Chapter 2

Lynn's POV

That ultrasound report ended up crumpled in my bag.

Three hundred thousand.

To Preston, that was barely the cost of a watch-not even enough for one of Vivienne's handbags.

But for my family now, it was the final straw.

My father was still lying in the ICU, medical bills draining away like water every day.

If those loan sharks didn't get their money, they'd really pull his oxygen tube.

I took a deep breath, forcing down the stinging in my eyes, and bent to pick up the documents from the floor.

"I'm sorry. I'll figure something out."

"Figure something out?"

Preston sounded like he'd heard a joke. He moved closer, step by step, until he'd backed me against the wall.

"Where will you figure it out? Sell yourself? Or go beg that useless ex of yours?"

At the mention of Simon, my heart clenched painfully.

He was a thorn in Preston's mind and his excuse to torment me.

The truth was, Simon and I had no relationship. We'd simply talked a bit more than usual at a class reunion, and Preston had held it against me ever since.

"I didn't..."

I tried weakly to defend myself.

But Preston didn't want to hear it. He reached up to loosen his tie, his eyes cold and predatory.

"Since you need to pay back money, show some sincerity."

"Please me. Until I'm satisfied."

That night, Preston was like a man possessed.

No foreplay, no tenderness-only endless venting and punishment.

I bit my lip hard, refusing to make a sound, even as the pain made my whole body tremble.

Because I knew. If I cried out in pain or resisted, it would only make his treatment more brutal.

And there was my father's ventilator, which could be shut off at any moment.

When it was over, he stood by the window in a bathrobe, smoking.

Through the curling smoke, his silhouette looked especially cold.

I curled up under the covers, sharp pains radiating from my lower abdomen, making my heart race with fear.

The baby...

"Tomorrow night there's a charity gala. You're coming with me."

Preston suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse.

I froze.

Since our marriage, he'd never taken me to any public event.

In his circle, everyone knew he'd married a fallen heiress-a doormat who'd endure anything for money.

Taking me out would only embarrass him.

"What? Don't want to go?"

Seeing my silence, Preston turned around, his brow furrowing.

"No, it's not that..."

My throat was painfully hoarse.

"I'll go."

Preston nodded with satisfaction and stubbed out his cigarette.

"Vivienne will be there tomorrow too. She just got back to the country and needs an assistant. Since you're free anyway, go help her out."

So that was it.

He wasn't taking me to see the world, nor was he acknowledging my identity.

It was just that his mistress needed a servant.

And I, the nominal Mrs. Kingsley, was the cheapest, most convenient option.

"Okay."

I heard my own calm voice.

Really, as long as he paid, as long as I could save my father, I'd do anything.

Even if it meant carving out my heart to pave the way for these two lovers.