She was right, even when seeing her at that time, I could not help but notice the small changes in her.
Her style was different, a little more polished, a little more mature. And yet, my first thought was not about her—it was about me.
Would I have to imitate her new style at that time, too? It was exhausting, infuriating, but at that point, it felt like it was all I knew.
Ruby laughed again, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Since I did not react or try to take the wig back from her hand, she grumbled, “Ah, you’re still as boring as ever. No wonder Lewis said you’re not attractive at all.”
My chest tightened, but I refused to show any emotion.
“That’s why I wasn’t worried,” she continued, inspecting her perfectly manicured nails. “When our parents said you’d replace me temporarily, I knew there was nothing to fear. You’ll never be me, Rose.”
Her words were venomous, yet she delivered them with the ease of someone discussing the weather.
“What time does Lewis usually come home?” she asked suddenly, her voice taking on a casual tone, as if the weight of her earlier words had not left the room.
“It….” I began hesitantly.
But before I could finish, Ruby cut me off with a dismissive wave. “Oh, never mind. It’s no use asking you. I’d rather ask Lewis,” she said while throwing my wig to the ground and back to the sofa.
Her confidence radiating through the room, while I stood there in silence, quietly clenching my hands.
Every word, every action of hers reminded me that I was nothing more than a placeholder in my own life. Ruby was there to take it all back, and I did not know if I had the strength to stop her.
Suddenly, Ruby’s wide smile grew as she glanced at her phone screen. “He’ll be home soon,” she said, her tone full of excitement.
Before I could react, my eyes followed hers, landing on Lewis’s figure walking through the front door.
“Oh, my love, you’re really back,” Ruby called out, her voice sweet and affectionate.
And just like that, Lewis’s gaze softened in a way I had never seen before. He immediately strode toward her, a warm smile on his face.
My love?
The words echoed in my head, making my stomach churn. I fought the urge to throw up as I watched their interaction.
Ruby rose to her feet, meeting him halfway. Like reunited lovers, they embraced intimately, their closeness exuding a warmth I had never been allowed to feel.
I had been married to Lewis for two years, and yet, not once had he ever hugged me like that.
I stared at them, my chest tightening with suppressed anger. I could no longer bear to watch the nauseating display of affection and ready to leave the living room.
Before I could take a step, Ruby’s voice pierced through the air, loud and accusatory. “Lewis, I was so scared you wouldn’t come home in time.
“As soon as Rose saw me here, she went completely berserk. She even yanked off her wig because she couldn’t handle that I dyed my hair ginger.”
Her dramatic words left me frozen in place, my fists clenched at my sides. My gaze fell to the floor, where my wig lay—a detail Ruby had obviously used as her proof.
Lewis turned to me, his face dark with anger.
“What’s the meaning of this tantrum, Rose?” he scolded, his voice sharp and cutting. “Ruby has every right to do what she wants. It’s your job to imitate her, like you’ve done all this time.”
I felt the blood drain from my face, but I did not respond. I was too tired and drained to argue with him. Instead, I turned on my heel, ready to walk away.
But before I could leave, Lewis grabbed my wrist, his grip firm and commanding.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he barked. “Prepare a grand feast to celebrate your sister’s return. I’ve already sent the menu. Tell the maids and help them. I want everything ready before six.”
His words were orders, not requests, and his cold tone only added to the ache in my chest, while Ruby smirked behind him.
I wanted to say something, to push back, but before I could, Lewis turned to Ruby with a warmth that felt like a slap in the face.
His voice softened, his expression filled with gentle concern. “Let’s pack your suitcase and get you settled. You must be tired after such a long journey.” He smiled at her and added, “Oh, and I bought you the Ruby jewelry set you wanted.”
Ruby’s face lit up with delight as she leaned in to kiss Lewis on the cheek. “Oh, thank you so much. You’re truly my one and only love,” she gushed, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Lewis’s expression softened further at her words, and without sparing me another glance, he picked up her suitcase and led her upstairs.
Left alone in the living room, I swallowed the bitter lump in my throat.
My hands trembled as I unlocked my phone to check the menu Lewis had sent.
My stomach sank as I scrolled through the list—chicken, beef, seafood, an endless array of dishes that looked more like a royal banquet than a simple welcome meal.
It was as if he wanted to give the entire world to Ruby.
As I wanted to curse more, to scream, I directly placed a hand on my stomach and whispered inwardly, “It’s not good for the baby to hear that, so calm down, Rose.”
With a deep breath, I swallowed my anger and made my way to the kitchen.
Sweat soon dotted my forehead as I worked alongside the maids, chopping, stirring, and grilling.
The heat from the stove and the overwhelming smells of the ingredients made me dizzy, forcing me to excuse myself to the bathroom several times.
The pregnancy had heightened my sensitivity, and certain odors triggered intense waves of nausea.
But as the clock ticked closer to five, I gritted my teeth and pushed through the discomfort. Only half of the dishes were done, and there was no time to rest.
The maid assisting me noticed my condition and spoke softly, “Madam, please rest. You don’t look well. We’ll take care of the rest.”
I shook my head, wiping the sweat from my brow.
“It’s fine. I can handle it,” I replied, my voice steady despite the exhaustion. I knew better than to refuse Lewis’s orders.
The consequences of disobedience were far too dire.
