Chapter 2

John replayed the scene in his head, still in shock. "I'll go check it out right now."

Raymond frowned, a shadow crossing his face. Playing hard to get was such a basic move.

He might be playing right into her hands by going to check it out himself.

Raymond stopped John. "No need."

After all the effort she put in, she'd definitely show up again.

Selena rushed back to her apartment, scrubbing herself clean multiple times before collapsing onto her bed.

As she closed her eyes, all she could think about was Raymond's intensity during sex. At first, she couldn't handle it, but later, that extreme thrill seemed to seep into her bones.

Honestly, having Raymond as her first wasn't the worst thing, except for hearing another woman's name from his lips.

Olivia Stone, the real reason Raymond wanted a divorce.

Even though she was dead tired, the pain in her body kept her awake.

Selena tossed and turned but couldn't get comfortable.

She got up and opened the drawer, pulling out two marriage certificates.

When they got married, Raymond wasn't even there, but with William's influence, Selena managed to get it done on her own.

This was the first time she faced Raymond's name printed next to hers.

After a quick glance, she tossed the certificate back and decided to visit her sister, Alice Fair.

Driving to the hospital, it was noon, and the servant watching over Alice had gone to eat.

Alice, who was resting, saw Selena and her petite face lit up with joy. She quickly sat up. "Selena, what brings you here!"

Alice's face was still a bit pale, but her spirits were high. "Did Dad freak out again? I told him I was fine and to keep it a secret from you."

Selena sat by the bed and handed her a cup of warm water. "Dad's just worried about you."

Alice had been frail and sickly since childhood, sometimes needing to catch her breath after just a few steps, and often had to stay in the hospital for days. James doted on her with special affection.

"But I really hate being in the hospital. Mom's always watching, and I can only eat oatmeal," Alice pouted pitifully. "I've heard the nurses talking about the hospital cafeteria's clam chowder. I've been craving it."

She grabbed Selena's hand. "Selena, you're the best. I can be discharged today; just a few bites won't hurt."

Alice's eyes widened with excitement, looking so innocent.

Selena couldn't say no and bought her some clam chowder.

"You can only taste it. Don't swallow," After reminding her repeatedly, Selena took the spoon, just about to feed her when Beatrice's voice came from the door.

"What are you doing?" Beatrice, both shocked and angry, quickly walked over, grabbed the spoon and bowl, and threw them into the nearby trash can. "Trying to harm Alice while I'm not here? I knew you had bad intentions!"

Selena was pushed aside, glancing at the clam chowder in the trash can, feeling a bit self-mocking.

"What else did she give you? Are you feeling sick?" Beatrice checked Alice over, ready to call James and complain. Alice quickly grabbed her. "Mom, you've got it wrong. I made Selena buy it."

Beatrice paused but didn't look embarrassed. "Well, she's your sister, she should know better than to do anything you. If it weren't for her, would your dad have ignored us for so long? Would your health be this bad?"

Alice stopped her. "Mom, stop it. Selena's busy with work and doesn't get to visit often."

Beatrice snorted, glaring at the quiet Selena.

She never liked Selena, who was James's ex-wife's daughter.

The only reason she tolerated Selena was because she was still useful to the Fair Family. She glanced at Selena's neck.

It was clean, no marks.

Beatrice wasn't sure if her plan last night had worked.

If it weren't for hoping the Montague Family would help the Fair Family again, she wouldn't have pushed someone excellent like Raymond onto Selena. It was just unfortunate that Alice's health was so poor.

Beatrice's annoyance showed in her tone. "Raymond's back in the country now. As his wife, you shouldn't just think about yourself. You should figure out how to get the Montague Family to support your dad."

Listening to Beatrice's self-righteous tone, Selena smiled slightly, "Aunt Beatrice, you make it sound like I haven't helped before. Is that what you think, or does Dad think so too?"

Beatrice was left speechless, and Alice quickly said, "The doctor prescribed some medicine for me. Selena, could you get it for me?"

Leaving the room, she heard Beatrice's voice behind her. "Your dad hasn't wronged Selena all these years. She just holds a grudge against me. Barbara died from overwork, and your dad was busy socializing at the time. Life wasn't easy. I think she blames me for Barbara's unfortunate fate."

Selena frowned. Last night had really hurt her, and she had been holding back to keep Beatrice from noticing.

After getting the medicine, she went to the gynecology department.

Her vagina was severely abused. The doctor examined her with a serious expression. "Do you need to report this to the police?"

Selena was stunned, somewhat understanding, and explained awkwardly, "Actually, it's my husband. He just got back from a business trip and lost control for a moment."

Seeing Selena's hesitation, the doctor gave her a knowing look. "Here's some ointment. Remember to apply it, and avoid sex for now. Tell your husband to be more restrained. You're young; don't ruin yourself."

The doctor almost thought Selena had experienced some misfortune.

Selena awkwardly took the ointment.

Just as she left the gynecology department, she ran into Alice's biological brother, Nick Fair.

He looked up, his gaze falling on the medicine in Selena's hand.

A strange look crossed his eyes. "Selena, are you here to see Alice? Are you feeling unwell?"

Nick had a grin plastered on his face, all suited up and looking sharp, but something about his stare made Selena uneasy.

She handed over Alice's meds with a cool expression. "I've already seen her. Take these to Aunt Beatrice."

Nick arched an eyebrow. "Come on up with me. It's been a minute since we last caught up."

"Nope, got other stuff to do," Selena said, passing the meds and turning to leave the hall.

Nick watched her elegant figure fade away, a sly look in his eyes, and couldn't help but bring the medicine bag to his nose for a sniff.

A stunning woman like Selena showing up at the gynecology department and grabbing antibacterial and antiviral meds? Yeah, that got his mind racing.

Nick's eyes darkened, feeling a spark of desire.

He didn't expect Selena to look so composed but have such a wild personal life.

With Raymond out of the picture for three years, it made sense for Selena to find other partners.

No rush; she'd have to come back to Fair Manor eventually, and he'd have plenty of chances.

Selena got into her car, still feeling a bit suffocated.

Back when Beatrice, Alice, and Nick moved into Fair Manor, Nick and Selena, who weren't related by blood, had to interact a lot, which made things awkward for Selena.

Even though James had asked her to stay, when she hinted that Nick could move out, James was in a tough spot.

James felt he owed Beatrice and Alice, and that extended to Nick.

Not wanting to make things harder for James, Selena moved out.

Now, she felt more like the outsider.

Selena didn't need to clock in at the studio, but on her way home, her phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, her mood took a nosedive.

The ringtone kept going, and Selena took a deep breath before answering, "Mrs. Montague, hello."

The caller was Catherine Montague, Raymond's mom.

Since Selena and Raymond got hitched, the high-and-mighty Catherine had been super unhappy with her. Selena, being smart, kept her distance from the Montague family, except for putting on a show in front of William.

"I hope you can come to Montague Manor to discuss the divorce in person," Catherine said bluntly, already threatening Selena in case she refused. "Selena, you should know, we only agreed to this marriage because of William. Now that Raymond is running the Montague Group, he's in charge. William will likely relent too."

In other words, this marriage was over.

Catherine even expected Selena to try something. After all, what woman would willingly let go of Raymond?

Even if they couldn't win his love, just being around him would be enough.

But on the other end of the line, Selena responded calmly, "Alright, should I come over now?"