When His First Love Returns

Chapter 2 Provocation

Sitting on the sofa, I sipped the rose tea Wendy had prepared, watching the uninvited Stephanie.

Stephanie sat elegantly on the sofa opposite me, another cup of tea before her.

“Rose tea was my favorite when we were dating. It's touching he still remembers and keeps so much at home…”

Stephanie reminisced wistfully, describing how deeply in love she and Xavier had once been. I rolled my eyes internally, maintaining a placid expression.

Unfazed by my indifference, Stephanie continued, her voice measured.

“Looking at you now, you really do resemble me, especially the eyes and eyebrows.”

I stared at her, speechless.

“My dear sister, our appearance is due to our parents' genes. If anyone resembles anyone, it should be that we resemble Mom and Dad, not that I resemble you. Understand?”

I added another jab.

“It seems all those years dedicated to dance have made you forget all about basic biology.”

Stephanie's expression finally cracked, her smile faltering.

“Yvonne, after all this time, your tongue is still as venomous as ever.”

I smiled. “Flattery will get you nowhere. You haven't changed either. Choosing to follow Yosef Lowe and his mistress for money… seems like you're doing quite well.”

She dropped the pretense, her face turning cold.

“Yvonne, you're nothing but a substitute. Xavier will soon discard you and return to me!”

“Even if he does discard me, the Jackson family behind me won't stand idly by. And you, my dear sister?”

Her face paled.

“Yosef ran off with so much of Mom's money, claiming he wanted to start his own business. Did he succeed? And you, choosing to follow him, have you become a wealthy heiress?”

My words were sharp, hitting their mark.

“I have the Jackson family backing me. What do you have? Xavier?”

“Pity, he's already taken steps to suppress your scandalous affair. Do you still think he's that naive college student you could beckon with a finger?”

My words enraged Stephanie, finally shattering her gentle facade.

I watched her like a clown, unmoved, until Xavier entered.

Stephanie, poised to unleash her fury, instantly reverted to her previous demeanor, turning to Xavier with tears welling in her eyes.

“Xavier…”

“What are you doing here?” Xavier’s tone was sharp.

“I wanted to explain things to Ms. Jackson. I was worried the news would affect your relationship.” Tears streamed down her face. “But Ms. Jackson wouldn’t listen and told me to get out…”

Stephanie’s lies flowed effortlessly. I narrowed my eyes, bracing myself for Xavier’s inevitable reprimand on behalf of his beloved.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Stephanie’s accusation, Xavier’s expression softened.

“It’s understandable that my wife misunderstood. I don’t blame her. After all, I didn’t handle this well.”

Hmm?

This wasn’t the expected white-moonlight-versus-substitute drama.

“Stephanie and I weren’t alone that day. It was a class reunion.”

Xavier looked at me, seemingly offering an explanation.

“There were other people around in that photo. Someone deliberately cropped and enlarged it to make it look like we were alone.”

“I really didn’t meet Stephanie alone.”

I looked at Stephanie, her face a mask of discomfort. She clearly hadn’t anticipated Xavier’s explanation. Despite this, she managed a strained smile.

“I’m glad the misunderstanding is cleared up. I was truly worried my presence would cause trouble between you and your wife… Xavier, I’m so sorry.”

Ignoring Stephanie, I turned to Wendy. “We’ve had something unclean in the house today, Wendy. Please be thorough when you clean later.”

Stephanie understood my implication. She wanted to retaliate but held back because of Xavier’s presence. Biting her lip, she said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. I’ll leave now.”

As she looked up, a few tears trickled down her lashes, a picture of vulnerability.

After Stephanie left, I looked at Xavier, surprised. He stared back, lost in thought.

I couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you going after her?”

“Why would I?” He seemed genuinely puzzled.

I didn’t press further, assuming he was simply oblivious. If he chased after her and they were photographed, it would be a loss of face for both the Lannister and Jackson families. Perhaps that was his concern, I thought.

Xavier looked at me. “This won’t happen again. I promise.”

I was exhausted from recent events, especially Stephanie’s words, which brought back the darkest period for the Jackson family.

“You don’t need to promise me anything. We’re just commercially married.”

My tone was flat. Xavier’s jaw tightened, a flicker of hurt in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

I said nothing, walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower. Ignoring the temperature, I let the water wash over me, wanting to clear my head.

I became Mrs. Lannister to stabilize the Jackson family. Xavier married me, a Stephanie look-alike, to appease his family. We were both using each other. There was no need for explanations.

I constantly reminded myself not to expect too much. A timely exit was the best option.

Later that night, I started to shiver, unable to get warm despite the blankets. In my hazy state, I felt someone turn on the light and touch my forehead.

Xavier’s worried voice filled my ears. “You have a fever. We’re going to the hospital.”

I curled up, letting him drape a coat over me and carry me out.

I woke up in a hospital bed, an IV drip attached to my hand. Xavier sat beside me. He started to call for a nurse as I awoke, but I stopped him.

“Don’t go…”