While I'd been drowning in guilt over Paul's death, he was off watching elephants in Africa with Amber, rowing boats in Italy, kissing her under the Eiffel Tower……
A familiar figure appeared in the doorway. Paul reacted faster than I did, rushing over and pulling her into a tight embrace.
“Mom, I've missed you so much all these years.”
Zoe Delgado slipped a black card into my hand when no one was looking. She gripped my fingers, leaned close to my ear, and whispered.
“Susan, I haven't seen Paul in five years.”
“Even if he's been expelled from the family, he's still my flesh and blood. Please, I'm begging you, just let him stay a little while longer.”
After Paul's faked death was exposed, my parents had stormed straight to the Delgado mansion to demand justice for me.
They made it clear: if the Delgados couldn't offer a satisfactory resolution, the Fox family would pull every cent of its investment.
Old Mr. Delgado, terrified of shaking the family's foundation, immediately asked if I'd be willing to marry his youngest son and become the sole mistress of the Delgado household.
With both families' interests at stake, I didn't refuse.
So I married Douglas Delgado. Not only did I gain control of the Delgado estate, I also received Paul's shares.
Zoe's eyes were wet with tears, terrified I'd say no.
I thought of Daisy, and something in me softened for this mother standing before me. I nodded.
“Fine.”
Zoe broke into a tearful smile and threw her arms around me.
I patted her back gently.
Paul walked over to us, confusion creasing his brow.
“I was only gone five years. When did you two become so close?”
There was a time when Zoe genuinely couldn't stand me.
She'd already handpicked a wife for Paul herself: her best friend's youngest daughter, pretty, sharp, and well-mannered.
But right when they were about to settle the engagement, Paul suddenly brought me home and declared he'd marry no one else in this lifetime.
Zoe grabbed the nearest teacup and hurled it at his forehead.
Paul didn't even flinch. Blood ran down his face.
She called for the first-aid kit, her heart aching despite her fury. Paul coldly shook off her hand and planted himself in front of me like a wall.
“Mom, I love Susie.”
“She's the only wife I'll ever have. If you want a different daughter-in-law, you and Dad better try for another son.”
Zoe clenched her teeth and relented.
But every time Paul brought me home after that, she'd either have me kneading her shoulders and massaging her legs, or make me learn to dress Paul and serve his meals. She found every way she could to wear me down.
Mentioning the past, Zoe shot me an awkward little smile.
While I was distracted, Paul grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door, speaking as though he were the most devoted man alive.
“Susie, since my mom's already accepted you, let's pick out a wedding gown and get married as soon as possible.”
I frowned and tried to wrench free, but his grip wouldn't budge.
Zoe went white. She scrambled after us.
“Paul Delgado, you let go of her right now!”
But Paul wasn't listening. He shoved me straight into a fitting room.
He pinned both my wrists above my head and leaned in, his lips grazing my neck.
“Susie, do you remember? When we got engaged, you said you wanted me to put the wedding dress on you with my own hands. Lift the veil myself.”
“Now……we finally have the chance.”
Cold air hit my chest. Paul was ripping my buttons open.
I thrashed against him with everything I had, but he didn't move an inch.
“Let go of me! If you don't stop right now, I swear Douglas will have your hands cut off.”
Paul froze. His fingers went still.
“Why are you throwing my uncle's name at me? You know I can't stand him.”
