs on your husband, may I suffer a miserable end."

"Hmph, I doubt you'd have the guts. Get up. But if even a whisper of this reaches Edward, I'll make you wish you were dead."