My heart is boiling like a burning fire, hastily I run into the study, trying to restrain my anger so as not to become a murderer. I fear I will not be able to control myself and do something foolish. But how can I, when my daughter is now witnessing the most abominable things a father or a mother can do?

I open the door and immediately the unbearable scene rushes into my sight. Francine is trying to comfort my daughter, while my husband stands by and watches. His smile is genuinely happy and sincere, and I am not even sure if he ever smiled at me like that. Seeing me, Francine becomes cautious and hands my daughter back to my husband. She is not like the "mistresses" in the stories I have read. Francine actually has a virtuous appearance and a broad education. She does not behave arrogantly or conceitedly like a beautiful woman. She is like a younger, more obedient, and perfect version of myself. Francine is the counterfeit of the Fiona of the past, perhaps that is why my husband cannot get over that woman.

Francine steps forward to me, trying to act calm, but behind the pink powder is a worried look. Augustin just stands behind, silently observing the two women facing each other. Francine smiles at me and greets, "Mrs. Morten, long time no see..."

Without letting her finish her sentence, I immediately slap Francine's hand hard. I no longer care about what they will say about me, only my daughter matters. I can accept Augustin sleeping with her, wherever, in the office or right in this house, in front of or behind me. Since I found out about their relationship, I never said a word. But there is only one thing I cannot accept, which is to let my daughter be close to their shameful story. I will not tolerate or condone that action.

Augustin hastily holds his child with one hand and embraces his lover with the other. He looks at me angrily and exclaims, "Fiona! What's wrong with you?"

"Ask yourself, Augustin!" I retort. "I don't care what you two do, but don't involve my daughter!"

My maid has observed everything. Seeing the story escalate, the young girl suddenly becomes flustered. Augustin quickly helps his mistress sit on a chair, not forgetting to comfort his delicate lover. Behind her fragile appearance, she is a scheming woman. My husband may not realise or care, but I can see it clearly. As a woman in the same position, I know her well.

Augustin hands my daughter back to Anna and instructs her to take her to the room. Francine then follows my husband's orders and leaves, leaving only the two of us in the spacious room. My husband locks the door tightly and remains silent for a while, while I have no choice but to stand and stare at his back. It has been a long time since we have had time together, and it seems that Augustin's body has become more robust than before. I can see that his shoulders are broader, and his arms are bigger under his shirt. I am also the same. When we are no longer a burden to each other, we both develop in a more positive and happier direction. I do not consider my current life perfect, but there are no longer as many lows as before. As for Augustin, I am sure he is very happy with his lover. He has obedience and a weak woman who depends on him. He has everything he could not find in me.

Augustin stands still, with a pensive expression as he contemplates something. His hand rubs against his smoothly-shaven chin. I am familiar with that gesture. The last time I saw it was the night we argued, also the night I gave birth to Elizabeth. Suddenly and without warning, Augustin hands me a slap without a hint of sympathy. I collide with the bookshelf, then fall onto the floor. The books on the shelf are jolted and fall like apples, hitting my head and back. One of them strikes my hand and spine. A cracking sound echoes as if signalling that my bone has been broken. I am in such pain that I cannot speak. I clutch the injured hand, even though I know there is a bookshelf behind me, I still unconsciously retreat behind. I thought I was strong enough to face my husband's violence, but how could I know how strong the waves could be in a violent storm.

My face is filled with terror. The closer Augustin gets, the smaller I become. He carefully picks up a large book from the shelf, and I assume he will not read it now, that it is intended for me. My face turns grey. I immediately think of shouting for help, but suddenly my whole body stiffens and I cannot do anything. I can only look up and see my husband approaching with a thick book of nearly a thousand pages in his hand, ready to hit me at any moment. I hold my breath and listen to the ticking of the clock on the wall. Tick-tock. Tick-tock...

The constant knocking and loud calls of Andermis from outside the door distract my husband. In a moment, I suddenly feel relieved and full of hope. When my husband puts the book down, I finally dare to breathe again. Augustin steps out to open the door with a not-so-happy expression. The two brothers face each other with the animosity that has been going on for so long. Augustin growls in his throat, asking, "Are you here to meddle with my wife again?"

"I'm here to stop you from doing foolish things that cannot be undone," replies Andermis.

Andermis replies succinctly. At first, he manages to maintain some composure, but when he sees me sitting on the floor with my hands throbbing, Andermis immediately runs inside to check on me. Overwhelmed with emotions, I cannot help but hug him tightly. Once again, Andermis comes to me when I need him the most. I feel so small and completely helpless without him here.

Andermis wipes away the tears from my face and at the same time, concernedly holds my hand that is now red and oozing fresh blood. I am still not entirely calm, but I can clearly hear his heart beating faster than ever. Worried, Andermis asks softly:

"How are you feeling?"

"It's alright, Andermis. Just a minor scratch ..."

"Oh, can we not act out this intimate scene anymore? My younger brother and my wife, cuddling each other right here in this house, and in front of me. Aren't you two embarrassed?"

Augustin's smirk and teasing are like adding fuel to the fire just when Andermis is trying to control his frustration. Immediately, he stands up and punches my husband in the face. My husband staggers and falls backward. Sneering at his older brother, Andermis says:

"Here's the punch back from that day. I should have punched you earlier, big brother!"

Augustin swears and real anger takes hold of both men. My husband rushes in to retaliate, but Andermis is one step ahead. I stand on the side watching the two men fight, with no intention of interfering. I would if Andermis were in the lower position, but that does not happen.

After dodging several punches, Andermis adds another punch straight to my husband's nose, and without saying much, I can feel the pain even standing outside. In a moment, I suddenly forget the pain in my hand. Andermis makes me feel something new. He heals me.

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The "martial arts battle" between the Morten brothers was witnessed by all the family members through the open door. Of course, just a few minutes after the quarrel, it came to my mother-in-law's attention. Mrs. Rose's expression is visibly angry as she is standing right infront of the study. Seeing her silhouette from afar is enough to make me tremble. Throughout the life of Mrs. Rose, the one word "reputation" is most important to her, yet now her two sons and daughter-in-law have done something shameful in front of others. I silently pray that the mansion will not collapse before Christmas.

She enters the room and looks at her two sons and me with judgmental eyes. Andermis and Augustin are silent. She says nothing, gently closes the door, and everything in this room will stay in this room forever, never to leak out even a fraction. Her two sons, both large and dignified, now appear small and insignificant. Without a word, Lady Rose gives each of them a loud and sharp face slap. I fear she will also hit me, but she only glances at me before turning away. My mother-in-law is the queen on the chessboard, and everyone else is completely useless before her.

"Two sons: one is the vice chairman of one of London's largest banks, and the other is a lawyer studying abroad. Too much for one person to pursue such an education, yet they behave no differently than the vendors outside the market. Is that what we taught you?"

Andermis remains silent, while Augustin cannot blame all the mistakes on his younger brother. My husband complains to her, "He and Fiona were sneaking behind my back."

"And you didn't even hide his shameful behaviour with another woman. Yes, I know everything!"

Her words are precise down to the punctuation, even though I only hear it like that. For the first time since I was married into this family, Lady Rose took action to protect Andermis and me, as well as exposing Augustin. I know that Andermis and I will soon step up to her horse's stirrup, but my mother-in-law has truly taken an unexpected step, and I completely respect her for that.

Augustin is berated to the point where he dare not say anything. My husband obediently keeps silent like a little kitten. My mother-in-law continues, "I don't care what happens between you and Fiona, but she is still your wife and a daughter-in-law of the Morten family. I turned a blind eye to your illicit relationship, but I won't ignore it if it affects the reputation of this house. Hide those love affairs in a glass case like a statue or a pet, I don't care. I don't want to hear any more gossip!"

We listen to every word of her admonition, and even if we disagree, we do not dare say anything. Then she kicks her two sons out of the room, leaving only me with her. Andermis is still hesitant before leaving the room, unsure about leaving me alone with his mother. Lady Rose is full of grace, clasping her hands together and asking, "Do you have something to say?"

Andermis cannot resist the influence of his mother. My mother-in-law never misses an opportunity to use her title "Queen of Thorns". But that could not stop Andermis from protecting me. With no other option, I nod at Andermis as if to assure him, and only then does he leave. When the door is closed, I have to steel myself to face my mother-in-law. Lady Rose walks up to me and looks at me for a while, then focuses on the wound on my hand. She lifts my hand and examines it, and I could not guess the meaning of her expression. Then she lets go of me, walks to the cane, and sits down, then gestures for me to sit across from her. Queen of Thorns is probably the same age as my mother, but she looks youthful and sophisticated. Gently, she begins the conversation, "I have heard a few stories about you and Fiona."

"Yes..." I replied softly, listening attentively to her.

"An exemplary woman. A noble woman with an admirable education. A happy and progressive family. A dutiful believer. And a loyal lover."

The woman lists every aspect of my being with a gentle touch, exposing me like a naked body before many eyes. I bow my head, looking at the two shoes that have peeled off a piece of skin, as well as the ant carrying a piece of cake next to them. I try to organise my thoughts to be able to answer her, but I do not know what to say. My mother-in-law continues:

"I don't like you, Fiona. I haven't liked you since Augustin introduced you to me, and it's still the same now. Among the girls I approve of, you have never been on that list. But Augustin, my son, only wants you. Even though it knows that you and the butler's son love each other, it still insists on waiting."

"He tells you, Mother?" I ask in amazement.

"I know everything, Fiona," she smirks lightly. "If I had strongly opposed it from the beginning, things would not have escalated to this level. But we all have to face our decisions, don't we?"

I remain silent and do not reply. The conversation between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has never been comfortable, but today I will try to listen to her. Mrs. Rose continues:

"At the moment you wrote the letter in response to Augustin, I was sure that you were a person who thought about the big picture. Lamstrong, a name from the remnants of feudalism, may have faded away, but I know that inside you are still very strong. You are one of us, representing this class. I know you have never loved Augustin, but you chose to marry him instead of that boy for yourself."

"I did it for my family, not for any other reason!" I hastily correct her words. I suddenly become agitated hearing those words.

"Oh, Fiona, don't think everyone is as naive as my son. You didn't do it for your family, but for yourself. Your father's shadow is too big for you to realise that you are the one who needs that thing called 'family heritage'. You don't love anyone but yourself and your ideals."

"I do not know what you are saying, Mother!" I turn my face to the side, trying to avoid her gaze. I do not agree with what she says, nor do I object. On the contrary, I begin to ponder what she is saying. I feel strange as a part of me somewhat accepts each sentence, each word of hers. Could my mother-in-law be right?

Suddenly, my mother-in-law stands up. She smooths out the creases on her black and blue dress with her hand. Calmly, she says, "I know about my husband's adulterous affairs behind my back, and not just recently, since the early days I knew. But I kept quiet and lived up to my reputation. I only hope you remember one thing, you are a Morten, and a title is the most precious thing a person can possess. Keep it and do not destroy it."

I am surprised by her calmness when she mentions my father-in-law's infidelity, which also explains her nonchalance towards Augustin's situation. The biggest difference between the two is that my father-in-law keeps everything very secretive, and the rumours are completely unfounded without any certainty or affirmation. Lady Rose steps to the door. Her hand rests on the doorknob. I see her twist it, but then let it go. She turns around and looks at me, feeling confused in her mind. Before I can defend myself, she says one final sentence: "As for the matter between you and Andermis, I don't know what stage you two have reached..."

"We are nothing to each other...," I explain.

"Well, that's good. But I often encounter things that contradict their essence, so I will also remind you of a few things. Fiona, from the beginning, you have had your choice. You did not choose the butler’s son, you did not choose Andermis, you chose Augustin. Augustin only!"

Her words ring out clearly like a church bell. They are like a sound that purifies the soul and awakens someone from a dream. She reminds me once again of my choice, of what I have sacrificed and traded. She reminds me of who I am. I am no longer an ordinary woman. I am Fiona Morten, wife of Augustin and mother of Elizabeth and Francine. I possess no alternative choice but to live in accordance with my true identity. And that identity shall remain exclusive to Augustin alone, without exception, not even Enzo or Andermis.