Chapter 2

Gideon leaned close to my ear, his voice low. "Why is everything progressing so quickly?"

I let out a soft laugh, my eyes sparkling with mischief. The demure facade I had shown to Sir Reginald moments ago was nowhere to be found.

Sliding my hand under his tailored jacket, I gave him a playful squeeze. "What? Don’t you trust me?"

He tilted his head down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just hate being apart from you."

"Relax," I said with a sly smile. "With the little pills you’ve given me, that old man doesn’t stand a chance. Go downstairs and calm Victoria down. At least let me settle in properly first."

Gideon chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Tomorrow night. Meet me in the garden after the banquet. I’ve missed you terribly these past few days."

I playfully smacked his chest. "Alright, now go."

With a lingering smile, he left the room.

Not long after, the shouting from downstairs faded. I changed into a casual outfit and descended the grand staircase.

Sir Reginald sat on the sofa, struggling to catch his breath, one hand pressed to his chest.

I hurried to his side, pouring him a glass of water. "Darling, are you alright?"

He sighed heavily. "Victoria… I’ve spoiled that child beyond reason."

I leaned gently against him, lowering my gaze demurely. "We have a prenuptial agreement. If you explain that to her, I’m sure she’ll understand."

He patted my shoulder softly, his voice kind but weighed with guilt. "You’ve been nothing but good to me. It was my mistake to hide my identity from you at first. I owe you an apology."

I kept my head lowered, my expression tinged with disappointment.

"It doesn’t bother me that you have a daughter," I murmured. "As long as I have a place in your heart, I’m happy. I just regret that I can no longer pursue my passion for design."

A fond smile crossed his face. "You want to be a designer? Then you shall be. I’ll appoint you as the head designer at Beaumont Textiles."

I looked up, my eyes shimmering with excitement. "Truly? But… will Victoria agree to that?"

His expression darkened. "This is my family, my company. She doesn’t get to decide. Do as you please—I’ll handle everything."

Overjoyed, I kissed his cheek. "Thank you, darling!" I clung to him, showering him with affection.

That afternoon, at precisely 3 p.m., I administered his medication.

The next morning, I reported to Beaumont Textiles for my first day as chief designer. I couldn’t deny the thrill of it.

I got along splendidly with the design team. They all knew I was Sir Reginald’s new wife, so no one dared to cross me. Even those who disapproved kept their opinions to themselves.

Victoria, however, wasn’t so restrained.

That very day, she stormed into my office and trashed it completely.

I stood there, surveying the mess in silence. Without a word, I called for my assistant to clean up. Then, I returned to Beaumont Manor.