I nodded calmly. "Don't worry, ma'am. Nanette and I have already talked it over—there won't be any conflict between us."
Only then did Wallis look satisfied.
"Good. Spencer's grandfather is gravely ill and can't wait much longer. The wedding will be in three days."
After leaving the Gilbert estate, Nanette and I had just found a place to catch up when Spencer showed up with Abigail in tow.
But he wasn't there for me.
He stood in front of Nanette, holding Abigail's hand, looking as if what he was about to say was the most natural thing in the world.
"Nanette, since our marriage is settled, there's something I need to tell you."
"You know the one I love is Abigail. So don't expect me to give her up just because I'm marrying you."
"Unless something major comes up at home, I'll be staying at her place."
In my past life, Spencer had said the exact same thing to me.
It was the first time he'd ever asked me for anything. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I agreed.
Back then, I thought his feelings for Abigail were just infatuation—that once the novelty wore off, he'd come around.
I was wrong. Spencer loved her far more deeply than I'd imagined.
And Abigail wasn't the obedient, unassuming woman she'd promised to be.
She was viciously jealous. Every few days, she'd find some excuse to make trouble for me.
Snide comments and passive-aggressive jabs were the least of it. Sometimes she'd even hurt herself and frame me for it, poisoning Spencer against me.
The reason Spencer never had children with me? Abigail had deliberately caused herself to miscarry their first child—and pinned the blame on me.
Spencer believed every word. He made me spend the rest of my life childless as penance.
A wave of bitterness rose in my chest, but Nanette's voice cut through my thoughts.
She let out a mocking laugh.
"Spencer, what century do you think this is? You really think you can pull that 'one man, multiple wives' nonsense?"
"Let me make this clear: if you dare move in with Abigail, I'll make sure she never sets foot in Harbor City again."
Spencer flinched.
Nanette was known for being fierce, but in the past, she'd reserved all her gentleness for Spencer alone.
He had no idea we'd both been reborn. Naturally, he couldn't understand why she'd changed so drastically.
He assumed Abigail's presence had simply provoked her, so he softened his tone to explain.
"Nanette, don't be unreasonable. Abigail is pregnant."
"She needs me to take care of her."
Nanette didn't buy it for a second. She looked at Abigail with a cold smile. "A grown woman who can't even take care of herself while pregnant—what's the point of having the baby at all?"
"Just get rid of it."
The color drained from Abigail's face.
Spencer's heart ached for her.
He dropped the pretense entirely, his expression darkening with fury. "Nanette, shut your mouth."
"This baby is something Abigail and I have wanted for a long time. There's no way in hell we're getting rid of it."
Nanette shrugged, utterly indifferent.
"Suit yourself. Just remember—if you move in with her after we're married, I have plenty of ways to make you regret it."
Apparently deciding their company was bad luck, Nanette grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the café.
But Abigail followed us out alone.
She tugged at Nanette's sleeve, her face the picture of wounded innocence.
"Miss James, I know you don't like me. But the baby is innocent—he can't be born without a father."
"Please, don't push us to the breaking point. I'm begging you."
I instinctively glanced back at the café. Sure enough, Spencer was standing there, watching us without blinking.
It hit me then—this was exactly how it had happened before.
Seven days after I married Spencer, he announced he was moving out.
I'd tried desperately to stop him. And right on cue, Abigail had volunteered to approach me alone, all apologies and pleas.
