Chapter 4

Julian, of course, was predictably charmed by Seraphina' s dramatic apology and her feigned concern after the "snooping" incident.

"She just gets so passionate about her interests, Elara," he' d said, a touch of admiration in his voice. "It's endearing."

Endearing. I nearly choked.

Seraphina played the part of the misunderstood intellectual, devoted to my well-being, perfectly. She fluttered around me, offering me teas and "energy-cleansing" massages, her eyes constantly flicking towards Julian.

This was my chance to push them closer, just as before, but this time, on my terms.

"Julian," I said one evening, appearing tired and leaning on his arm. "Seraphina has been such a help, but I worry she' s not comfortable in the main house. All the hustle and bustle with the staff, and my needing so much quiet time."

He looked concerned. "Is she complaining?"

"Oh, no, never! She' s too sweet for that," I said quickly. "But I was thinking... the guest cottage by the old oak grove? It' s so peaceful there. And it' s quite close to your private office wing, isn't it? She could have her privacy, and you could easily consult with her about her... wellness advice for me, without disturbing my rest."

His private office wing was secluded, offering them the perfect, undisturbed place for their affair to blossom. Just like it did in my past life.

Julian' s eyes lit up. "The cottage? That' s an excellent idea, Elara. Very thoughtful. It is much quieter there. And yes, convenient for... consultations."

He was already picturing it. The clandestine meetings, the thrill of the forbidden.

I smiled weakly. "I just want everyone to be comfortable."

Seraphina was overjoyed with the arrangement. The cottage was charming, isolated, and most importantly, a stone's throw from Julian.

She thanked me profusely, her eyes gleaming with triumph she thought I couldn't see. "You're too good to me, Elara. Like a sister."

I merely smiled.

The familiar betrayals began soon after.

One afternoon, Seraphina was "helping" me prepare one of her special "health tonics" in the sunroom. It was a vile, steaming concoction she insisted would strengthen the baby.

Suddenly, with a little cry, she "tripped," sending the hot liquid splashing all over her arm and expensive silk blouse.

"Oh! Oh, heavens!" she cried, clutching her arm, her face contorted in pain.

Julian, who had "coincidentally" just walked in, rushed to her side.

"Seraphina! What happened?"

She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes, and then glanced quickly at me, a look of pained accusation. "It... it was an accident. I think... I think I bumped into Elara. Or perhaps she... oh, it doesn' t matter. It' s my own clumsiness."

Subtle. Just enough to plant the idea that I was somehow to blame, either through clumsiness or, worse, neglect.

Julian' s face hardened as he looked at me. "Elara! You need to be more careful! Seraphina is trying to help you, and this is how you repay her?"

"Julian, I didn't..." I began, feigning shock and hurt.

"Don' t make excuses!" he snapped, his voice sharp. "Look at her, she' s in pain! You' re pregnant, you should be more aware of your surroundings, not causing accidents!"

He was already infatuated, already siding with her.

I let my eyes fill with tears, playing the wounded, innocent wife. "I... I' m so sorry, Seraphina. I don' t know how that happened."

Seraphina gave me a small, martyred smile. "It' s alright, Elara. Really. Just a little burn."

Julian, however, was not appeased. He fussed over Seraphina, insisting on calling a doctor, glaring at me as if I were a malicious child.

He practically carried Seraphina out of the room, cooing reassurances.

I watched them go, a cold smile touching my lips.

Everything was proceeding exactly as I remembered. And exactly as I planned.

His unjust anger, his blind devotion to her – it would all fuel his downfall.