“If you want me to bow down, dream on.”
Hesper stood straight but her body trembled ever so slightly, not only out of anger but also fear.
Rickard sneered and said, “You’re still stubborn and refuse to admit your mistake?”
He snatched the child and passed him to Juniper before he pushed down Hesper’s back to force her to bow down.
The emaciated Hesper bowed down instantly.
The sight of her bowing over was painful to the eyes.
In fact, Rickard could even see the wisp of agony on her expression. Knowing that he did not exert much strength, he wondered why she could not even withstand that.
She’s only faking it again!
Hesper did not care about herself; when her baby was taken from her, she shouted hysterically and stretched out her arms. “My baby! Give me back my baby!”
Juniper wanted to see Hesper suffer so how could she possibly hand back the child to Hesper. She pretended to be startled by Hesper and hid behind Rickard in a haste.
The child bawled even louder, and his little face flushed scarlet.
Hesper could not stop herself from throwing herself onto Juniper in an attempt to take back her child.
Rickard shielded Juniper at once.
“Are you done? How can you be a mother when you’re acting like this? Tell the truth quickly, or I won’t let you off.”
“Yes, I met her. Will this do?” Hesper shouted in despair. She could not see any gleam of hope anymore after witnessing Rickard’s actions today.
She glared at them ferociously while bowing down. “I was reckless and unscrupulous in my efforts so I could marry you and destroy your wonderful relationship. Are you pleased?”
“Hesper!”
The veins on Rickard’s forehead pulsed constantly, and he was on the brink of losing his temper.
Hesper was fearless and she sniggered. “What? Wasn’t this the response you sought when you brought her home so openly? I’ll fulfill your wish then so that the both of you don’t have to sneak around in the future!”
“What do you mean by sneaking around? You’re talking nonsense.” Juniper looked as if she was about to cry.
Hesper sneered. “Would you dare tell me that both of you were not together yesterday night?”
“We…”
“Juniper, you don’t have to tell her,” Rickard said coldly. “Since you’re so impertinent, you’ll continue bowing here until you admit your mistake! Let’s go.”
Rickard left with Juniper and the child without the slightest hesitation. He was so distant as if the the person bowing was completely unrelated to him.
Juniper smiled at Hesper in a provocative yet proud manner before she left.
Hesper did not care about Juniper’s provocation, but she cared about the child in Juniper’s arms. Her arms that hung at her sides turned into fists that became tighter and tighter.
She heard the sound of Madam Duval and Sophia arrive at home and heard their laughter from gloating in her misfortune after learning that she was punished to bow down.
“You should punish her like this so she won’t think that she can disrespect all of us or think that her status has risen just because of her child.”
Rickard was so agitated that he grunted at them impatiently.
Sophia said to Juniper, “Juni, it’s been such a long time since we last met. Now that you’re back, would you like to stay for lunch today?”
“Right, right, right. I remember you used to enjoy the fish prepared by our chef here. I’ll get her to cook for you today.”
Madam Duval immediately gave orders to the servants. Her enthusiasm toward Juniper was the complete opposite of how she treated her daughter-in-law, Hesper.
Juniper smiled shyly. “Thank you very much for your invitation, Madam Duval. It’s a good opportunity for me to chat with Soph.”
Everyone was having a good time chatting. They paid attention to Hesper or wondered if her back was aching from bowing down due to her recent delivery.
Hesper kept her head lowered and did not utter a word in the nursery, but she became even more determined to leave this place.
The only thing that she was glad for was that Madam Duval and Sophia, who did not seem to be bothered by the crying baby, ordered a servant to send the child back after a while, so she got to see the child for a while longer.
Even if it was while she was bowing.
Lunch was ready. The Duvals had always enjoyed lavish feasts and more food was prepared on purpose to welcome Juniper that day.
Madam Duval, Sophia, and Juniper occasionally talked about something interesting before bursting out into laughter.
Yet, Rickard’s mind gradually drifted to the nursery for some unknown reason.
It’s been so long. This should be about enough time for the woman to bow, right?
At that thought, he ordered the servant to prepare a meal portion and got up.
“Where are you going, Rickard?” Juniper spoke at once, having been monitoring him secretly all this time. Coming from her, who had a bright smile on her face, it sounded more like a casual inquiry.
Rickard stopped for a moment and said, “I’m going to check on the baby.”
Juniper was having a hard time forcing a smile. If he’s going to check on the baby, why is he bringing a meal tray with him? It’s obvious that he’s bringing food to Hesper.
However, she could not express her unwillingness because she had just gained back Rickard’s trust. She would need time to repair their relationship slowly.
Hence, she gently reminded him, “Go, quick. Check up on Hesper while you’re at it. Don’t keep her bowing.”
“Sure.”
Rickard left, thinking that only Juniper would be kind enough to think about others.
Madam Duval and Sophia complimented Juniper for being a beauty with a good heart because of how caring she was toward even someone like Hesper.
Juniper smiled but did not speak. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her flesh.
How is that caring? I’m going to take back what’s mine bit by bit!
Upstairs, Hesper was still bowing when the baby suddenly cried. A servant told her that the baby was probably hungry, so Hesper picked up the child and breastfed him.
Meanwhile, Rickard came into the room just as she put down the baby after feeding him. Hence, in his perception, it appeared as if Hesper had not followed his order at all.
However…
Glancing at her swollen ankles from prolonged bowing, he decided that he would not lower himself to her level. With an indifferent expression, he ordered the servant to serve the meal to her.
“Do you know your mistake? If you know, you may eat.”
“That’s none of your business.” How would Hesper still have the appetite to eat after being humiliated like that. She swung her hand and pushed away the meal, scattering it on the floor.
In fact, some of the food had even splashed onto Rickard’s pants. The anger in his chest was ignited once again. “Hesper! Don’t push your luck!”
Hesper was fearless when she met his aggressive gaze. “You just want to stand up for your beloved woman, right? Why are you still acting like a hypocrite? Who are you trying to show off to?”
“You’re impossible!”
Rickard felt as if his kindness was in vain. He had already ignored the fact that she got up without his permission, yet she still had the audacity to fool around?
“I must be punishing you too lightly. Continue to bow down until the next morning!”
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The people in the dining room heard the quarrel and assumed expressions that showed that they were intrigued.
“What a fool. He gave her a way out, yet she didn’t appreciate it.”
Sophia expressed her contempt.
Juniper was delighted in her heart. She wanted them to quarrel; it would be wonderful if they could quarrel more.
That way, she would have a chance at regaining Rickard’s love.
“Madam Duval, Soph,” Juniper suddenly said, “I have something that I’d like your help with…”
Upon hearing her remark, both of them smiled to express their approval.
“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure to help rekindle your relationship.”