[3]

I stood right in front of the golden-handled door. The polished wood was beautifully carved, exuding a luxury that seemed to synergize with the other furniture around it. It was a symbol of splendor that belonged only to the Langley family-my husband's family.

Who doesn't know the name Langley? A renowned furniture company that has dominated the world market with its products that are always sold out within hours of launch. Under Roderick Langley's leadership, the business has grown exponentially, reaching into new sectors despite the passing of its patriarch, Sebastian Langley.

Sebastian lost his long battle with illness. The best doctors had been brought in to treat him, but fate would have it differently. In the seconds before a rescheduled surgery due to his deteriorating condition, his life was taken. Since then, the Langley family has been in mourning. However, for me, it was the beginning of a much more painful hell.

I, Evangeline Rutherford, was the wife of Roderick Langley. The marriage that started out full of promise and hope turned sour after the passing of my father-in-law. Rick, my husband, began to openly humiliate me. He picked up another woman, bringing her to this house, where I still live. Shamelessly, he made out with her intimately as if I were just a lifeless ornament in this magnificent palace.

“Did you bring her back?” I asked one day. I had just finished my meal. The aroma of honey-soaked roast chicken filled the spacious and luxurious kitchen. In the past, every dish of mine was always praised. My father-in-law and even Rick himself-in Sebastian's presence-enjoyed every dish I served.

However, this time, Rick didn't even turn his head. He only cast a fleeting glance at the plate I was carrying.

“None of your business,” he replied coldly.

This chest felt tight. However, I tried to stand up straight, holding back the emotions that were about to explode in my heart. I wanted to scream, wanted to ask her to stop being like this. However, I knew it wouldn't do any good.

“Maria!” called Rick to the butler who had been standing not far from us.

Maria rushed over, her face tense. I could tell that she felt the tension created between us.

“From this moment on, I don't want to smell this woman's cooking anymore,” she said, her voice sounding so cold and piercing.

My heart seemed to stop beating. “What do you mean, Rick?” I asked in a trembling voice. “Is my cooking not good? What part is missing? Or is there something on the menu you'd like to eat?” I tried to find a way to understand the reason behind his increasingly outrageous behavior.

“Shut up!” he snapped suddenly.

I shuddered. My grip on the plate of grilled chicken tightened. In an instant, the already tense atmosphere turned even more tense.

Rick looked at me with sharp, hateful eyes. “Since when do I ever want to eat your cooking, Eva?” he said, full of contempt. “You're enjoying being the favorite son-in-law too much, aren't you?”

I didn't understand what had made him change like this. In the past, Rick was a warm man in his father's presence. Although not always romantic, at least he never treated me this cruelly. However, after Sebastian's departure, his attitude seemed to change one hundred and eighty degrees. I was no longer someone precious in his eyes.

“Bury your dreams like they buried Papa's coffin,” he continued, in a mocking tone.

My heart broke. I couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. “We all mourn Papa's passing,” I said softly, trying to hold back the sobs that were starting to fill my chest. “But you shouldn't have said something like that to me, Rick.”

Rick stepped closer, making me spontaneously step back. There was something in the look in his eyes that made fear creep through my body. My emerald green eyes caught his cold, domineering expression.

My back was now against the kitchen wall. I was trapped.

“Aren't you the beneficiary?” Rick laughed sarcastically. “Do you know what Papa wrote in his will?”

I blinked, trying to understand where he was going with this.

“I...” this voice came out trembling, ”I don't know, Rick.”

However, I could feel a bad feeling running through my veins. Rick's gaze was not only full of hatred, but also such deep disappointment. It was as if I was a thorn in the flesh standing in his way.

I held my breath, waiting for the next blow that would probably hurt more than all the insults he had thrown at me.

In my heart, I wondered-how could someone who once promised to love me turn into a monster who couldn't even hide his hatred anymore?

The man grinned faintly. His face, which was no longer adorned with a smile or happiness when he was with me, further showed his obvious hatred for me, his wife. “Most of the shares of DnA Property went to you. I don't know if this is bad luck or good luck for you, Eva.” Rick was getting closer.

Even his breath brushed my face mercilessly, sending chills down my spine. But Rick never seemed to care about how I felt.

“You get a sizable dividend from DnA Property's profits without having to contribute anything,” Rick chuckled. “I can't figure out how Papa could do this to me.”

The plate with the roasted chicken was rudely pushed aside. It hit the marble floor and created a noise. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to stand upright before Rick even though my body was shaking violently.

“You're just an outsider who suddenly came into this family, Eva. Taking away my freedom and now, making a fortune without working.” Rick laughed loudly, his tone full of contempt. “Maybe for you it's luck, but calm down...” He reached out, touching my cheek with a gesture that seemed gentle, but made me even more frightened.

“I'll make sure what you get, I get back.”

My heart raced. I swallowed, trying to muster what courage I had left. “I never intended to do a deed of inheritance which, if it really has my name on it, I'm really not interested in.”

Rick laughed even harder. “You think I'm gullible, Eva?”

I braced myself, looking at him with a look of determination in my eyes. “There was never the slightest intention of getting rich off this family, Rick, if that's what you want to hear from me. You can look into the two years I've lived here. Have I ever enjoyed all the facilities you've given me on a whim?”

Rick was still looking at me with a doubtful look in his eyes. However, I no longer cared. All I wanted was to get out of this hell.

“I just want to know one thing; did you bring her again?”

The man smirked. “None of your business.” Then he walked away. I breathed a sigh of relief, taking this opportunity to breathe in as much air as possible. But before Rick could leave the kitchen area, he said, “I take it you're a selfish woman for not wanting Papa's inheritance. Tomorrow a lawyer will come to take care of the transfer of your shares.”

My hands were clenched tightly.

“You shouldn't mind, right?”

The memory made me take a deep breath. Since the beginning, my arrival to this house was not a happy one. Ah... happy, but false. It only lasted a few hours after our wedding. But I'm not someone who likes to wallow in regret. As long as Rick didn't hit me, didn't physically hurt me except for the grip on my face, let me stay near Rita, and helped me take care of Tian as a form of gratitude, I could survive.

But today, everything had to end. Rick no longer allows me to be here.

“Madam,” someone called out, making me turn my head. A smile appeared on my face as soon as I saw who was approaching.

“Mrs. Rita is asleep. The dinner she made was all eaten. She said that Madame's cooking is at the level of a luxury hotel.”

This chest felt warm. “Thank goodness.”

“Madam... are you going to take Mr. Rick at his word this time?” Maria asked cautiously.

I no longer insisted. I had no holds barred, and I realized that Rick never wanted me in the first place. I was a nightmare for him.

“Yes, Maria. I have prepared everything. But please, promise me one thing.”

Maria couldn't hold back her tears. To her, Eva was like a light that brought this big house to life. Her presence brought such a warm aura. The way she behaved, the way she spoke, and the attention she always gave to all the residents of this house, reminded Maria of the original owner; Marguerite Langley.

Gentle and full of sincere love.

Unfortunately, Rick could never feel that.

“Every encounter has an end, Maria.” I rubbed the middle-aged woman's cheeks which were now wet with tears. “My status is the heart of this house, but I was never near the heart of the owner.” I smiled sadly. “So, what else is holding me back?”

My gaze returned to the door. I could feel my own heartbeat getting heavier. My breathing was shaky, but I had to keep going.

“Take good care of Mami Rita. Tell her I'm going on vacation with Rick somewhere far away. Don't ever say anything about the truth. Rick, Mummy Rita's favorite son. Always perfect and will continue to be perfect. I am the stain that ruined Rick's life.”