Chapter 3

The mere thought that, for the past three months, the man who had held her so intimately each night had come straight from another woman’s arms filled, she felt utterly disgusted.

Henry offered no explanation. He simply ended the call.

Gloria closed her eyes again. A moment later, a figure carrying cold wind wrapped around her from behind.

A cold kiss fell on her forehead.

"Gloria, I love you."

His voice was soft, so soft it felt as though the wind itself could carry it away… just like his love.

He had softened.

Gloria felt it clearly.

After eight years by his side, she knew him too well.

If he hadn't softened, he wouldn't have avoided Bianca’s words… nor would he have come to her now, murmuring love as though trying to conceal something.

Nothing could be more bitter than those words.

The last trace of warmth in her heart shattered completely. If they were determined to be together, then she no longer needed to restrain herself.

Having unloaded that burden, Gloria slept very soundly that night.

Except her sleeping position was no longer intimately nestled in Henry's arms like before. Instead, she turned away, leaving a gap between them.

The embrace that once brought comfort now stirred only disgust… and quiet resistance.

The next morning, when Gloria opened her eyes, it was already bright outside.

Warm rays streamed through the window, gentle yet blinding, forcing her to squint.

Touching the baby in her belly, Gloria's eyes filled with tenderness. She got up to wash up.

With Henry gone, the air felt lighter… easier to breathe.

But when she went downstairs for breakfast, two figures appeared in the dining room at the wrong time.

Gloria couldn't help but frown.

At the sound, Henry looked up. The moment he saw Gloria in her flowing white nightgown, her long hair cascading freely, a flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes.

Without hesitation, without even sparing Bianca a glance, he stood and wrapped an arm around Gloria’s waist.

"You’re awake,” he said gently?"

"I asked Bianca to go shopping with you today. I'll come join you after I finish handling some things, okay?"

No matter what happened… the one he claimed to love most was still Gloria.

Gloria tilted her head slightly, letting her gaze drift toward Bianca, just enough to avoid Henry’s approaching kiss.

Bianca couldn't hide it in time, the viciousness and jealousy in her eyes caught Gloria off guard as they crashed into her view.

Watching her awkwardly try to cover it up, Gloria smiled faintly, pretending not to notice.

Now wasn't the time to tear off the mask. She still had a surprise for them.

"Then I'll have to trouble you today, Bianca."

Watching them act like lovebirds, Bianca gripped her knife and fork tightly.

"Mr. Tudor is so thoughtful toward you, specially asking me to keep you company."

Sooner or later, she would make Gloria unable to smile!

Her eyes hid malice, just well concealed.

Right now they only looked sweet together. She didn't believe Gloria hadn't gone after receiving her text, didn't believe she really didn't know about Henry's affair!

A smug smile curved Bianca's lips.

Under the table, her stockinged toes climbed up Henry's leg.

Henry's body suddenly stiffened, his physical reaction surging uncontrollably.

His gaze darkened as he shot Bianca a warning look.

He hadn’t expected her to be so bold… not here… not now

Henry's gaze drifted guiltily toward Gloria. Seeing she hadn't noticed anything and was still chatting with Bianca, he relaxed, and that thrilling sense of having an affair filled his heart.

The sensation on his leg became clearer, and Bianca's glances at him grew bolder.

The muscles in his body tensed suddenly.

Gloria noticed. Even without seeing Bianca’s actions, she understood enough.

She set down her utensils with a clang.

The loud collision snapped the already tense Henry back to reality.

He covered up with concern.

"What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?"

"I just remembered,” Gloria said calmly, “my father’s birthday is coming up. Is it too late to have a custom dress made?"

She deliberately brought up the birthday in front of Bianca.

Sure enough, a calculating look flashed in Bianca's eyes.

Henry exhaled softly in relief and squeezed Gloria’s hand.

"You’re worrying over nothing. I’ve already arranged everything. You just need to go try it on."

Such intimate words would make any woman envious.

"Thank you, Honey."

Gloria's voice was sweet as she watched Bianca's unconcealed jealousy and smiled.

How unfortunate. What Bianca fought so desperately for… had never truly been worth it.

Carrying her bag, Gloria went to the mall with Bianca, chatting and laughing.

"Gloria, I really envy you,” Bianca said lightly. “Having such a wonderful husband."

Gloria pretended to be happy, touching her hair and smiling sweetly. "That's just how he is. But your boyfriend treats you well too. Look at you now, so refined."

Her eyes looked Bianca up and down.

Compared to before, the tackiness about Bianca was long gone. Her refined appearance clearly showed she'd been built up with money.

Her complexion glowed, her eyes carrying an unmistakable, alluring charm.

"You don’t even know,” Bianca said smugly. “He can’t stay away from me at night… it’s almost too much."

Her smug look only made Gloria find it ridiculous.

A rotten man, if she insisted on treating him as treasure, then she could have him.

"Well, congratulations on finding your own happiness. I'll be waiting for your good news then."

Sure enough, at those words, Bianca's previously arrogant and boastful expression immediately turned ugly.

She bit down hard, her usually well-maintained composure finally breaking.

This was her greatest pain!

No matter how hard she tried, no matter what she said or did, Henry had never truly given in.

What he gave her… was everything except what mattered.

Why did Gloria get to have it all!

Gloria picked up her bag. "Let's go try on dresses."

If Bianca wanted status, the simplest way was to force the issue in front of Jasper.

After all… Gloria had failed to conceive in three years, and the Tudor Family had serious complaints about her.

She'd pointed out the clear path, it was up to Bianca what to do with it.

Bella Notte’s couture was nearly impossible to secure, especially private designs.

But for the Tudor Family, it was simple.

In the extremely luxurious fitting room, rows of haute couture were neatly arranged. High-end pieces that Bianca couldn't even borrow normally were laid out before Gloria for her selection.

This was why Bianca had gone to such lengths to steal Henry. Even without emotional connection, she'd used the resources Henry gave her to go from an unknown minor celebrity to where she was now.

"Mrs. Tudor, Mr. Tudor has already sent over your measurements. These have all been altered to your size. You can try any of them."

A respectful voice spoke as the saleswoman's face broke into a big smile.

She spread out the form in her hands, almost ingratiatingly presenting it before Gloria.

"These are the measurements Mr. Tudor provided. See how much he loves you, he even had someone personally confirm such a small detail. It's really enviable."

Gloria glanced at it lightly and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

But these weren't her measurements.

Staring at the figures, she looked at Bianca with a half-smile.

Bianca pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth with an innocent expression.

"Gloria, did Mr. Tudor make a mistake? Why are these my measurements?"

As if she'd said something wrong, her voice cut off abruptly.