Chapter 1 - The Night Ethan Stopped Trusting His Wife
The first thing Ethan heard when he entered his mansion was not a greeting.
Not laughter.
Not music.
It was the sound of his son crying on the marble floor.
A sound no father should ever hear.
Ethan froze at the entrance.
His hand remained on the doorknob.
His eyes locked onto Leo.
His three-year-old son was curled against Clara’s arms, shaking uncontrollably.
Then Ethan saw Victoria.
Standing there.
Perfect dress.
Perfect makeup.
Perfect expression.
Like nothing had happened.
“What is wrong with you?”
Ethan’s voice was dangerously calm.
Victoria slowly turned toward him.
“Ethan, don’t make this bigger than it is.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Bigger than it is?”
He stepped closer.
“You threw my son onto the floor.”
Victoria rolled her eyes.
“He was being difficult.”
Ethan stared at her.
“He is three years old.”
“He touched my gown.”
The silence that followed was terrifying.
Ethan looked down at Leo.
Then back at Victoria.
“You hurt him…”
His voice cracked.
“Because of a dress?”
Victoria crossed her arms.
“Someone has to teach him respect.”
Clara immediately stood between them.
“He was scared, Mr. Ethan.”
Victoria’s eyes turned sharp.
“And you should remember your place.”
Ethan’s expression changed.
He had heard enough.
“Leave.”
Victoria blinked.
“What?”
“Leave this room.”
She laughed softly.
“You’re choosing a maid over your wife?”
Ethan looked toward the staircase.
“No.”
He looked at Leo.
“I’m choosing my son over someone who hurt him.”
Victoria’s face hardened.
But she said nothing.
That night…
For the first time since their wedding…
Ethan locked his bedroom door.
Not because he wanted to keep someone out.
Because he finally realized…
Someone inside his own home was dangerous.
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And the next morning…
He discovered Victoria had been hiding something much worse than anger.
