Chapter 2
Daphne’s heart surged like a stormy sea, impossible to calm.
She looked at Matthew, her words firm, “This is the engagement ring you gave me. Are you really going to give it to her too?”
Matthew remained silent for a moment, a flicker of anger crossing his face before his eyes filled with reproach.
“It’s just a ring. Do you really have to care that much? I’ve given you so much jewelry–does one
more ring even matter?”
It felt as if a sharp knife pierced through Daphne’s heart, the pain spreading through her chest.
At that moment, she felt incredibly alone, as if the whole world was against her.
Seeing this, Charlotte immediately put on a pitiful expression, clutching her hand tightly.
“Daphne, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have worn your ring. I’ll give it back to you….”
Daphne felt a wave of emotion, but before she could react, Charlotte collapsed onto the floor, tears brimming as she looked up at Matthew, “Matthew, it’s all my fault. Blame me…”
Matthew, burning with anger, turned his icy gaze to Daphne, his words like daggers, “It’s just a ring
and she doesn’t need to return it. This household isn’t yours to control, Daphne!”
The words felt like a heavy blow, striking Daphne’s heart.
Her world crumbled in an instant, and tears began to fall uncontrollably.
Matthew pushed her aside and bent down to carry Charlotte back to her room.
Daphne’s back hit the spiral handrail, sending a sharp pain through her. She staggered a few steps before regaining her balance, but as she watched the man’s retreating figure, her heart filled with despair and disappointment.
Matthew’s silhouette grew more distant, and Charlotte leaned into his embrace, her hands draped around his neck.
Daphne’s eyes stung, and her heart felt like it was being torn apart; the pain was unbearable.
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She looked away, returning to her room.
ying exhausted on her bed, she closed her eyes, memories of a winter a year ago flooding her mind.
Back then, she had a high fever from playing in the snow. Matthew had dropped everything to rush back home, his body shivering from the cold as he stayed close to her, trying to cool her down.
His eyes were full of tenderness, “Daphne, does this make you feel a little better?”
“With you here, I feel so much better.” At that time, Daphne felt like the happiest woman in the
world.
Even after her fever subsided, she urged Matthew to rest, but he refused to close his eyes, staying by her side the entire night.
But now, this same Matthew who once loved her so deeply could push her away without hesitation and go straight into another woman’s arms.
Ever since Charlotte entered their home, it had been ages since Matthew stepped into her room.
Thinking of this, a sharp pain shot through Daphne’s heart, and her tears soaked the pillow.
Lost in these memories, she eventually fell into a deep, sorrowful sleep.
The next morning.
Daphne woke up and went downstairs for breakfast, only to find a group of servants bustling by the
window.
Her eyes immediately caught sight of the decorations being put up on the glass; the atmosphere was unusually festive.
Emma, the housekeeper, was instructing everyone, “Make sure to hang all these flowers. Mr. Roberts‘ big celebration is coming up in a few days, and there’ll be red envelopes for everyone.”
A celebration? Daphne felt confused.
She walked into the living room and opened her mouth, “Is there some holiday coming up?”
As she spoke, she noticed the joyful expressions on the servants‘ faces shift to awkwardness.
Asense of dread filled Daphne’s heart.
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he servants exchanged uneasy glances until finally, Emma stepped forward and whispered,
Mr. Roberts is preparing for a wedding. That’s why we’re decorating the house.”
Daphine stood frozen, her hand gripping her water glass.
Her eyes were filled with shock as she struggled to speak, “Whose wedding?”
Emma hesitated, her expression pained, before stammering, “Mr. Roberts… is marrying Charlotte.”
