Chapter 3 Anyone But Marian

As Rogelio's words resonated, Kyra was struck dumb, her comprehension unfolding in disbelief.

Marian, too, experienced a jolt of astonishment.

The realization hit hard-Kyra had orchestrated the drug's administration, an attempt to aid Rogelio in his pursuit of an heir.

"Rogelio, I...I merely wanted to assist you." Kyra's explanation quivered with sincerity. "I know your reluctance, but the drug's effects would diminish your resistance. The priority is securing a child."

Rogelio's lips curled in a wry smile. "Mother, it seems I've disappointed you."

"What? What do you mean?" Kyra's consternation was palpable.

"I wasn't with Marian last night."

Rogelio's revelation left Kyra flabbergasted. "Where were you? Didn't you sleep in the wedding room before visiting the cemetery at dawn?"

A cemetery visit?

The notion of a cemetery visit unfurled an alternate perspective-it appeared Marian had gone to pay her respects to Neal, which might explain her absence.

Upon Rogelio's silence, Kyra's gaze veered to Marian, her fury mounting. "Speak up!"

"I...I did visit the cemetery alone. Rogelio briefly occupied the wedding room and then left."

"Why didn't you detain him? Are you devoid of any sense of agency?"

Marian was rendered speechless. How could she have detained him?

Against his strength, she was but an inconsequential entity-his capability to terminate her existence was ever-present.

"I won't have sex with her." Rogelio's voice, devoid of emotion, rang coldly. "Mother, refrain from such unsavory methods."

Not even if every woman in the world perished would he cast a second glance at Marian.

Anxiety lacing her tone, Kyra inquired, "So, how did you neutralize the drug? Its potency is formidable. Without sex, you would endure immense suffering. You are my only son, and I won't allow any harm to befall you."

"No need to worry about that, Mom."

Indeed, a woman had intervened, saving Rogelio from the drug's clutches. Her supple skin and sinuous waist had imprinted on him, stoking an addictive desire.

Determination surged-Rogelio would find her, no matter what the cost!

He was resolute to achieve this.

The previous night, contraceptive precautions had been absent, repetitions notched uncounted-conceivably impregnating the woman.

Interrupting Kyra's impending discourse, Rogelio interjected forcibly, "I'm aware of your yearning for a grandson. I will honor that wish."

"What will you do? Seek another woman? Absolutely not! Such an act is disreputable. The Bailey family's status precludes dalliances and illegitimate offspring. Since you've wed Marian, let her bear your child."

Kyra's mindset clung to traditional conservatism, harboring reservations about extramarital affairs.

Compared to most women, Marian was deemed compliant due to her reputable lineage and empathy for her elder son's fate. She was a good fit for the Bailey family, in Kyra's opinion.

However, Rogelio was adamant-the conviction in his tone unwavering. "Anyone can bear my child except Marian."

"You-"

"Even if she carried my child, I would... kill the baby with my own hands!"

Rogelio's declaration hung heavily in the air, a chilling resolve.

The implications left Marian's heart in turmoil-his hatred toward her was so profound that he even wouldn't show mercy to their imaginary child.

Having been intimate with him the prior night, could she already be carrying his child?

Apprehension gripped her, prompting thoughts of clandestine contraceptive measures.

Rogelio's departure followed, trailed by Kyra's perturbed scrutiny, her gaze dissecting Marian.

The discomfort of Kyra's gaze bore heavily upon her.

"Marian, given Rogelio's reluctance to be intimate with you, artificial methods are your only recourse to conceive."

Before Marian could voice her inquiry, Kyra summoned the guards, who promptly whisked her away.

Confined within a hospital room, doctors and nurses frequented her, administering injections, conducting examinations, and dispensing indecipherable explanations-egg cells, ovulation induction, medication dosages, and the like.

Half a month elapsed, culminating in Marian's release from captivity, her departure from the hospital's confines.

Surveying the adjacent pharmacy, she mused upon her predicament. After a prolonged duration, the efficacy of contraceptive measures seemed dubious.

Resignation was an unwelcome companion-one she grudgingly embraced.

Still, deep within, she prayed that pregnancy hadn't befallen her.

In turmoil, Marian eventually decided to prioritize her education by heading to her university. She deemed her studies paramount.

At this moment, a black Maybach idled at the roadside, its window gliding down to reveal Rogelio's chiseled features.

Gazing at Marian in the distance, he inquired, "Did you meet with the doctors?"

"Mr. Bailey, there's no need for concern." Matteo continued, "Mrs. Bailey won't become pregnant with your child."

"I hope you're not wrong." Rogelio snorted dismissively.

He comprehended his mother's intentions and opted to comply outwardly, wary of generating a rift that could damage their relationship. Consequently, he discreetly arranged a consultation with the obstetrician-gynecologists.

"Understood. Mr. Bailey, you're scheduled to meet with the president of Elite University at 10 a.m. Are you heading there now?"

"Yes." Meanwhile, Marian entered a lecture hall in the Elite University, pondering how to account for her absence during the past days.

She couldn't just say she went to get married or even crazier, to engage in fertility preparations.

Abruptly, a figure blocked her path.

Raising her gaze, a flicker of unease washed over Marian. This was the last person she wished to encounter.

"Hey, Mrs. Bailey, my lucky sister, who married into a wealthy family." Lorna's tone dripped with envy. "Why bother attending class? Don't you have others to do that for you?"

Marian retorted flatly, "I also eat and sleep on my own."

With that, she sidestepped Lorna and walked away.

Lorna shared a bloodline with Marian as a half-sister, yet she had perpetually exploited and bullied Marian since childhood-snatching toys, clothes, cars, even her living space, whenever her fancy dictated.

Marian's stepmother consistently favored Lorna, displaying hostility towards Marian.

And their father, Grady Chapman, had grown indifferent to Marian after remarrying.

Within the Chapman family, Marian occupied a lowly position.

So Lorna couldn't fathom Marian's elevation into the Bailey family and seethed in response.

"Leaving so soon? It's not as easy as it seems, is it?" Lorna obstructed Marian anew, a malicious glint in her eyes. "Don't overestimate yourself as a wealthy madam. Marian, did you have a lonely wedding night?"

Marian's response was one of confusion and astonishment. How did Lorna know?

Lorna's smug admission followed. "I spotted Mr. Bailey at the bar that night, and we raised a toast. Drop the airs; your life in the Bailey family isn't as lavish as you pretend."

"I may face challenges, but I am now Mrs. Bailey," Marian's smile held firm as she stated. "Address me respectfully. I am a member of the Bailey family."

"You!" Lorna's countenance wavered with anger. She struggled to find a retort.

Marian's posture conveyed newfound assertiveness. "If you have grievances, take them up with the Bailey family and discover whether they support your bullying!"

Lorna had long been accustomed to exploiting Marian's vulnerability, so this unexpected resistance caught her off guard.

At the sight of Marian poised to leave, Lorna's unwillingness surged. She extended her hand to detain her, asserting, "You think you can just walk away? I'm not done!"

Marian attempted to evade her grip.

However, in an unexpected twist, Lorna's fury intensified. She exerted force, propelling Marian backwards with a harsh shove. "Bitch!"

Marian, weakened by her skipped breakfast and hypoglycemia, lacked the stamina to remain upright.

As she teetered and began to fall, Marian noticed a smirk in the corner of Lorna's lips.

In that instant, Marian anticipated the impending impact, but it never arrived.

Instead, a robust pair of arms enveloped her waist, halting her descent. She was drawn close, cradled in their embrace.

A deep, commanding voice resonated, its tone authoritative. "What is this behavior? How dare you shove my wife?"