“So that’s how it is,” he sneered. “Even now, you’re still crying for him.” His lips twisted cruelly. “You shout his name like a grieving widow. I’m sitting right here, Seraphina, yet it’s always Adrian.”

My heart lurched painfully. I wiped at my tears, shaking my head. “Dominic, I didn’t—”

He didn’t let me finish. “This is exactly why marriage is off the table.” He rose to his feet, looming over me. “Why would I marry a woman who’s still obsessed with a dead man? Forget it. There’s no point.”

The words struck hard, but he wasn’t done.

“Helena will be staying here from now on,” he added coldly. “She needs care.” He paused, then delivered the blow. “She’s pregnant.”

Everything inside me went numb. “What did you say?”

“You heard me,” he replied flatly, his gaze unyielding. “You’ll prepare her meals. She needs to eat properly.”

A hollow laugh escaped my lips, though they trembled violently. “I’m not your servant, Dominic.”

His eyes darkened. “You are to me. You’re useless otherwise.” His voice turned sharp. “If you don’t like it, then leave.”

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I forced them back. “So this is it? You’re with her now? You’re marrying her?” My voice cracked. “Then what was I to you, Dominic? What did I ever mean?”

The slap came without warning.

Pain exploded across my cheek as my head snapped to the side.

“You dare ask me that?” he shouted. “When you can’t even let go of Adrian?” His voice thundered. “Don’t think I didn’t know—you went to his grave. You cried there after telling me you loved me. You’re a hypocrite!”

Something inside me shattered completely.

“You used me,” he sneered. “So what if I use you too? That’s all this ever was. Nothing more.”

“I don’t want this,” I whispered, my voice shaking, barely audible.

“I’m not asking,” he snapped. “I’m giving you an order.”

At that moment, the door opened and Helena stepped inside. Her complexion was pale, her voice gentle. “Are you arguing because of me? I’m sorry, Dominic. I didn’t mean to cause trouble—”

He immediately pulled her into his arms. “No, Helena. Don’t apologize.” His gaze flicked toward me. “She’ll cook for you. It’s time she repays everything she’s taken from me.”

I didn’t have the strength to argue anymore.

My cheek throbbed, my body shook, my heart felt like it was bleeding out. I lowered my head and walked into the kitchen.