Chapter 2

2

"You must be in so much pain."

Jessica's eyes relaxed.

She suspected I was about to catch on to her game.

The Wright family has tons of connections, I know what they are capable of.

If I don't play along, it will only get worse.

I gave the pills to Ashley, told her to take care of Jessica, and left.

Jessica always said she hated me seeing her take meds,

Because it made me sad, and if I was sad, she would be unhappy.

Truth is, it breaks my heart and I pray every single time that she will recover.

Even at the cost of my own life.

I didn't get far before I heard laughter.

"Jess, did you see his face? We totally got him again!"

"Next time, I'll make it even better. A little scrape isn't enough for him to realize his mistake."

"And you're buying the drinks tonight, I got you a surprise gift."

Jessica was quiet for a moment.

"Put it on my tab."

I walked home in my soaked clothes, their laughter echoing in my head.

Every step, a little more love for Jessica died.

Then, at the front door, I saw a well-dressed man.

I realized that was the gift Ashley had prepared.

"Excuse me, you're in my way."

I stepped aside so he could pass.

"They said this was the best hotel, how can they allow someone to dress like that, such a disgrace."

I had hoped that Mark was back. But one sentence made it clear that it wasn't him.

Mark came from a well-respected family, he would never say something like that in public.

Ashley got Jessica a fake Mark.

On the way to the Wright's mansion, I called my aunt who lives overseas.

Five years ago, I chose to stay here to take care of Jessica and declined her offer to study abroad.

This time, she agreed to help me with a new identity without question.

Before that, I just had to keep up appearances, take care of Jessica.

The weather forecast said it would rain in five days, that's when I would leave the Wright's.

Jessica came home, and she brought the other man.

"Where've you been? The housekeeper said you're always out."

Jessica scowled at me when I walked in.

I held up the bag of Chinese herbs, jingling it.

"I found a new apothecary, they're really good."

"Now that you're home, I'll make you a foot soak tonight."

Her eyes lingered on the herbs.

"Okay."

My heart relaxed a little. I handed the bag to the housekeeper and naturally stepped behind her to push her chair.

But the man behind her pushed me away.

"Peter, this is Sean, Ashley got him for me, he's my personal doctor."

"He'll be managing my care from now on. Do what he says."

I looked at the lie spilling from her lips, a sick feeling in my stomach.

Personal doctor, or personal lover?

"You must be Jessica's nephew. Nice to meet you."

That's how Jessica introduced me, her nephew.

My last name is White, her's is Wright.

She is no aunt of mine, and what aunt holds and kisses her nephew?

Since she doesn't need me anymore, I know my place.

"Yes, I'm her nephew. I'll go upstairs, Aunt Jessica."