Young... Miss?

Lilia's P.O.V.

Sigh.

"Young Miss, this is the fourth time you've sighed. Is something bothering you?" Marie's voice broke through my thoughts as I continued to gaze out the window, the book in my hand forgotten.

I turned my head slightly to see her, needle in hand, carefully stitching a delicate pattern onto a handkerchief. The rhythm of her work was soothing, almost hypnotic.

"I don't know, Marie," I finally replied, my fingers tracing the edges of the book absentmindedly. "I just feel... unsettled. Like I have forgotten something."

Marie glanced up from her stitching, her eyes full of concern. "Perhaps it's the book, Young Miss? You haven't turned a page in a while."

I looked down at the book, realizing she was right. The words on the page blurred together, my mind was too distracted with everything going on in my head to focus on them. "Maybe," I murmured, acting dumb. It's better if I know Lilia's background before I dive into any sh*t. "Or, I am again forgetting something dear to me. Like it's there. And, I'm trying to remember. But, I just can't remember."

My words seemed to strike Marie as she looked up at me in pure shock. "Young Miss, do you not remember your parents?"

"Young Miss?" My eyes shifted from Marie to the door, only to find Augustus leaning against the door frame. "You do know that Lilia is married to me. Right, Marie?"

Marie's entire body froze at his words. "Calling my wife Miss. Should I presume you don't approve of our marriage?"

I raised an eyebrow as Augustus casually leaned against the door frame, his smirk more pronounced than usual. *Oh, here we go.*

"Augustus," I drawled, "I didn't realize you were an expert on proper titles. Should I start calling you 'My Lord' now? And, for the record, don't bother my maid."

He gave me a look that was half amused, half exasperated. "Well, if you're aiming to get on my nerves, you're doing a fine job. But, I do have news."

I straightened, my curiosity piqued despite myself. "Oh? And what would that be?"

Augustus pushed off the door frame and walked further into the room, his gaze softening as he met mine. "Angela will be staying with us for a few days. She's arriving this evening."

My heart skipped a beat. Angela. The name stirred up a swirl of emotions, both confusing and troubling. I had hoped, if not believed, that her presence wouldn't disrupt our lives so directly.

"Angela?" I repeated, trying to mask my apprehension with a smirk. "How lovely. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see me. And, that too pregnant with your child."

Augustus's eyes narrowed slightly, but he chose not to comment. "You are my wife. Just do as you please. Plus, I called dad. She'll leave for his mansion in a few days. There's absolutely nothing for you to worry about."

I gave a noncommittal shrug, pretending to be absorbed in the view outside the window again. "I'm not worrying, Mr. Reynolds. I'm warning you. If she does try anything against the life in my stomach, my maid or me. A divorce would definitely be next in order. Don't you forget what you promised me, Augustus."

Augustus stepped closer, his demeanor shifting to a more serious tone. "I understand your concerns, Lilia. But remember, I'm committed to making sure our lives stay on track. I won't let anyone—Angela included—cause unnecessary trouble."

I tilted my head, my gaze steady as I met his eyes. "I hope you're right about that. Because if Angela tries to overstep her bounds, she'll find out just how serious I can be. I don't take threats lightly."

Augustus let out a heavy sigh, clearly frustrated. "Please, don't let your temper get out of control. I'd rather not deal with any additional issues."

I gave him a tight smile, maintaining a cool facade. "You should say that to your dearest Angela who's arriving."

"Lilia… She might be my first love. But, I wouldn't cheat on my wife."

I felt a tense silence envelop the room after Augustus's words. His declaration, while meant to reassure, only served to heighten my anxiety. I watched as he tried to mask his own frustration with a forced calmness.

"First love or not," I said, my voice steady despite the undercurrent of anger, "a promise is a promise. I trust you'll keep it. But don't mistake my patience for weakness."

Augustus nodded, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. Marie's presence seemed to have receded, her focus returning to her stitching, as if to avoid the brewing storm.

"Of course," he replied, his tone measured. "I'm aware of what's at stake. Angela's presence is only temporary, and I assure you, she'll respect our boundaries."

I studied him for a moment, gauging the sincerity in his eyes. Despite my doubts, I hoped he was telling the truth. The thought of Angela's potential interference was unsettling, and I had no intention of letting her—or anyone—disrupt the fragile peace I'd managed to hold onto.

"Good," I said, finally allowing my tension to ease slightly. "I appreciate the reassurance. Just remember, Augustus, actions speak louder than words."

Augustus gave a curt nod, acknowledging the weight of my statement. With that, he turned to leave, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room.

As he walked out, I glanced at Marie, who looked up with a hint of sympathy in her eyes. Her fingers moved deftly over the fabric, but her gaze remained fixed on me.

"Are you alright, Young Miss?" she asked gently.

I forced a smile, though it felt brittle and unconvincing.

"I'll manage, Marie. Thank you."

Marie gave a small nod, her attention returning to her work. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

"On that note, Marie. Please contact any lawyer and prepare the divorce papers for precaution. I have a very bad feeling."