Chapter 2

2

I turned my head away, my voice trembling with a hint of rebellion. "I don't feel well today, Silas. I don't want to drink it."

Silas stood over me, his shadow looming large and suffocating. "Lydia, do not forget your place in this house."

I lowered my eyes, hiding the fire starting to burn in my chest. I obediently swallowed the freshly brewed "tonic" in one go.

Silas let out a cold huff and stormed out of the room.

In the courtyard below, I heard my stepson Archer's mocking voice. "Ignore her, Father. She's just trying to look miserable for attention."

"We promised Sylvia we'd go see the snow on the lake today. Let's hurry…"

I opened the window and watched their retreating figures from a distance.

Seven years of sacrifice felt like a slow, agonizing torture.

"Hazel," I whispered. "Take what's left of that medicine. Find out exactly what is inside it."

The first Duchess had died in labor, and I was brought in to fill the void.

For seven years, I raised Archer as my own. I personally handled his food, his clothes, and his education.

I spent every waking moment thinking about what was best for this father and son.

But now I realize that my devotion was worth less than the dirt on their boots.

I sat at my desk and opened the small window, catching a glimpse of a single red rose in the snow.

I took a deep breath and dipped my pen in the ink.

The words "Request for Separation" were written in bold, dark strokes. It felt like the first page of a brand-new life.

It was time for me to be Lydia again.