Chapter 2

2

Back in my room, I carefully placed my hand on my stomach.

In my last life, this was exactly when I found out I was pregnant.

But back then, because of one lie from Lyra, Garrett had forced me to take a potion that ended my baby's life.

That child was my biggest regret.

Thank God I got a second chance.

My maid, Clara, had tears in her eyes. She was still fuming over the injustice.

I wiped her face. "Stop crying. Go buy two boat tickets for the coast in three days. I'm taking you home."

Three days from now would be Garrett's wedding. It would also be the day I disappeared.

Suddenly, the door was slammed open.

Garrett rushed in, looking panicked. He grabbed my wrists. "Serena, where do you think you're going?"

"Didn't we agree? I'll bring you back as soon as the baby is born."

I faked a smile and pushed his hands away. "Why would I leave? I'm just organizing my things."

He stared at me, trying to find a lie. Finally, he relaxed.

"Serena, once Lyra's baby arrives, I'll make it up to you."

I nodded blankly.

Maybe my words had rattled him.

Garrett stayed in my room all day. He wouldn't let me out of his sight.

He held my hand, tracing my fingers as if I were a precious antique.

"Don't leave me, Serena," he whispered.

But that night, an old nurse rushed into the courtyard. she fell at Garrett's feet, crying.

"Sir, you have to come! Miss Lyra is in pain. Something is wrong with the baby!"

Garrett bolted upright. He didn't even look at me.

"What? I'm coming right now!"

He only remembered I was there when he reached the door. He looked apologetic. "Serena, Lyra needs me."

Before I could answer, he vanished into the night.

Clara's voice was raspy from crying. "How could he do this? Leaving in the middle of the night... the servants will mock you forever."

I just smiled sadly. His heart was gone. He wouldn't stay for me.

A few days later, Garrett brought Lyra to my garden while I was soaking up the sun.

Her belly seemed even bigger. she was draped over Garrett like she didn't have a spine.

"What do you want?" I asked.

Garrett looked a bit guilty.

"Serena, this wing of the house gets the best sunlight. It's the perfect place for Lyra to rest during her pregnancy."

I sat up and laughed. "So you're kicking me out of my own room now?"

Lyra's voice was as soft as silk.

"If Serena doesn't want to move, it's fine. I just wanted a good environment for the baby. This is Garrett's flesh and blood, after all."

Garrett wiped a stray tear from her eye, his heart breaking for her.

When he looked at me, his voice was like granite.

"Serena, you're being immature. Tomorrow is my wedding. By right, the mistress of the house should live in this suite."

I looked down and chuckled.

I had almost forgotten. We were already legally separated.

Besides, I was leaving anyway.

"I'll have my things moved by tonight."

Lyra's voice drifted over her shoulder as they walked away. "Garrett, I don't like these peach trees. Let's rip them out and plant roses instead."

Garrett nipped her nose playfully.

"Anything you want."

I loved those peach trees. Garrett had planted them with his own hands when we first moved in.

He had promised me under those branches that he would never betray me.

I shook my head. He clearly didn't remember.