Edmund's first wife, the one who died in a car accident. This was her younger sister.
Audrey Pruitt.
Because there was no money, our wedding had been a modest affair—just a few tables at a small banquet.
I'd long since cut ties with my family, so every guest there was a friend of Edmund's.
Audrey had come too.
She'd lifted her chin and spoken to me in a tone that was less request than command.
"You'd better take good care of our Edmund and little Felix from now on."
At the time, I'd told myself that a sister-in-law was still family. Even though her words left a sour taste in my mouth, I said nothing.
Now, looking back, the arrogance in her eyes was unmistakable. She'd looked at me the way a lady of the house looks at the hired help.
I stumbled home in a daze and found the front door slightly ajar.
Edmund sat on the couch. A man in a tailored suit stood beside him, his tone deferential.
"Mr. Mason, Miss Pruitt has been taken home safely."
"It's just... yesterday was your anniversary with Louisa, after all. Are you sure you don't want to give her something a little more... substantial? You bought Miss Pruitt a luxury condo for her birthday."
Edmund shook his head, indifferent.