"Stella Henson, I know it was wrong of me to hide my identity and take another wife. But there are no what-ifs in this world. The only woman in all the capital who matches my standing is the Grand Chancellor's eldest daughter."
"You and I lived as husband and wife at the foot of this mountain for three years. I know exactly who you are."
But he had hidden his identity. How could he be so certain I hadn't done the same?
I looked around. The cabin we'd built with our own hands. The fields we'd tilled together. I wanted so desperately to believe all of it had been real.
"Chester, I'm carrying your child. Can't we go back to the way things were? Please don't marry her."
My eyes locked onto the man before me. If he would just say yes, I was willing to forgive everything.
But all he did was press his lips together and say, his voice flat, "She and I have already consummated our union. I have a duty to her."
My eyes burned red. My body wouldn't stop shaking. "And what about me? You don't owe me anything? You don't owe this child anything?"
Chester reached out and brushed the tears from my cheek, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Stella, listen. I'm only taking a wife. I'm not abandoning you."