Chapter 3

03

Once inside the vehicle, I spotted a woman’s silk scarf and a baby rattle sitting on the backseat.

“A friend and his wife rode with me earlier because their car broke down. They must have left those behind,” Jared explained hastily.

I recalled the conversation I had just overheard in the private room.

I could not fathom how he could claim to love me while fathering a child with his secret mistress.

He had once sworn that if he ever strayed, lightning would strike him down.

I stayed silent, quietly staring out the tinted window.

During the drive, he kept asking about my past three years, but I barely listened.

I did not care for small talk. I only wanted him to confess the truth himself.

The rush of traveling had caught up to me, and I started coughing lightly from the chill.

I reached toward the small console where a folded handkerchief lay.

Before I could touch it, Jared quickly grabbed it away.

He reached into the side compartment and handed me a different one.

“That one smells of jasmine. I remember you hate jasmine, so use this one instead.”

The one he gave me was strongly scented with rose.

Rose was the scent I detested most, the one that made my eyes water and triggered my allergies.

Years ago, seeing me sneeze miserably, he had promised: “I will always remember that you cannot stand rose perfume.”

My hand froze. I glanced at the jasmine handkerchief he had hidden away. It was made of imported silk, clearly an expensive gift.

He simply did not want me using Evie’s luxury handkerchief. The absurdity of it made me want to laugh.

“What is wrong? Didn't you always love rose?” Jared asked, completely oblivious to his mistake.

I did not bother correcting him, claiming I was tired and closing my eyes for the rest of the ride.

When we arrived at the Pierce estate, Jared had the kitchen prepare a massive feast.

“Eat more. You lost so much weight during those three years away,” he said warmly.

I stared at the spread of dishes, nearly all of them loaded with chili peppers, and lost my appetite entirely.

I had never been able to eat spicy food.

In the past, he remembered my diet perfectly, always making sure the household menu remained mild.

He did not notice my silence and continued casually: “The wedding is still a few months away. Just relax and prepare for the ceremony.”

I tightened my grip on the silverware.

He had forgotten everything.

He forgot the scent that made me sick, forgot my dietary restrictions, and forgot that I had written to him about wanting to teach at a local academy upon my return.

I forced myself to swallow a bite of spicy food, feeling a burning ache tear through my throat.

“I mentioned in my letter that once I got back, I wanted to...”

Before I could finish, a maid knocked frantically on the door. “Sir...”

Seeing the maid’s expression, a flicker of panic flashed in Jared’s eyes. He stood up abruptly.

“Josie, go ahead and eat without me. Something urgent came up, and I have to step out.”

Before I could even reply, he rushed out the door.

Watching his hurried retreat, my heart felt like it was being sliced into pieces.

During those three years of isolation, I had counted down every single day, longing to return and build a life with him.

Now, all those hopes had evaporated like sand slipping through my fingers.