Chapter 2

When Ridel was 12 years old, her parents died in a carriage accident. Soon after, her uncle's family moved into the Dromore Baron's estate, and her father's older brother, the uncle, took over the Dromore Baron's estate in place of Ridel, who had no other relatives.

At the same time, Ridel's happy childhood came to an end.

Things were still manageable when her cousin Kurt was around. However, he didn't get along with his stepmother Minerva, who lived a life of luxury, and his father Michael, who spoiled his stepdaughter Yvonne. Three years ago, Kurt left home under the pretext of studying abroad.

After that, Ridel's life changed dramatically. The room she had been using was taken by Yvonne, and she was confined to the estate without making her debut in society. Her uncle's family only occasionally visited the estate, spending most of their time in the townhouse in the capital, living a life of luxury.

As a result, Ridel began to handle the various tasks on the estate in place of her uncle. However, all the money and personnel were controlled by her uncle and his wife, so Ridel had no money to spend freely and no maid to take care of her.

The estate's staff had been drastically reduced, and Ridel had to do everything herself, from cleaning and laundry to the estate's miscellaneous tasks, living a life no different from that of a servant.

Shortly after Kurt left for his studies abroad, Ridel was engaged to Gilbert, her childhood friend from the neighboring estate, at the suggestion of her uncle. Ridel had no objections; in fact, she thought it was for the best.

They had grown up together like siblings, and while she didn't have romantic feelings for him, they began to treat each other with a gentle affection after becoming engaged. Ridel found great comfort in their relationship.

And once they were married, she would be freed from both the house and the labor. She began to dream of that day.

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The incident began three months ago.

"It's been a while. Ridel, I'm going to be staying in this remote estate for a while. Please take good care of me."

Yvonne suddenly arrived from the capital. It was unusual for the fashion-loving Yvonne to come to such a remote place, especially when the social season had just begun.

"Yvonne, how long will you be staying here?"

This cousin, two years older than Ridel, didn't particularly single her out for bullying, but she was self-centered and used people, which made Ridel feel gloomy.

"Just for this year's social season."

"But the social season has just started."

Yvonne always looked forward to the social season.

"Stop being so noisy. I've had some issues, and I have to stay here until things cool down. Go prepare some tea! You're so inconsiderate."

She lashed out in irritation. Clearly, she had caused some trouble in the capital, and her doting uncle and aunt were likely covering up her misdeeds.

When Yvonne returned, Ridel only thought it would be troublesome.

But soon, the sophisticated and refined Yvonne and Gilbert, who rarely left the estate to help with the household, fell in love quickly.

Gilbert, whom Ridel had always thought of as simple and honest, ended up getting Yvonne pregnant within three months.