Chapter 2

2

Sophia was the adopted daughter of the Blackwell family, Ethan's sister.

She had been as obsessed with Xavier as I was, but she was the one Xavier loved.

After I married Ethan, she moved abroad, and we hadn't spoken since.

I tried to tell myself that maybe she didn't know about Ethan's feelings for her.

I thought this way, but my hands wouldn't stop shaking.

"Go rest for a bit. I'm going to check on your aunt."

I gathered my emotions and drove to the Blackwell estate.

As soon as I walked in, I saw Ethan busy in the kitchen.

I thought he had gone to work this morning, but it turned out he had been staying by his sister's side all night.

Looking at how careful and attentive he was, I clenched my fists. A wave of sadness washed over me.

In five years of marriage, he had never cooked a single meal for me. His excuse was always that he didn't know how.

So how did he suddenly learn now?

"What are you doing here?"

He turned around with a bowl of soup, looking startled. His voice sounded defensive.

"I came to see my sister-in-law and my husband."

My voice was thick with emotion. A flash of guilt crossed Ethan's face, but he was interrupted before he could speak.

"Take this soup up to your sister."

My mother-in-law's voice rang out. She walked over and gave Ethan a look.

My husband actually walked right past me and headed upstairs without a second thought.

"Elena, I know yesterday was your anniversary, but you shouldn't have let Sophia drink!"

Her tone was accusing. She looked at me as if I were her enemy.

I knew she didn't like me, but I couldn't stay silent this time.

Sophia was the one who chose to drink. Why was everyone blaming me?

"Mom, don't blame Elena."

Sophia's voice came from the stairs. she was leaning weakly on Ethan, looking like she might collapse at any moment.

"I was the one who wanted to drink."

"Oh, Elena is here? Why didn't you say so, Ethan?"

The way she said "Ethan" sounded incredibly intimate. I forced a smile.

"Ethan, come outside. We need to talk."

I didn't want to make a scene in front of others. But Ethan just frowned at me and didn't move.

"Ethan, just go talk to her. I'll be fine."

"You're so weak right now. Ethan, help her back to her room first."

The mother-in-law spoke to Sophia, but her eyes were fixed on me. It was like I was a villain for even being there.

"I'll wait for you at the door."

I turned and left, trying to ignore Sophia's whining voice behind me.

Ten minutes later, Ethan finally hurried out and grabbed my hand.

"Elena, I only came here to apologize to her for you."

"Don't worry, Sophia has already forgiven you. She..."

Ethan stopped mid-sentence. He stared at my red eyes and fell silent.

"You think this is my fault too, don't you?"