Chapter 2

“You can leave now,” Travis said, his tone icy despite his high body temperature.

He had unexpectedly lost control over the woman tonight and shouted a name, which was uncharacteristic of him. However, he wasn’t worried about her spreading the word about the name he had yelled. She had the freedom to disturb his tranquility as much as she desired.

Hailey had no intention of staying any longer.

“Can I use the bathroom?” She asked.

When Travis looked at her, her request that he leave her alone vanished from her lips.

“I’ll give you five minutes.”

Hailey gritted her teeth, feeling unlucky to be a replacement for someone else. She struggled to make her way to the bathroom, hoping she didn’t look too disheveled.

The hot water soothed her body but stung a little.

She quickly washed away any traces of the recent events and cleaned the rest of her body upon returning home. If not for the lingering odor and her messy hair, she wouldn’t have stayed a second longer.

The late spring night was no longer too cold, making it simple to hail a taxi.

When Hailey arrived home, she immediately discarded her clothes and threw them in the trash before proceeding to wash herself thoroughly. Although the bite on her shoulder continued to sting, she found relief because the attacker, assuming she was a prostitute, had used a condom.

The next morning, a loud knock echoed on her door. Opening it, Hailey was surprised to see her father, Denver Stewart, standing there. Upon seeing Hailey’s disheveled appearance, Denver anxiously questioned why she hadn’t cleaned up yet, as the Blake family would arrive soon.

Nonchalantly, Hailey replied, “It’s too late for that.” Ever since the terrifying day when Denver forced her mother to kneel before her, Hailey has stopped caring. Despite her father’s worry, she grinned.

Shortly after, the Blake family’s servants arrived. Denver received a “Mr. Stewart” greeting from the butler, who then turned to Hailey and addressed her as “young madam.” The butler explained he escorted her as per orders.

Hailey couldn’t help but smile at the butler’s formal speech. She had been in the Blake family’s service since she was seventeen, primarily involved in traditional clothing making. However, she had never interacted with guests before. The butler’s eloquence was unlike anything she had encountered, giving her a surreal feeling as if she had entered the Twilight Zone.

“I’m not a young lady yet,” Hailey reminded herself. She wasn’t one to vent her frustrations, especially with someone who would be polite to her, even if that person was a member of the Blake family whom she didn’t like.

“You are,” the butler said, maintaining his smile. The matriarch had already sent the marriage certificate early this morning and arranged for you to receive it. You can see it once you arrive.

Hailey’s heart sinks. They even received the marriage certificate without her being present. The Blake family, known for their power and wealth, delivered the marriage certificate as expected! Rather, it was her ailing husband, whom she had never met.

“Then let’s go.” Since there was no way to retreat, there was no reason to argue.

The Blake family’s former residence occupied a large estate with high walls and many pavilions. The decor was old-fashioned, with red lanterns adorned with characters hanging throughout, creating a classic atmosphere.

Hailey followed the butler for several minutes until they reached the room, where the matriarchs of the Blake family were engrossed in reciting scriptures. The butler hesitated to interrupt them, and Hailey stood by, waiting patiently.

After the old woman finished reciting the scriptures, she opened her eyes and fixed a sharp gaze on Hailey. Since you have joined the Blake family, you must follow our rules. As Calvin’s wife, stay with me instead of going to the hospital to care for him. It will be too late for him to meet the other family members once he returns from the hospital.