Chapter 3

Just as I anticipated, before I could ponder further, there was a tap at the entrance.

Winona's voice, filled with sorrow and urgency, came through.

"Cole, why are you ignoring my calls? Have you fallen for that awful Stella and left me and our baby behind?"

As she spoke, she rushed into Cole's embrace, clinging to his neck.

The sound of their passionate kisses filled the room.

After a prolonged moment, Cole finally spoke, his voice breathless. "Don't you already know who truly holds my heart? If it weren't for the financial security, to provide for you and the child, do you think I'd be willing to play along with her charade?"

"What about our wedding?" Winona pressed. "I don't care what you say. You have to marry me first, or I'll never feel at ease."

"She's just a foolish romantic," Cole scoffed. "Don't be deceived by her initial cold facade. Now, she's completely smitten with me. The moment I bring anything up, she agrees without hesitation. It's pitiful."

Despite having memories from my previous life, my heart still ached so intensely at this moment that I struggled to breathe.

It became clear that Winona was already expecting at this point.

It became apparent that all my sincere devotion to him was merely "pitiful" in his eyes.

Tears silently fell from my eyes, quickly dampening the pillow beneath me.

The sound of heavy breathing in the living area grew more intense. Through the doorway's gap, I glimpsed two naked figures intertwined on the sofa.

Winona's tone no longer held the earlier pretense of hurt. Instead, she was teasingly playful, chiding, "Ah, mind the baby! Were you this eager with Stella too?"

"Of course not," Cole replied with a laugh. "She always acts so aloof and distant. How could she possibly be as enjoyable as you? You're both due around February. When the time comes, we'll simply switch the infants and everything the Hale Family possesses will be ours."

Their cruel words filled my ears, each one piercing deeper into my heart.

Under the covers, my nails dug into my palms. The sharp pain failed to numb the overwhelming ache in my chest. My entire body felt immobilized from the anguish.

The two of them continued their liaison for what seemed like forever.

Finally, Winona wrapped her arms around Cole's neck, her voice flirtatious. "I've got a new outfit I just received today, want to see it?"

Without hesitation, Cole lifted her up and carried her off to another "rendezvous spot."

Exhaustion overcame me and I fell into a deep, troubled sleep.

The following morning, I phoned my mother.

When I informed her that Cole wanted to hold a ceremony with Winona first, she was so enraged that she abandoned her usual composure and unleashed a torrent of angry words.

After hearing me say that I was willing to proceed with the family's arranged marriage, she exhaled deeply. "Ah, your father and I always sensed something was amiss with Cole. His gaze never seemed genuine and he didn't appear trustworthy. It's a relief that you've come to your senses through this ordeal. They've been pressuring us, so if you've made up your mind, let's proceed in three days."

Hearing that, I fell quiet.

Three days later was the exact date originally set for my wedding with Cole.

Just as I ended the call with my mother, I heard the sound of the door opening.

Cole entered carrying breakfast. The moment he saw me, he set the food on the table.

The aroma of gardenias drifted to my nose. It was Winona's favorite. The strength of the scent was enough to confirm how "eventful" their night must have been after leaving here.

Frowning, I pushed away Cole, who was attempting to embrace me. "The smell on you is too strong. It's making me feel sick."

He sniffed his arm and let out an awkward chuckle, his expression slightly unnatural.

Seeing that I wasn't planning to pursue the matter, he eagerly opened the breakfast and pushed it toward me. "It's your favorite, century egg and lean pork congee."

I didn't touch my spoon. I wanted to argue but realized it was futile.

The first time he made congee for me, I had already told him that I disliked the taste of century eggs. Yet, he insisted on adding them every time, claiming it was my favorite.

Back then, I attributed it to the typical absent-mindedness of a man.

It wasn't until this morning, when I used an alternate account to check Winona's social media, that I discovered century egg and lean pork congee was her favorite, not mine.