William Parker, with a cold expression, sat on the sofa and seemingly casually asked, "What do you think of this house?"
Emily Thompson, not understanding how he had suddenly brought up this topic, still instinctively replied, "Its fine."
This place was bright and spacious, with a considerable area, a property William had purchased after taking full control of Thompson Enterprises, but the one living here with him was Lily Adams.
Thinking about this, Emily felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if she couldnt breathe.
"Since its good here, how about you live here?" Williams voice was soft, but his words shocked Emily.
"You... what are you saying?"
As a legitimate wife, why should she live in the same house as a mistress?
"Since its good here, then how about you take care of Lily while shes pregnant? This way, you wont be bored," William continued, his voice laced with a dark undertone. "And you wont have time to mutter to your doll!"
Emily clutched her chest tightly; the irregular heartbeat revealed how much she resisted the idea.
"I am your wife."
He looked at Emilys shocked gaze and leisurely said, "Dont you want your doll back?"
Emilys eyes turned desperate, and she clutched Williams arm tightly, "Yes, I do!"
Williams eyes darkened as he looked at Emilys hand, and soon he appeared understanding, "Then take good care of Lily until she gives birth. Until then, you are not allowed to step out of this room."
Emily stiffened, unconsciously looking in the direction of the upstairs, where a flash of a snow-white skirt had passed, Lily had heard most of their conversation.
But she understood that she had no chance to resist.
From then on, Emily lost her doll and with it, her ability to see things. The unending torment from Lily Adams began.
There were no servants in the house, only her, Lily, and William.
William had to work, so he was often absent.
One day, Lily, displeased, threw the bowl of porridge she was holding at Emilys feet, shouting, "What is this youve made? Is it edible for a pregnant woman like me?"
Wearing little in the summer, the fragments bounced off the ground and scratched Emilys calf, drawing slow streams of blood, but she could not retort.
"Give me another bowl," Lily demanded.
Emily did as she was told. Lily first stirred the white porridge with a spoon and whispered, "Emily Thompson, I never thought you would have a day like this."
Then, catching Emily off guard, she poured the entire bowl of porridge over her.
The hot rice grains scattered across Emilys exposed skin, causing it to redden with burn marks.
Unable to hold back, Emily hissed, "Lily Adams!"
Lily sashayed over to Emily, one hand on her waist and the other covering her mouth, cooing, "Miss Thompson, Im pregnant and cant handle your loud shouting."
The provocative meaning in her words was clear to anyone who heard it. Emily endured the discomfort on her body, staring at Lily through gritted teeth, "Lily Adams, I advise you not to be so aggressive."
"Oh, is Miss Thompson threatening me?" Lily met Emilys gaze.
In the end, it was Lily who couldnt stand the pressure and averted her eyes, raising her voice sharply, "I think Miss Thompson hasnt realized the situation yet. Otherwise, try complaining when William comes back in the evening?"
Emily glared at Lily fiercely, her hatred growing thicker in her heart.
When William returned, the first to rush up was Lily.
She looked at William with a grievance, on the verge of tears but holding back.
William gently supported Lily, his voice soft, "Whats wrong?"
Lily pouted and glanced accusingly at Emily, "Today, Miss Thompson was not feeling well, so I didnt have the heart to let her cook."
Instantly, Williams cold gaze turned towards Emily.
Emily feigned composure, took a deep breath, and said, "This morning, Lily scalded me, and I was busy dealing with my injuries, so I didnt cook."
William frowned in displeasure, "Who is more important, you or Lily? If you dare to play any more tricks, I will not spare you!" He showed no concern for her injuries at all.
Emily looked at William in disbelief, unsure of how he had become this way.