Chapter 2
Before I could finish speaking, someone interrupted.
At the end of the corridor, Rosamund was leaning against the doorframe. Her gown fluttered lightly as she coughed softly.
“Has she returned?”
Cedric quickly stepped forward, taking the cloak from the maid’s hands and draping it over her shoulders.
I hesitated for a moment, but out of courtesy, I followed. After all, she had raised Lysette and Edric. It would be impolite to ignore her when she mentioned me.
She bore a resemblance to me, about sixty percent of my features. Her slender brows and almond eyes were framed by slightly drooping eyelids that gave her an expression of innocence and vulnerability.
When she saw me approaching, she lowered her head, showing deference, and bowed to me.
A maid stood by with two cups of tea, steam rising gently from them.
Rosamund took one of the cups and held it toward me.
“Please, have tea.”
I didn’t take it and replied softly,
“There’s no need for such formalities. You needn’t do this, as you are his legitimate wife.”
Rosamund lifted her gaze to meet mine.
The next moment, she suddenly fumbled and knocked the teacup over.
The teacup shattered.
The scalding tea spilled across her hand.
She quickly hid her hand back in her sleeve, her lashes fluttering as if she had suffered a great injustice. She choked out,
“Is it because you resent me for taking the position of your rightful place?”
Cedric, who had been standing behind her, stepped forward and seized her hand.
Her originally pale hand was now a fiery red.
“Fetch some cold water,” he commanded the servant.
Only after he gave the order did he turn to look at me, his gaze filled with fury.
“I never knew you had become so malicious.”
His words were laced with mockery.
“Then again, you survived all these years on your own. I suppose you had to learn some tricks.”
Each word pricked at me like a needle, sharp and merciless.
I clenched the sleeve of my gown and coldly looked at him.
“I didn’t spill that tea.”
The maid, Mariette, came over with the other teacup.
I took it and raised my hand, throwing the tea at him.
“Now that’s more like it. Watch your tongue, Cedric.”
He stepped aside, taking Rosamund with him, and managed to avoid most of the tea, though his clothes still got wet.
His eyes narrowed with a chilling look, and his voice, filled with unrestrained anger, said,
“You’re completely unreasonable!”
Without another word, he turned and led Rosamund into the room, shutting the door firmly in my face.
