Early the next morning, I rummaged through the dusty boxes in the warehouse, pulling out old codices and notebooks.
The familiar handwriting stirred something deep in me—a glimpse of the woman I used to be.
When I looked up, Mike stood in the doorway, cold and aloof, watching me like a stranger.
I forced a polite smile.
Shouldn’t he be at the hospital with Jinny and her son right now?
“I told you,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain, “a wife of the Rodger Family has no need to read books like that.”
He walked in, commanding the room with his usual arrogance.
“I’ve already hired a caregiver,” he continued. “From today on, Jinny and Liam will live here. You’d better learn how to assist.”
It was only then that I noticed Jinny and Liam standing behind him.
Jinny kept her head down, fingers clinging timidly to the hem of his coat.
“I’m not learning,” I said calmly.
“I have no interest in taking care of another woman’s child.”
Liam’s face twisted with anger.
“We don’t need you!” he shouted. “You’re the bad woman who bullied my mom!”
Jinny’s eyes turned red as she held him back.
“Liam,” she said gently, “from now on, Miss Meghan is your mother. You must respect her, always put her first. I’m just your Auntie Jinny now, okay?”
“Don’t be rude to Mom Meghan.”
Mike’s brow furrowed deeply. The veins on his forehead pulsed.
“Meghan,” he snapped, glaring at me. “Jinny is speaking to you. Is this how the Scott Family raised you? No manners, no decency?”
Jinny clutched his arm and shook her head quickly, trying to calm him.
“Miss Meghan is probably just upset,” she said softly. “She didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t be mad at her. I’m not here to steal Mike away. As soon as Liam recovers, we’ll leave.”
She bit her lip, eyes shimmering with tears.
“You’ve been with Mike for ten years—I know I’m the outsider here. I’ve always been aware of my place.”
I glanced at their tightly clasped hands.
“The Scott Family did teach me manners,” I said lightly. “They also taught me righteousness, dignity and shame. But they never taught me how to be a mistress.”
The moment the words left my lips, Jinny’s eyes welled up and her frail body trembled.
“Meghan!”
Mike exploded with fury, his voice thundering through the room. Even the maid standing nearby flinched.
“But Jinny gave me a son,” he shouted. “A rightful heir to the Rodger Family. What have you given me?”
His tone was mocking as he stepped closer.
“From now on, they’re living in this house. And you—don’t get to make decisions here.”
Every word was a slap across my face.
Around us, the servants exchanged glances—mocking, condescending.
They were quick to switch sides, already gathering around Jinny and her son like moths to flame.
I didn’t want to stay and watch the farce any longer.
The Rodger Family had more than one estate.
I only needed peace and distance for seven days.
But when I opened my eyes again, the sharp scent of disinfectant stung my nose.
I was in a hospital room.
Startled, I tried to sit up—only to find my wrists cuffed to the bed.
“What the...?”
I called out, “Anyone there?”
A nurse peeked into the room, her expression nervous.
“Ms. Meghan... this was your husband’s arrangement…”
“What?” I stared, my voice hoarse with disbelief.
