Chapter 3

Natalie's POV

Three days later, the Shaw family estate held a banquet.

I didn't want to go, but Ethan's grandfather, Samuel Shaw, personally called me.

I was only able to marry into the Shaw family because he insisted, despite everyone's opposition. In this family, Samuel was the only person who genuinely cared about me.

I put on slightly heavier makeup to cover the haggardness from days of insomnia and stomach pain.

As soon as I walked into the living room, the originally lively atmosphere instantly turned cold.

Everyone's gaze fell behind me.

I turned around.

Ethan had his arm around Vivian's shoulder and was slowly walking in.

Vivian wore a pure white haute couture gown, like a fragile porcelain doll, frail and boneless as she leaned against the man.

That dress was a globally limited edition from a certain luxury brand. I'd seen it once in a magazine and casually mentioned it looked nice.

At the time, Ethan promised it would be my third anniversary gift.

Now, that dress was on Vivian.

How ironic.

"Natalie, don't misunderstand."

Seeing me, Vivian immediately pulled away from Ethan as if electrocuted, nervously clutching her dress.

"Mr. Shaw said the banquet would be lively. Ethan was afraid I'd be bored alone in the hospital, so he brought me to get some fresh air."

How thoughtful.

I watched her clumsy performance coldly and said word by word:

"Since when are outsiders allowed at Shaw family banquets?"

As soon as I spoke, the surroundings fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Ethan's expression instantly sank to rock bottom.

He pulled Vivian back to his side, his gaze cutting at me like a knife.

"Natalie, watch your words. Vivian is my lifesaver. In this family, she is not an outsider."

Lifesaver.

That damned lifesaver again.

Years ago, when Ethan was kidnapped, Vivian took a knife for him.

Because of that one knife, Ethan worshipped Vivian like a deity, giving her the stars if not the moon.

I took a deep breath. Just as I was about to speak, Samuel came down from upstairs with his cane.

"What's all this noise!"

Samuel's authoritative voice echoed through the hall.

He walked downstairs, glared fiercely at Ethan, then waved at me.

"Natalie, come help me to the dining room."

Suppressing my bitterness, I walked over and supported Samuel.

During the meal, the atmosphere was bizarrely tense.

Vivian sat next to Ethan like a person who couldn't take care of herself.

She wanted soup, Ethan personally ladled it for her.

She looked at the shrimp in the distance, Ethan put on gloves to peel them for her.

All his gentleness, all his patience, went entirely to her.

And I, the legitimate Mrs. Shaw, was ignored by everyone.

"Ethan, I want to eat that salmon."

Vivian pointed at the poached salmon in front of me.

Samuel had specifically ordered the kitchen to make it for me.

Without even glancing at me, Ethan stood up and placed it in front of Vivian.

"Eat more. You're too thin."

My grip on my chopsticks tightened sharply.

"Enough!"

Samuel finally couldn't take it anymore and slammed his chopsticks on the table.

"Ethan, do you even see your wife anymore?!"

Ethan paused, his tone flat but rebellious.

"Vivian's body is weak. She needs nutrition. Natalie is healthy. She can eat anything."

Can eat anything.

My stomach began to ache faintly again.

After the banquet ended, Samuel called Ethan to the study.

I walked alone to the back garden for air. The night breeze was cool, blowing against my face and clearing my head somewhat.

"Natalie."

A ghostly voice sounded behind me.

I turned around to see Vivian holding a glass of red wine, slowly walking toward me.

Where was the frail, helpless appearance from the dining table?

Now her eyes were full of provocation and triumph.

"Can I help you?"

I looked at her coldly.

"Nothing much. Just wanted to thank you."

Vivian walked up to me and looked down at her white dress.

"This dress is so beautiful. Ethan said only I deserve to wear it. What do you think, Natalie?"

I smiled instead of getting angry.

"Someone else's hand-me-down trash that you treat like treasure. I have nothing to say."

Vivian's face instantly twisted.

"Natalie, what are you so smug about?"

She lowered her voice.

"You think occupying the position of Mrs. Shaw means anything? Ethan doesn't love you at all! He won't even touch you!"

"Whether he touches me or not is none of your business. As long as I don't divorce, you'll forever be a mistress who can't show her face in public." I didn't back down.

"Is that so?"

Vivian suddenly smiled strangely.

The next second, she violently splashed the red wine in her hand onto her own dress, then grabbed my hand and shoved it hard against herself.

Vivian screamed and rolled down the steps.

I stood frozen, not yet understanding what had happened, when a dark figure charged over like an enraged leopard.

"Vivian!"

Ethan shoved me aside, the force so great it threw me directly into the nearby rose bushes.

Sharp thorns pierced my palm, and blood immediately gushed out.

But Ethan couldn't see it at all.

He picked up Vivian, who lay on the ground crying, then looked up at me with eyes that wanted to kill me.

"Natalie, if anything happens to the child in Vivian's belly, I'll make you pay with your life!"

Like a thunderbolt from clear skies.

I sat collapsed in the thorny rose bushes, letting blood drip down, yet feeling no pain at all.

Child.

Vivian was pregnant.

So this was what he meant when he said he wouldn't even touch me.