Chapter 2

The next morning, Sunny's call pulled me from sleep.

"Vivian, I'm so sorry. Edward was exhausted from staying up to soothe me last night. He's still asleep here." Her voice was honey-sweet, laced with a victor's pride. "You're not upset, are you?"

In the past, I would have smashed my phone and charged over to catch them in the act.

Instead, I let out a yawn, my tone casual and sleepy.

"Not at all. Taking care of someone who's unwell is tiring—he deserves the rest." I paused, letting the words sink in.

"Though, Sunny, if you're so frail, perhaps you should focus less on other women's husbands.

"Conserve your energy. I'd hate for Edward to have to carry you around once we get to Malidaver Island."

A sharp intake of breath traveled through the line. "Vivian! How can you say that? I was only worried about Edward—"

"So am I." I cut in lightly. "Actually, since he left in such a hurry last night, he forgot to pack a change of underwear.

"Since he's with you, would you mind picking some up for him at the convenience store downstairs?

"You do know his size, right? If not, I can text it to you."

"Vivian!" The sugary pretense shattered, her voice turning shrill.

But I ended the call without another word.

This was only the beginning. If I was leaving, I'd take my share of satisfaction first.

That afternoon, I dropped by Turner Manor.

My parents were in the study, sorting out the family assets.

Seeing me, my mother rushed over, her eyes glistening, and wrapped me in a tight embrace.

"My dear girl, you've endured so much," she said, her voice trembling.

"I'm fine, Mom. Really." Returning her hug, I soaked in the warmth I had missed for so long. "I was blind before. Not anymore."

To avoid raising Edward's suspicions, the asset transfers had to proceed in secret.

We agreed to keep up appearances while gradually liquidating holdings behind the scenes.

My plans to move abroad were to remain completely hidden.

In the evening, Edward returned with Sunny in tow, insisting we all go to the Sterling Estate for dinner to discuss wedding details.

Sunny clung to his arm, a vision of delicate innocence in a white sundress.

Spotting me, she shrank back, hiding behind Edward.

"Sis-in-law, I'm really sorry about last night. I was just being thoughtless..." she mumbled, her voice all soft and innocent, but I knew better.

Edward gave me a warning glare, his brows furrowed. "Vivian, Sunny's a bit sensitive. Don't go scaring her," he warned.

I just smiled and didn't say a word.

At the dinner table, Edward's parents presided at the head, their attention lavished on Sunny.

As the daughter of their late maid—who had once saved Edward's grandfather's life—Sunny had been raised almost as a daughter by Edward's parents.

Edward's mother, Sarah Sterling, began casually while serving Sunny another helping. "Vivian, I heard you and Edward are honeymooning on Malidaver Island.

"Since Sunny needs a restorative climate, why not take her along? The company would do her good."

My hands stilled over the shrimp I was peeling.

A honeymoon with my husband's pseudo-sibling? Only they could propose such a thing.

"Of course. The more, the merrier," I replied evenly.

Sarah nodded, pleased, then turned back to Sunny. "Sweetheart, try more of this shrimp. Flown in fresh this morning—excellent for your health."

Sunny eyed the platter with visible discomfort. "Mrs. Sarah Sterling, I... I'm allergic to seafood. Even the smell makes me unwell."

Sarah blinked, then directed a reproachful stare at me. "Vivian, you knew about Sunny's allergy.

"Why would you have the kitchen prepare so much seafood? Was this deliberate?"

That was hilarious. The menu had been set by the Sterling family chef; I hadn't stepped foot in the kitchen.

Before I could respond, Edward slammed his fork down. "Vivian, is your resentment so deep that you must spoil even a simple meal for her?"

He snatched up the plate of poached shrimp—my favorite—and dumped it straight into the trash.

"If Sunny can't bear the scent, then no one will have it," he said, not even glancing my way.

Silence fell over the table. My gaze lingered on the half-peeled shrimp now buried among the rubbish.

The last faint tremors in my heart settled into perfect calm.

Edward knew how much I loved shrimp. Yet, for Sunny's minor discomfort, he could thoughtlessly revoke that small pleasure and publicly humiliate me.

In my previous life, I would have overturned the table and fled in tears.

This time, I picked up a napkin and dabbed my fingers slowly.

"I suppose it was my mistake," I replied, picking up my fork.

I took a bite of salad, chewing slowly. "Since Sunny finds it unpleasant, please take it away. Salad suits me just fine—healthier this way, anyway."

Edward watched my calm expression, a flicker of frustration in his eyes.

He seemed to be waiting for an outburst, a scene he could use to scold me and console Sunny.

But I gave him nothing. My quiet acceptance felt strange to him—disquieting, even.