Chapter 2

Before I could take a closer look at the medical report, Tamsin suddenly covered her mouth and ran toward the bathroom, looking extremely unwell.

Harlan quickly grabbed some tissues and rushed to her side to gently pat her back.

His gaze was filled with pity as he stood beside her. "Now you know, don't you? Tamsin is in the late stages of cancer. Her only wish is to die in my arms.

"We've been close since childhood. I couldn't refuse her request."

It was only then that I realized Tamsin's intentions weren't as simple as wanting to die in Harlan's arms.

As I held the report, I looked at the messy data on it and asked, "How can you be so sure that she actually has cancer? Couldn't this report be forged?

"Even if she does have cancer, why does she need to die in your arms? Have you forgotten that you're married now?"

Perhaps my bluntness was too much, as Tamsin immediately looked aggrieved. She was on the verge of tears as she said, "Waverly, how could you say something like that? How could I joke about my own life?"

Seeing this, Harlan quickly pulled Tamsin into his arms, comforting her softly. His open display of pity for her broke my heart completely.

Then he turned to glare at me with anger. "Don't go too far! She's already on her deathbed, yet you're still holding a grudge? Can't you be more generous?"

I felt a chill run through me. My own husband was speaking to me so harshly, all for the sake of another woman.

We had been married for two years, and I had heard plenty of whispers and rumors during that time.

People said Harlan had a childhood friend overseas who had been battling illness for years. They said he had always given her the kind of love and care no one else could match.

The two were so close that they shared the same cup to drink from, slept in the same bed, and even owned countless matching outfits.

My best friend, Colleen Caddell, had once warned me, "This childhood friend of his isn't that simple. You need to be careful."

At the time, I dismissed her concerns. No matter how close they were, Harlan and I were married. I thought that even if this woman shared a deep bond with Harlan, she wouldn't dare act so blatantly in front of me.

But that day, I finally understood just how manipulative this woman could be. I had no desire to stay any longer as I watched their display of affection.

I grabbed my car keys from the table, my expression cold, and walked out the door.

Before I left, I heard Tamsin's soft, pitiful voice saying, "Waverly's upset. You should go and comfort her. I'll be fine here…"

Harlan's voice, however, was cold as he replied, "Let her be mad. Who's going to coddle her bad temper? She's just always storming off…"

As I sat in my car, I called Henrietta. She answered the call quickly, and I could hear her trying to hold back her tears even though she barely spoke.

I assured her, "As long as I'm around, no one can fire you from this house."

When I arrived at my mother-in-law, Cordelia Larsen's, home, the dishes were just being set on the table.

Seeing my red, swollen eyes as I walked in, she looked shocked and immediately pulled me to sit beside her on the couch.

"Waverly, why are you here? You're back from your trip already? Have you eaten?

"Your eyes are all red. Did Harlan bully you?"

When I heard her kind and concerned questions, the tears I had been holding back spilled over uncontrollably. She turned to the housekeeper, asked for an extra set of tableware, and had the kitchen prepare a spicy dish for me.

While the meal was being prepared in the kitchen, she sat patiently beside me. With the gentleness of a mother, she asked me what had happened.