Chapter 2

Apparently, when Alexander had first set his sights on Natalie, she was terrified of him, fearing he'd be abusive and unpredictable like the rumors suggested. So she found me.

At the time, I desperately needed money and had gone to the Sinclair family for help.

"Didn't you say you'd never take a penny from the Sinclairs?" Natalie had sneered. "Didn't you say you'd never come back to this family, even if you were dead?"

I ignored her taunts and begged our father on my knees.

Natalie was Father's daughter from before his marriage, a fact she never let anyone forget. My mother had been from a respected family, and after marrying Father, she had helped him climb the social ladder. But when her family fell on hard times, Father divorced her without hesitation.

Mother and I had no choice but to move to my grandmother's place in the countryside, struggling to make ends meet. Mother's health had always been fragile, and the hard work eventually took its toll.

When I went to beg Father for help, he agreed to lend me money on one condition: I had to marry Alexander in Natalie's place.

Young and naive, I agreed.

The day I moved into the Merchant house, Natalie mocked me. "Congratulations, your life is about to become a living hell," she sneered. "I heard Alexander is abusive. I wonder if your delicate frame can handle it."

I thought I was walking into a nightmare, but after the wedding, Alexander showered me with love and affection. He sent a constant stream of jewelry and designer goods to the house, insisted on bodyguards accompanying me everywhere, and never let me lift a finger.

Every time I felt Alexander's love, I couldn't help but think how much he must have loved Natalie. How else could he have transformed from the rumored violent man into this incredibly gentle person?

When I wanted to go out, I had to lose the bodyguards. Reluctantly, I called Alexander.

"Missing me already? I just got to the office," he teased.

"Be a good girl and wait for me to come home tonight."

Steeling myself, I said, "I want to go shopping with my friends. I feel embarrassed asking them out when you always have bodyguards following me."

There was a moment of silence before he replied, "Alright. Keep your phone on. Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

Hearing his plaintive tone, I quickly agreed. "Of course, I'll definitely be there for dinner with you."

"Okay, have fun, sweetheart."

After hanging up, Alexander sighed and gazed out the window at the flying birds. No matter how beautiful the cage, it couldn't keep her forever.