3#03

3

They were unaware that, despite my prolonged starvation, an inner strength sustained me. While Robert slumbered, Rebecca approached me with a taunting expression and whispered, audible only to me.

"Angeline, I'm surprised by your fortune; you've managed to survive. However, the final outcome remains uncertain. I've secured my place in the Payne household, so the true Mrs. Payne is yet to be determined, isn't it?"

Rebecca's smirk held a blend of malice and contempt. She had returned to Singapore six months prior.

Before her arrival, Robert's affection was solely mine.

He'd rush me to the hospital at 3 am for a simple cold. When I craved pastries, concerned about cleanliness, he'd leave work to prepare them himself. A minor cut on my hand would bring tears to his eyes.

When I collapsed from an allergic reaction, Robert, panicked, called me Angel repeatedly, fearing my loss.

Rebecca's return changed everything. The endearment "Angel" vanished, replaced by my full name, Angeline Rosendale.

His Rolls Royce's passenger seat, once mine alone, became Rebecca's domain. Robert no longer cooked for me and rarely made time for me.

My visits often found him entertaining Rebecca at Disney, enjoying hot pot, or engaging in winter sports. When questioned, Robert's irritable response was always similar.

"Angeline Rosendale, aren't you overreacting? Rebecca's new here and knows no one. What's wrong with me spending time with her? I've promised to marry you eventually. Can't you behave like a future Mrs. Payne? Please, don't embarrass yourself."

Returning to the present, I regarded Robert coldly, emotionless, as if he were a stranger. I'd forgotten that my rebirth had stripped away my capacity for love.

"Robert, may I sleep here? The lighting is pleasant," Rebecca said, eyeing my bedroom in the Payne villa. Despite the obvious feminine touches, she feigned innocence and charm.

"Please, can I have this room?"

Robert nearly agreed, then hesitated. "This is Angel's room, Rebecca. She decorated it. We need her permission."

He looked at me uncertainly. Before he could speak, I smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Rebecca. You're welcome to stay here."

Robert's surprise was evident. "How can you say that?"

He likely couldn't fathom why I, who once blushed at Rebecca's mere presence, now seemed indifferent.

"If Rebecca likes it, let her have it. Her happiness is yours, isn't it?"

Rebecca and Robert stared at me, shocked. I gathered my belongings and moved to the adjacent guest room.

Exhausted from my Antarctic ordeal, I needed rest. Upon waking, I'd plan my next steps. Darkness had fallen when I awoke. Opening my eyes, I sensed a presence beside my bed. As I grew alert, Robert spoke softly.

"Angel, why did you discard our engagement rings?"

His eyes were reddened, his voice strained. His words left me momentarily stunned.