Despite my efforts to compose myself, hatred and rage made my tears flow uncontrollably.

The next morning, I went downstairs with swollen eyes and a pale face. Azazel was tenderly helping Rebecca eat breakfast. They leaned into each other, completely absorbed in their own little world—a perfect picture of lovers.

I clenched my fists until my nails dug into my palms. The sharp pain helped clear my mind.

Rebecca noticed me first. Seeing my disheveled appearance, a glint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. She then deliberately nestled her head against Azazel’s chest, playing the role of the fragile, adoring wife.

Azazel, completely focused on Rebecca, didn’t even notice my arrival. He was utterly devoted to making sure she ate properly.

I watched his doting smile—a tenderness I’d never witnessed in our three years together. The mockery of it all was almost unbearable.

I touched my stomach briefly, then calmly took my seat at the table. I forced myself to eat nutritious food, as much as I could manage. I would terminate this pregnancy, regain my strength, and make everyone who had hurt me pay double.

After finishing my meal, I wiped my mouth. Across from me, Azazel had just finished helping Rebecca with her breakfast. He finally looked up and noticed me. Seeing my swollen eyes and pale face, he seemed momentarily startled—probably assuming I’d been crying over his “death.” A flash of guilt crossed his face, but it quickly hardened into displeasure.

“Rebecca,” he said coldly, “I understand you’re grieving for Azazel, but I absolutely refuse this arrangement of marrying into two families. My heart belongs entirely to Rebecca. I couldn’t possibly spare even the slightest affection for you.”

Rebecca’s gaze toward me grew even more triumphant, though she pretended to be concerned.

“Sister,” she said with feigned worry, “you haven’t been crying all night because my husband refused to marry you, have you? I’m sorry I was so emotional yesterday, but…but I truly can’t share the man I love deeply…”

As she spoke, her delicate frame trembled, and her eyes welled with tears. She clutched her chest dramatically, the picture of overwhelming distress.

Azazel was beside himself with concern. He glared at me warningly, then pulled Rebecca into his arms.

“Rebecca, don’t worry,” he soothed her. “You’re the only one for me, now and forever.”