Chapter 3

I wouldn't say I'm in love with Ethan, but he's a genuinely kind and gentle soul. Though he's been barely conscious these past two weeks, he's always treated me with utmost courtesy—a true gentleman through and through. "Helen, you should remarry," he said, his cool hand covering mine. "I won't recover. There's no point in you wasting your youth on me. I'll give you money—just go." Tears welled up instantly. After all his kindness, my body had been defiled by another. The guilt crushed me. "I'm so sorry..." My voice cracked. How could something so horrific have happened? Right in my husband's home, under his very roof, a stranger had violated me. The agony was unbearable, and his words now only deepened my shame, making me wish I could disappear. He patted my hand gently. "Go. I don't want to hold you back." Biting back tears, I shook my head. "I married you to build a life together. Husband, I'll take care of you. Just get better, please. Once you recover, your mother won't look down on me anymore." I meant every word. I may have married for money, but I never intended to live halfheartedly or betray his trust. As for that man last night... My fists clenched. Today, the family was hosting some big shot from city hall—someone the Carters were eager to impress. But after I broke a teacup, my mother-in-law barred me from joining them, deeming me an embarrassment. After feeding Ethan his porridge and keeping him company until he drifted off, I headed to my room for some rest. But the moment I stepped into the hallway, a tall figure blocked my path—Nicholas Carter, Ethan's cousin. "Nicholas." For some reason, Nicholas terrified me. Maybe it was those bedroom eyes of his, always dripping with false affection no matter who he looked at. "Well, well, Helen. What a coincidence." Suddenly, he trapped me against the wall. "Early autumn, and you're already bundled up like winter? Though I must say, this outfit suits you—really shows off your curves..." His scorching gaze swept over me without restraint, as if mentally stripping away my clothes layer by layer. My heart pounded wildly, inexplicably recalling last night's events. "I—I should go." I tried to brush past him, but he seized my wrist and pinned me against the wall. A smirk played on his lips, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Must be tough, married to my bedridden cousin who can't perform, huh? A wife without a real husband... Don’t you want to know what a real man feels like?" His breath fanned my face, and I glared at him, equal parts furious and humiliated. "Show some respect! Let me go!" "What’s the rush?" He tutted, his fingers tightening. "A pretty thing like you, wasting away as a living widow—what a shame. How about it? Stick with me, or... just meet me at night? I’ve got plenty of tricks to keep you satisfied." Trapped against the wall, I squirmed as he whispered filth into my ear, ignoring my struggles. His mouth descended, teeth grazing my earlobe. The violation sent a shudder through me, memories of last night’s nightmare flooding back. My stomach twisted—was he the man from then? "Let me go!" I choked out, fear clawing up my throat. Tears spilled as I shoved uselessly against him. "My in-laws are downstairs! You’ll be beaten to death if they catch you!" "You’re the one luring me into sin, sweetheart." He chuckled darkly. "If anyone’s getting beaten, it’s you." Suddenly, his hand fisted in my hair, yanking my head back. His mouth crashed onto mine, hot and demanding, tongue forcing against my clenched teeth. I thrashed, kicking and hitting with all my strength, but his grip was iron—inescapable.