Chapter 2

2.

Garrett had spent three years fighting on the northern frontier. Now, he returned triumphant, and the entire capital celebrated.

I waited outside early in the morning to welcome him. I wanted to bring our son, Toby, along, but the boy had sneered at me, calling me pathetic before storming off.

When my husband dismounted, he walked straight past me into the estate without a single glance.

That was until my maid called out his childhood nickname.

Before I could wonder how Tessa even knew his private nickname, Garrett froze. He turned around, staring at her in utter disbelief.

The two of them locked eyes like star-crossed lovers, running into each other’s arms.

Feeling a bundle squirming in her arms, he finally noticed the newborn baby she was holding.

Garrett had always been known as the cold, untouchable general.

Yet in that moment, he lost all his composure.

Toby, who was supposed to be studying in his room, suddenly came running out.

“Daddy really came back! Mommy Tessa, our family can finally be together!”

Garrett’s voice shook as he and Tessa whispered loving words, both of them weeping with emotion.

The three of them celebrated their reunion while my throat tightened with overwhelming bitterness.

When did Tessa and Garrett even meet?

The child I nearly died delivering was calling my maid his mother.

And the husband I waited for years to see was holding that same maid, declaring his love.

They embraced tightly, looking like a complete, happy family.

Finally noticing me, Garrett’s eyes turned bloodshot, yet his arm remained tightly wrapped around Tessa’s waist.

I had seen that desperate look on his face when we were young.

It was the look of a man terrified of losing the love of his life.

“I am taking her as my primary wife. Write a petition to step down gracefully.”

Garrett spoke without any emotion, as if discarding me was as simple as throwing out the trash.

It felt like a bolt of lightning struck my skull, leaving me completely frozen.

The cheering crowds along the street fell dead silent. Everyone stared at my humiliated state, barely hiding their mockery.

In our country's entire history, I was probably the first high-born wife ordered to step down for her own servant.

Then, a childish voice echoed Garrett’s cruel demand.

“Yay! Aunt Tessa is finally going to be my real mommy!”