Chapter 3

Stella suddenly rushed over and grabbed Ethan out of my arms, her movements frantic.

"Joanne, don't be so rough!" she cried out, her voice sharp with worry.

The next second, Lucian pulled my hand off Ethan, forcefully.

His expression was dark. "The kid's choking. Why are you interfering?"

I lost my balance and slammed my waist into the corner of the table. The pain shot through my wound, leaving me numb all over.

Anne snapped, "You lost your own child, and now you're all over someone else's kid? Seriously, what are you doing?"

I steadied myself against the table and looked at Lucian.

"I was just trying to help him cough it up," I said.

May Smith, our housekeeper, whispered, "Mrs. Bates really was just trying to help Ethan."

Ethan's crying slowly faded, and he started breathing normally again.

Anne looked a bit embarrassed, but still insisted, "Next time, say something first! How was I supposed to know what you were up to?"

By the end of the meal, everyone was fussing over Ethan.

Lucian came over and ladled some soup into my bowl, lowering his voice. "I got a little worked up earlier. Don't take it to heart."

I took the bowl and said flatly, "It's fine."

He let out a sigh of relief and picked out a piece of fish for me.

"As long as you understand me," he said.

That night, the pain was so bad I couldn't sleep a wink.

Early the next morning, I went to the kitchen for some water and overheard voices coming from the maid's room.

The door was left ajar, and I spotted Lucian holding a photo.

"Why was this in the master bedroom drawer?" he demanded, his expression grim.

The assistant was sweating bullets. "Mr. Bates, the photo studio sent this over yesterday. Maybe it was a mix-up."

My heart skipped a beat as I pushed the door open and walked in.

Lucian moved quickly, pressing the photo down on the table to hide it.

But I still saw it.

It was a family portrait.

Stella sat in the center, Ethan curled up by her legs, and Lucian stood behind her with his hand on her shoulder. The three of them were smiling like a real family.

The photo was taken just last month.

Back then, I had just miscarried and was still bedridden in the hospital, unable to even stand up.

Lucian was clutching the photo, his voice strained. "Joanne, let me explain."

"Go ahead," I said, looking him straight in the eye. "I'm listening."

He paused for a moment, then spoke, sounding way too calm.

"Ethan kept crying for his dad, and Stella couldn't handle him. I stayed over for a few days, and the photo was just to help him feel better," he started.

I nodded. "So comforting him meant posing for a family photo?"

He frowned. "You're a bit sensitive right now. I'm not going to argue with you.

"Let's leave it at that."

With that, he handed the photo to his assistant and asked him to take care of it.

I didn't ask any more questions. I turned and walked out.

Behind me, I heard him rush after me.

"Joanne," he said, grabbing my arm. "Don't get hung up on this. Stella's had a tough time raising the kid, so of course I'd help her out."

I pulled away from him and asked softly, "Lucian, do you remember what yesterday was?"

He froze.

I smiled. "Yesterday was our wedding anniversary.

"When I lost our baby, you were posing for family portraits with them. And on our anniversary, you brought them home. How do you think that makes me feel?"

That evening, Lucian knocked and came in, holding a box.

"Anniversary gift," he said.

I didn't take it.

He opened the box himself, revealing a diamond bracelet.

Last year, I'd mentioned that I liked dainty bracelets. I never expected him to actually remember.

I looked up at him. "Lucian, isn't it exhausting, loving two women at the same time?"

His face darkened. "Joanne, don't start."

I gave a small smile. "Fine, I won't."

Seeing me give in, his tone softened. "We're having a small party at home in a couple of days. Some of the elders will be there to meet Ethan. I want you to stand by my side."

I just looked at him, saying nothing.

He added, "It's just a meet-and-greet. I won't make things difficult for you."

I nodded. "Alright."

After he left, I buried the bracelet deep in the drawer, out of sight and out of mind.

It was past eleven when I went downstairs to grab my medicine. As I walked by the guest room, I heard voices coming from inside.

The door was slightly open, so I glanced through the gap.

Stella was sitting on the couch, crying, and Lucian was half-kneeling in front of her, brushing her tears away.

"Lucian, I just feel uneasy," she whispered. "The way Joanne looked at me today made me a little scared."

Lucian took her hand. "As long as I'm here, there's nothing for you to be afraid of.

"Once Ethan's officially part of the Bates family, nobody will ever be able to touch you or your son."

Then he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her hand.

I quietly tapped the record button on my phone, catching every word they said.