Chapter 3

Lola said softly, her words gentle but with a hidden sting, "Rainer has a kind heart. Even though he doesn't remember you, he's still willing to let you stay. Just settle in and don't let your mind wander."

She paused, her gaze swept over my face, clearly implying something. There was a trace of pity, but mostly it was a condescending warning.

She continued, "Don't stir up any drama. Rainer only cares about me and the baby now. If you just keep your head down, it's better for everyone.

"Just focus on recovering. After all, you can't do anything now, can you?"

I leaned back against the headboard, closed my eyes, and couldn't even bother to watch her phony act. Arguing with her was a waste of breath. It would only sap what little strength I had left.

Seeing I didn't say anything, she didn't seem to care. She just signaled the maid to place the soup on the nightstand.

She said, "Rainer had this soup made especially for me. I liked it, so I brought you a bowl too. With your health like this, you really need the nourishment."

She acted like a real philanthropist.

My eyes remained closed as I said, "Get lost."

Lola's smile froze for a moment, but she quickly smoothed it over. She stood up, one hand resting on her belly.

"Helena, make sure you rest well. I'll leave you to it," Lola said.

As she reached the door, she suddenly stopped, like she'd just remembered something. She turned back to me, her voice sweet and almost innocent.

She said, "By the way, we've hung up our wedding photos in the master bedroom. As for your old photos, Rainer said they were an eyesore, so he had me pack them away. He said it's better to leave the past behind and move on."

My heart felt like it was being squeezed so tight I could barely breathe.

We spent ages picking those wedding photos out together. He used to hold me close, stopping in front of each one, saying he wanted to etch my smile into his very soul.

Now, he claimed that they were just eyesores.

Lola's voice kept going, overflowing with happiness and a sense of superiority.

She said, "I'm having a baby now, and Rainer won't let me be unhappy for even a second. Helena, you should count yourself lucky. Rainer's already done you a huge favor just by letting you stay here."

After delivering her parting shot, Lola strutted out of the room, clearly pleased with herself.

The room fell silent again, leaving only the sound of my heavy breathing and the nauseatingly sweet scent of the soup hanging in the air, making me want to gag.

That evening, I was supported by a maid as she helped me into the main dining room of the house.

The long dining table was covered with exquisite dishes. Rainer and Lola were already there. Lola was sitting close beside him, quietly whispering to him. Rainer leaned in to listen, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

The picture-perfect scene was almost unbearable to watch.

The maid led me to the far end of the long table, seating me at the spot furthest from them.

Rainer shot me a quick, emotionless glance, then turned his attention right back to Lola, carefully putting food on her plate.

He said to Lola, "Eat up, you're eating for two now."

His voice was softer than I'd ever imagined from him.

I sat there, like I didn't even belong in the same room.

I picked up the spoon, trying to take a sip of soup. But after three years in a coma, my muscles were so weak that my wrist shook uncontrollably.

The spoon knocked against the bowl with a crisp, ringing sound that seemed to echo through the room.

In the dead-quiet dining room, it sounded way too loud.

Rainer's brows furrowed instantly, and the look he gave me was full of obvious annoyance and barely concealed distaste.

He turned to the maid and ordered in a low voice, "Get Helena some lighter utensils. She's not well. Don't make it harder for her."

I wondered if he was pissed because I was making noise and spoiling their perfect little dinner, or if my pathetic, sickly face disgusted him.

The maid wasted no time swapping out my utensils for a lighter, wooden set.

I stared at the wooden bowl and spoon in front of me, sticking out like a sore thumb among all the fancy sets. The sight chilled me to the bone.

This wasn't care at all. It was nothing but unspoken humiliation.

I set the spoon down, any desire to eat had vanished completely.

Rainer looked satisfied that I was keeping quiet. He didn't bother to look at me again, just kept murmuring softly with Lola.

I listened as he gently asked Lola about her appetite today. Lola complained in a sweet, spoiled way about how rough her morning sickness was. Then, he patiently comforted her.

Rainer used to say the same things to me in the past.

Back when I was sick or worn out, he'd fuss over me just like that, always making sure I was okay.

But now, he poured all his tenderness into someone else, and all that was left for me was his impatience and disgust.

I braced myself, lifting my head despite my frail body, and glanced over at Rainer.