Chapter 2

2

The next morning, I left the study, my clothes disheveled.

I ran right into Amelia, coming out of Edward's room, a smug look on her face.

She paused, then sneered. "Dr. Williams, in such a hurry? Feeling guilty, perhaps? Seducing an older man for his money isn't exactly respectable."

I met her gaze. "Pot, meet kettle."

Her face tightened. "We're nothing alike. I'm wife material. You? You're just a fling."

I looked down. She wasn't wrong. The maid who went into Richard's study last time ended up with a payout and nothing more.

But I was different. I got pregnant easily. That's my ticket into the Aldridge family.

I glanced at her maid uniform. "You'd better watch yourself, Amelia."

Just then, Edward emerged from his room and put his arm around Amelia. "Amelia, are you okay? You should be resting."

She blushed and lowered her head. "I have work. I can't slack off."

She shot me a pointed look. "Unlike Dr. Williams, who seems to have all the free time in the world."

Edward scoffed. "She's just a servant."

He turned to Amelia. "I told you, I'll take care of you."

Then he glared at me. "I heard you told Lee to fetch Amelia. Smart move. But don't get any ideas. You're not good enough for me."

His words stung. He knew I liked him.

In my past life, I'd learned the Aldridges had funded my medical education at Edward's request, and I'd developed a crush.

I'd taken the family doctor position to be near him.

Before the wedding, I'd asked if he truly wanted to marry me. He'd said, "It doesn't matter who it is. Just be a good wife."

Once his position as heir was secure, his mask dropped.

He was a liar.

I mumbled, "Yes, sir."

This time, with me out of the picture, let's see how their love story unfolds.

As I turned to leave, Edward grabbed my wrist, his grip painful. His eyes fixed on a small red mark on my neck.

"What's this?" His voice was ice. "You're disgusting. Sleeping around with anyone!"

The yank sent a jolt of pain through my already sore body. I glared at him. "None of your business, Mr. Aldridge."

His face darkened. "Who was it? One of the staff?" He sneered. "Typical."

Before I could retort, Amelia whimpered. "Ouch…"

Edward instantly released me and rushed to her side. She leaned against the wall, looking fragile. "My leg…it hurts…"

Without a word, Edward swept her into his arms. She clung to him, her eyes meeting mine with a triumphant glint.

In my past life, Amelia, desperate for status, played the damsel in distress perfectly.

When she found out Edward was marrying me, she'd tried to provoke him by hooking up with other rich guys.

It backfired. She got addicted to drugs, and one night, ran into traffic while high.

And Edward, the fool, thought she was devoted to him.

I touched my abdomen. A warmth spread through me, stronger than my first pregnancy. It seemed Edward would have some brothers soon enough.

I smiled, a cold, hard smile.