Chapter 2

2

I forced myself to stand up, staying behind the privacy screen. "Caden, I have treated you like my own flesh and blood. I am the Earl's legally wedded wife. I deserve to be called your mother."

Caden let out a cold snort. "You're an uneducated woman. You don't deserve the title."

I couldn't help but cough violently. Caden turned to leave, muttering, "What bad luck."

In the doorway, Gideon appeared.

I thought he was still too angry to see me.

Caden's attitude shifted instantly. He bowed respectfully to Gideon, then started peeking behind his father.

I leaned forward curiously. A woman in red riding gear, holding a whip, stood right behind Gideon.

It was the woman from the painting!

Caden's face lit up. He bowed to her too. "Miss Thorne."

I learned then that Caden had tried to run away during their trip south. He was almost kidnapped, but Mona Thorne had saved him.

Gideon and Mona had been classmates at the academy for seven years. Their bond was deep.

"Mona is not only brilliant in literature, but her martial skills surpass many men. I want her to teach Caden riding and archery. Arrange a room for her."

I was lying there sick, but Gideon didn't offer a single word of concern.

Mona had been outside with Caden, cracking her whip for hours. When she heard her name, she stepped inside.

I covered my mouth and coughed again.

Gideon and Caden both reached out to shield Mona from me.

"Miss Thorne, don't let her infect you," Caden said.

"Careful you don't catch her filth," Gideon added, glancing at me with a frown.

Mona gasped softly. "The Countess should rest. I'll take care of Caden for you. Once you're better, I can teach you some moves to strengthen your body."

The three of them looked so intimate. Like a real family.

A sudden wave of exhaustion hit me.

"I will have someone prepare a room for Miss Thorne. I am unwell, so I won't be hosting anyone today."

In the past, I would have dragged myself out of bed to handle everything for them. This was the first time I had ever asked them to leave.

The bed was only a few steps away, yet I felt like I was walking through mud.

My heart was ice cold.

Was it worth sacrificing so much for people this heartless?

I realized that if I stayed, I'd be spending the rest of my life serving a husband who didn't love me and a woman he actually desired. Everything felt dark.

Could I survive on my own without them?

I closed my eyes. A voice in my head whispered, "A woman can be free."