Chapter 6

The elders of the Monroe family had returned early.

Fine by me. I opened the door, stepped out, and handed the signed divorce papers to Archer’s father, Vincent.

He studied me with a sharp, calculating gaze.

“We know everything about what’s been going on between you and Archer. Elise, don’t you realize how many women would kill to marry into the Monroe family?”

“We’ve treated you well all these years, out of respect for your mother. My son’s spoiled you, what more do you want?”

So, I was supposed to tolerate his cheating?

I took a steadying breath. “Since Archer loves Cassidy so much, let them be together.”

Willa’s sharp fingernail jabbed between my brows.

“You low-born tramp. Did you think you mattered?”

“If we hadn’t taken in you and your crippled mother, you’d be selling yourself on the street. We fed and clothed you, and now you want to disgrace the Monroe family?”

It was as if living with the Monroe family had been some grand favor.

I shoved her hand away, coldly meeting the eyes of the woman who had once been kind to me, but now, without hesitation, had turned against me.

“My mother was crippled saving your son’s life. I gave birth to a child for your useless son, continuing the Monroe family line. I owe you nothing.”

Willa leapt to her feet, her fury evident.

“Then don’t expect a single cent from our family!”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

So they were all the same.

“You think I married him for money? I don’t want your filthy wealth.”

I ignored them and turned to leave, only to find Archer’s gaze locked on mine.

With an immediate movement, he snatched the divorce papers from Vincent’s hands and ripped them apart. The pieces fluttered down like snow, drifting to the ground.

“I know I went too far in the garden earlier, but that’s only because you’ve been pushing me to the edge lately.”

“I already told you, the wedding with Cassidy was just temporary. As long as you behave, you’ll always be my wife.”

He seized my wrist, pulling me toward the bedroom.

“Elise, I’ve neglected you these past few days. Tonight, I’m all yours.”

As if he were bestowing me with a grand honor.

But who would endure watching their husband be affectionate with another woman?

Who could bear to hear their child call someone else “Mom”?

To let the world laugh at them behind their back?

I barely managed to whisper, “No…”

His mother’s irritated voice cut in.

“This woman’s an ungrateful wretch. Why are you still being so kind to her?”

Archer glanced back at me, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. “Because she gave me a son.”

As if I were no more than a vessel for bearing his child.

I struggled, but he effortlessly tossed me onto the bed, his body pressing down on mine.

In his mind, I should be honored by this.

But all I felt was dread and disgust.

After dodging his kisses repeatedly, Archer finally lost his patience, his face dark with fury.

“Look at me, Elise!”

He bit my lips violently, his tongue forcing its way inside. I bit down hard, instantly, the taste of blood filled my mouth.

Clutching his mouth in pain, he howled, but I pushed him off in panic.

He rose like a crazed beast, roaring above me.

“What do you want from me, Elise?! What will it take to satisfy you?!”

I clutched my clothes to me, my voice shaking with desperation.

“I just want to leave you!”

His fury deepened, and with a maddened desperation, he crawled over, pinning me beneath him with arms as strong as steel.

“Elise, you love me. You know you do!”

The door slammed with frantic pounding.

“Who dares interrupt me?!”

A servant’s voice trembled from outside.

“Miss Trent’s been throwing up nonstop. Do you want to check on her?”

Archer hesitated, his gaze burning into mine.

I turned my face away. “Go. Your wife needs you.”

He frowned, his voice cold. “I told you, my wife is you.”

But his hand loosened from my wrist.

“Rest well. Tomorrow’s your birthday. I’ll make time for you.”

I was exhausted. I didn’t want his company anymore.

He left in a hurry.

I curled up, burying my head under the blanket. Outside, the endless shuffling of servants made my heart race.

Suddenly, Willa’s delighted voice echoed down the hallway:

“Wonderful, Dr. Grey, thank you so much!”

“That filthy woman thought she could use a child to threaten us? Well, now we’re having another grandson. We don’t need her anymore.”

Chapter 7

I sat there, lost in thought, listening to the voices outside.

Oh, he was having another child.

God truly did favor a man with such a low sperm count, did he?

Willa’s voice was thick with maternal warmth.

“Cassidy, I’m going to gift you and the baby an East Nova Villa. You can rest there and take care of yourself.”

Cassidy replied, pretending to be modest.

“Oh no, I couldn’t. After all, Elise is Archer’s legal wife. You should give the villa to her instead.”

Willa scoffed, cold and dismissive.

“That woman won’t be part of the Monroe family for much longer.”

Their voices faded as the door opened.

I looked up to see Dorian stepping in, chin held high.

“Did you hear? Sister Cassidy’s going to have a baby.”

“Yes, congratulations. Soon, you’ll have a happy family of six. As you wanted, your father has a new child now, so he won’t bother me anymore.”

Dorian’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Aren’t you angry?”

I sighed, sadness in my gaze.

“Dorian, I just hope that after she has her own child, she’ll still treat you with the same kindness she does now.”

I couldn’t bring myself to hate him.

He was still just a child.

I only hoped that Archer would fulfill his duties as a father and not ruin Dorian’s life.

Suddenly, Dorian shouted defiantly.

“Sister Cassidy will definitely treat me well! She said I’m like her real son. No matter how many babies she has, she’ll always love me the most! Not like you, you’re cruel even to your own child!”

I couldn’t fathom how he could use the word “cruel.”

But then, he bit down hard.

A shock of blood spilled from his mouth, staining his lips.

Panic surged through me as I rushed to him. “Dorian, what’s wrong?!”

But he shoved me away, screaming, collapsing, and crawling toward the door.

“Help! Daddy! Mommy’s trying to kill me!”

The door burst open, and Archer stormed in.

The sight of his bleeding son set his eyes ablaze with fury.

“Is this how far you’ll go? Hurt your own child over a few words?!”

Dorian curled into his arms, shooting me a sly, victorious smile.

In that moment, everything clicked.

He was still so young, how could he have schemed like this?

I stood frozen, dumbstruck.

“It was Cassidy. She taught him this. I didn’t hurt him.”

Cassidy appeared in the doorway, cradling her stomach, tears glistening in her eyes.

“I’m about to become a mother, too. How could I teach a child something like this? Elise, you’re not fit to be a mother.”

Dorian lifted a trembling finger toward me.

“It was Mommy. She gave me a candy. My stomach hurts so much, Daddy!”

“I’ll never forgive you, Elise.”

Archer’s glare was filled with murder, and it sent a chill down my spine.

He ordered them to lock me in the room, taking Dorian to find a doctor.

I pounded on the door, begging the bodyguards to let me out, but no one answered.

I even considered jumping from the third-floor window, but I still had a child in my womb.

Just as I had lost all hope, the door creaked open.