Chapter 3

I stared in horror at the only pet I’d been permitted to bring to the estate.

My hands trembled as I looked at the arrow piercing Oliver’s small body.

I had raised Liam with the same tenderness.

Yet this was how he repaid me.

“Stay out of my way,” Liam snapped, his voice cold.

“And don’t you dare upset my father because of this.”

He stormed off without a backward glance.

I remained frozen, my gaze locked on the lifeless form of my cat.

The irony was cruel.

I had taught Liam how to handle a bow.

I had taught him so much.

Now he turned every lesson against me.

Cradling the small box, I let a tear escape.

Oliver had been my silent companion through countless lonely nights.

“Rachel, what are you doing out here in the cold?” Alexander’s voice cut through the evening air.

He stepped out into the garden, concern etching his features.

“You’ll catch a chill.”

He moved behind me, draping his jacket over my shoulders.

I shook it off immediately.

His eyes fell to the box in my arms, and his expression tightened with distaste.

“Your son came to apologize,” I said flatly.

Alexander’s frown deepened.

“He’s your son too, Rachel.”

I let out a bitter laugh.

“He despises me, Alexander.

He killed my cat.”

“Come inside,” he urged, his tone softening.

“We’ll discuss this with Liam in the morning.

You can bury the cat tomorrow.

It was just a boy’s thoughtless prank.”

I pulled away, clutching the box tighter.

“I’m not leaving him outside for the animals.”

Though he complained about my stubbornness, Alexander followed me into the garden.

He stood silently as I dug a small grave under the old oak tree.

When it was done, I brushed the dirt from my hands and turned toward the house.

The party had ended.

The guests were gone.

The wind picked up, biting through my thin dress.

I sneezed just as Alexander reached for me.

He guided me inside and up to my room.

He sat me on his lap, but I stiffened, pulling away.

“What do you want, Alexander?” I demanded.

He sighed.

“I’ll get you another cat, Rachel.

A dozen if you wish.”

“I want to leave.

Tomorrow.”

Alexander’s body went rigid.

“Liam is just a child.

I trust no one else with him.

Where would you even go?

You have no one.”

“I’ll manage,” I said, my voice hollow.

“I don’t belong here.

You refused to marry me after eight years, Alexander.”

“You know why I can’t take another wife now,” he replied, frustration creeping into his tone.

“I’m not asking you to.

I don’t want to marry you.

I just want to go.”

“Then have my child,” he said suddenly, his eyes intent.

“A child would secure your position.

No one would dare disrespect you then.

And Liam would have a sibling.”

A sad smile touched my lips.

I had sacrificed everything for this family—my pride, my youth, my self-respect.

And still, he wanted me to bear an illegitimate child.

All to keep me under his roof, all to control me.

“I’ve already instructed the maid on Liam’s routine.

He’s homeschooled—hire better tutors or send him to school.

He doesn’t need me.”

Alexander leaned in and kissed me.

“Sleep on it.

We’ll talk in the morning.”

But I didn’t sleep.

I packed my bags through the night, Oliver’s still face haunting me.

Morning arrived too soon.

After a quick shower, I dragged my suitcases downstairs.

This was it.

I was finally leaving.

But peace was not in the cards for me.

A slow, mocking clap echoed across the courtyard.

Sophia leaned against a pillar, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Well, well.

Finally developed some self-respect, have you?”

I ignored her, continuing toward the gate.

She stepped into my path, blocking my exit.

“Eight years, Rachel.

Eight years you spent waiting for a man who never wanted you.

And now you’re walking away?”

She chuckled.

“Took you long enough to understand.

Alexander and Liam will never love you.

You were always just the worthless mistress.”

I met her gaze, my face expressionless.

“Enjoy your victory then.

Do as you please.

None of this matters to me anymore.”

Her smirk widened.

“Oh, I will.

Soon I’ll be moving in.

I’ll take everything that was never yours.”

Before I could reply, the front doors flew open.

Alexander stepped out, Liam close behind.

In an instant, Sophia’s demeanor shattered.

She fell to her knees, clutching the hem of my dress with theatrical desperation.

“Rachel, please don’t go!” she sobbed, her voice trembling.

“Liam needs you!

How can you abandon him after all these years?”

I stared down at her, numb.

“He loves you, he really does!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.

“He’s just a boy!

Please, I beg you—don’t leave him!”

Alexander let out an impatient sigh.

“Stop this nonsense, Sophia.

You’re making a scene.”

His eyes were cold as they settled on me.

“I said I’d replace the cat.

Don’t upset Sophia over something so trivial.”

I clenched my fists, but before I could speak, Liam rushed to Sophia’s side.

He helped her up, his small hands wiping her fake tears.

Then he turned to me, his eyes burning with hatred.

“You killed my mother with your wickedness,” he spat.

“And now you’re trying to hurt Sophia too?”

His voice shook with anger.

He looked back at Sophia, his expression softening.

“Don’t cry.

Let her go.

I don’t want her here.

I don’t need her.”

He lifted his chin, his words sharp as blades.

“I want you to be my mother.

You should marry my father.”

Then his eyes returned to me, filled with pure scorn.

“You have an evil heart.

That’s why my father could never love you.”

A cruel smile touched his lips.

“I’m glad you’re leaving.”

I swallowed the pain thickening in my throat.

I took one last look at the boy I had raised, the child I had loved as my own.

“After eight years,” I said quietly, “if this is what you believe of me, then there’s no reason left to stay.”

Without another word, I turned and walked toward the gate.

Just as I reached it, I heard the familiar sound of a crossbow being drawn.

An arrow whizzed past, missing my head by inches.