Chapter 3

3

Richard left for an overseas business trip soon after waking.

He just sent me a quick text: "Don't worry. I'll take responsibility. Wait for me."

I didn't think much of it. Even if "responsibility" meant a check, once the pregnancy test came back positive, he'd marry me.

I just didn't expect things to get so difficult.

The staff had seen me leaving the study disheveled. They'd assumed it was Edward.

But the next day, he announced Amelia as his future wife and ordered everyone to treat her well.

"Then who was Dr. Williams with that night?" The whispers started.

"Some guy, obviously. The Aldridges don't allow staff to date. She's in big trouble."

"I know, right? She seemed so proper. Guess she's just desperate."

Lee, despite seeing me enter the study, couldn't speak without Richard's permission.

The rumors grew, and Edward's face grew darker with each passing day. The staff, eager to please Amelia, made my life hell.

My clothes were "accidentally" soiled, my tea spiked with disgusting things.

"Dr. Williams, your clothes are dirty again." Amelia, holding a thermos, feigned concern. "These maids are so careless."

I ignored her smug smile, picked up my clothes, and walked away.

The gossip escalated. I was promiscuous, I seduced the male staff, they even discussed the color of my underwear.

"I heard Dr. Williams was with the gardener last night."

"Yeah, I saw her coming out of the garden. Her clothes were all wrinkled."

I gritted my teeth, swallowing the humiliation. They just wanted me gone.

I was about to find Lee when I bumped into Edward. He dragged me into a storage room.

"You really like seducing men, don't you?" He stared at me with contempt.

I struggled against his grip. "So you believe the rumors? Are you going to assault me now, Mr. Aldridge?"

His grip tightened. "You're in no position to talk like that."

I stared back defiantly.

After a long silence, he said, "I know you like me. Be a good girl, and you can be my mistress."

His arrogance disgusted me. "I don't want to."

"Slap!" His hand connected with my cheek.

"You think your lover is better than me? You're really pushing it, Alice."

A flicker of… regret? …crossed his face as he saw the blood on my lip.

His voice softened. "Don't be stubborn. You'll have everything Amelia has, except the title."

I laughed. "I said no."

He grabbed some papers and threw them at me. "Then get out! This family doesn't need a whore for a doctor!"

I didn't even look at him. I just walked out. Leaving was fine. I wouldn't have to see his face anymore.

As I left, I saw Amelia standing there, a venomous look in her eyes. "Alice, why are you always in my way?"

I scoffed. "Edward is all yours. I don't want him."

I walked past her.

Suddenly, Amelia screamed. "Dr. Williams! Don't!"

I turned back in surprise to see her tumbling down the stairs.