Chapter 2
Diana was stunned. “Are you serious?”
“I am,” Helen said with a faint smile. “Tell Elliott I’ll marry him and leave with him for the island in two weeks.”
Just then, the curtain was thrown aside. Carter stood in the doorway, gloomily. “Helen, who are you marrying?”
דיו
Helen met his eyes and suddenly found the whole situation laughable.
She replied softly, “Caleb, this has nothing to do with you.”
Carter turned to Diana, but he grabbed Helen’s wrist so hard it hurt. “I’ll take care of Helen. She doesn’t need to remarry. She still loves Carter. She won’t marry anyone else. Diana, don’t come back again, or I won’t stay calm next time!”
Diana hesitated. “But she already agreed-”
Before she could finish, Helen pulled her arm and said quickly, “Diana, weren’t you heading to the co–op? Go now before it closes.”
Caught off guard, Diana nodded and left right away.
Carter seemed relieved to see her go. He stepped closer, swallowing hard. “Helen, even though Carter’s gone, I’ll be here for you. If the matchmaker comes again, just drive her away…”
Helen just found it ridiculous.
He kept her in the dark and slept in his sister–in–law’s room, yet he still
11
worried she’d leave and marry someone else.
Life wasn’t that generous.
Still, she didn’t confront him. She only nodde
It didn’t matter anymore. She’d be getting married in two weeks and. leaving for good. He wouldn’t have any say in her life then.
That night, Helen was packing her luggage when she suddenly heard. the wooden bed next door creaking.
Before, she’d always thought those noises just meant Caleb and Freya were close.
But now, their every moan felt like a blade slicing through her chest.
That familiar groan was the one Carter only made when he was with
Helen.
“Ah-”
A sudden scream pierced the night. Helen rushed out and saw Carter carrying Freya, who looked pale and messy. Under the moonlight, her white pajamas were stained bright red.
The quiet neighborhood quickly burst into noise. Mabel Moody, the neighbor, stuck her head out of her window.
“Oh dear, what happened?”
“I heard they went too rough in bed, and it made her bleed.”
“Tch, who would’ve thought Caleb, who always seems so proper, spoils
his wife like that…”
Chooter 2
Helen stood silently among the crowd and felt chilled to the bone.
She turned to leave, but Mabel pulled her back. “Helen, you’re her sister–in–law! You should go check on her!”
Not wanting to stir up more talk, Helen quickly got dressed and went to the hospital.
In the hospital corridor, the strong smell of disinfectant stung her eyes.
Carter was pacing, and he looked shocked when he saw her.
“Why did you come?”
Helen smiled stiffly. “I’m Freya’s sister–in–law. I should come to see how she’s doing.”
Just then, the operating room door opened, and a doctor stepped out.
“No need to worry. Your wife is alright. She’s pregnant. Just… take it easy in the future.”
