I closed my eyes, feeling like daggers were piercing my chest. I couldn't bear watching the man I loved shower another woman with affection while despising me.

"This is my office. Please go to the reception room," I insisted when I opened my eyes.

Richard sneered and shoved me aside. "Sophia Collins, you think having the title Mrs. Blackwood makes the family yours? You're not worthy!" he said harshly.

His cruel words hit me like ice water.

I stepped back, helplessly watching as Richard carried Helen into the bathroom.

He was right. This place belonged to the Blackwood family, not me.

Richard opened the wardrobe, pulled out an unused outfit, and handed it to her. "Take a hot shower quickly. You might catch a cold," he said softly.

"Richard, it's not that I don't want to wear Sophia's clothes. But you know about my skin allergies—I can only wear custom-made clothing," Helen said with a troubled expression.

"You mean the ones from Eastpeak? I'll get them right away." Richard turned to leave.

"Richard, I suddenly feel dizzy." Helen pressed her forehead and collapsed into his arms.

Richard caught her and then noticed I was still standing there. "Go to Eastpeak and get Helen some clothes," he ordered coldly.

His tone left no room for argument.

A thunderstorm was raging outside. He only cared about Helen, never considering that I'd have to brave the weather too.

Looking at Richard's condescending expression, I couldn't bring myself to explain that the storm had halted taxi services. It wasn't safe for a woman to drive alone from West City to East City in this weather.

I knew he wouldn't care. All that mattered was getting Helen her custom clothes.

I swallowed my bitterness and left.

They say love is cruel—whoever falls first loses. I'd fallen for Richard the moment I saw him. I was destined to always yield in our relationship.

The rain poured heavily, the sky as dark as my mood. Visibility was less than fifteen feet ahead; I had to rely on instinct to drive. Thankfully, the streets were deserted.

When I returned to my office two hours later with the clothes, Helen was calmly sitting on the sofa wearing my outfit.

Richard stood beside her, drying her hair.

"Richard, try this grape. It looks weird, but tastes amazing." She fed him one.

Those were my grapes. Lately, my pregnancy cravings have been yearning for grapes from my hometown. Eva had specially arranged to have them delivered. The box had just arrived yesterday—I hadn't even opened it myself.

He lifted his head with a smile, accepting the grape. "If you like them, take them home later," he said tenderly, gazing at her lovingly.

Their interaction was warm and intimate, like true lovers.

"They make a perfect couple, don't they?" a smug voice came from behind.

I turned, startled. Zedd Nichols, Richard's friend, wore a half-smile.

"Yes, that's why you're destined to be just a fan," I replied lightly. I could be sharp-tongued too—just not with Richard.

Zedd, Helen's devoted fan, always targeted me for Richard and Helen's sake. I showed him no mercy in return.

"You—" Zedd stormed off, clearly stung by my words.

"Oh, Sophia, you're back." Hearing my voice, Helen turned, speaking innocently. "I was just wondering where you got your clothes. Surprisingly, I'm not having any allergic reaction. It feels wonderful."

"So you won't need these anymore?" I turned and tossed the Eastpeak shopping bag in the trash.

Helen's smile vanished. She lowered her head, sniffling. "Sophia, I'm so sorry you went through all that trouble. Please don't be mad at Richard. He only sent you because he was worried about my allergies."