Chapter 2

Rebecca’s slap triggered more pregnancy complications. I spent two days confined to bed before I felt somewhat better. I didn’t blame Rebecca. It was understandable she’d have reservations, given my prior engagement to Alaric. Besides, regardless of how strong my marriage to Azazel had been, the suggestion that Alaric should marry me was simply absurd. Not just for them as a couple—I didn’t want it either.

Feeling guilty about Rebecca fainting, I decided to visit my in-laws’ bedroom once I could walk again. I planned to convince them to drop this marriage idea completely, then personally apologize to Alaric and Rebecca to ease their concerns.

But as I approached their door, I heard Christine’s confused voice:

“Azazel, it was clearly your brother who died in that accident. Why are you insisting it was you?”

Azazel? My husband’s name? He wasn’t dead?!

The car accident victim was actually Alaric, my husband’s older brother?

I froze, thunderstruck. My eyes widened in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening!

I shook my head violently, thinking I must be hallucinating. But then I heard a man’s voice respond:

“Mom, please don’t let Rebecca find out. She’s always been fragile, and with her heart condition, learning my brother died would destroy her.”

Alaric—no, I should call him Azazel—my husband paused, then continued with a sigh:

“Besides, Rebecca is the one I’ve always loved. I only married Sylvia to help Rebecca be with my brother. Now that I’ve given Sylvia a child, I don’t owe her anything more. I’ll take care of Rebecca for the rest of her life in my brother’s place. Just drop this whole two-family marriage arrangement—it only upsets Rebecca.”