Chapter 4

Hazel POV

That night, Mom and Dad made us stay over.

Mom's reason was that she hadn't seen me in a long time. It was rare for us all to be together.

I knew clearly that Mom wasn't asking me to stay. She was keeping Adam there for Winnie.

I went back to the guest room early.

My room at the Jones house was no better than the servants' quarters, but Mom and Dad would never make Adam stay in a servants' room, so tonight they'd arranged the best guest room.

Late at night, I felt thirsty and went downstairs for water.

Passing Winnie's room, warm yellow light spilled from the gap under the door, along with voices talking.

It was Adam and Winnie.

"You were so worried about her earlier. Have you fallen in love with her?"

Winnie's tone was pitiful.

Adam's voice was as gentle as if coaxing a child. "Don't think like that. I only love you. Being with her is just to have her bear your child. All these years, looking at her face, I've only thought of you."

I leaned against the wall, my body trembling slightly.

So for these five years, looking at my face, he'd been thinking of another woman.

Those late-night embraces, morning kisses, every moment I thought our hearts were connected. He was thinking of Winnie.

All the sweet words he'd said, all the gentle looks he'd given me. None of it was meant for me.

"When will you leave her?"

Winnie's voice choked with tears. "It hurts so much to see you holding her hand. I'm supposed to be your love."

From inside the room came a man's low sigh. Even through the door, I could hear the heartache in it. And who it was for.

"Soon. Once she's pregnant and gives birth, I'll take the baby to you, and we'll get married."

"What about Hazel? Won't she be sad?"

A long silence.

"I'll give her money and send her away, so you won't be upset seeing her."

I see.

Money could pay off five years.

Even though I already knew the truth, my chest still felt like something was gripping it, squeezing again and again without rest.

I didn't listen any longer. I slowly walked to the kitchen for water.

The water overflowed the cup. I didn't notice. The hot water spilled over the rim and burned my hand. Water splashed everywhere.

I crouched down and quietly cleaned up by myself. No one knew.

Before, when I was designing, if a thorn pricked my hand, Adam would frown and spend ages pulling it out for me.

Now I was burned, and he was in the next room comforting another woman.

Later, Adam came back to the guest room.

As soon as he entered, he pulled me into his arms, calling me softly by name, leaning down to kiss me.

For three years, as long as I wasn't on my period and he wasn't working late, he wanted me every night.

I used to think it was because he loved me, wanted me.

Now I understood. He was just eager to get me pregnant so I could bear Winnie's child.

I decided this child, I would definitely take with me. I would never leave it for them.

The moment Adam drew close, I smelled Winnie's perfume lingering on him.

Sweet, cloying.

Nausea rolled through my stomach. I turned my head to avoid him.

Adam noticed my evasion. He frowned. "Hazel, what's wrong?"

I didn't look at him. I spoke softly. "Adam, what if I don't want a child anymore..."

Before I finished, Adam's face darkened. "Don't be difficult, Hazel. I can indulge you in anything except this."

I asked again, "Then, I want to have the wedding right away. Can you do that for me?"

Adam's frown deepened. He was silent for a while, then finally sighed. "You know my family's situation. It's not that I don't want the wedding. I don't want my grandfather to make trouble for you. Be good. Let's focus on trying for a baby, okay?"

After he spoke, he tried to approach again. For the first time, I coldly pushed him away.

Adam froze. Confusion and panic flashed in his eyes. "Hazel, what's wrong with you?"

I looked at the pitch-black night outside the window and spoke calmly. "Today is my birthday."

Adam went rigid.

Winnie and I were twins, born on the same day.

Today everyone remembered Winnie's birthday.

Not a single person remembered today was my birthday too.

Every year on my birthday, Adam prepared flowers, gifts, and cake in advance.

On the day itself, he'd clear his entire schedule and cook for me personally.

This year, he'd forgotten completely.

Adam stood frozen, hastily reaching for my hand.

"I'm sorry, Hazel. I'll make it up to you tomorrow. I'll take you to the beach, okay?"