Imogen was still recovering from childbirth. She took a short walk in the garden to <b>clear </b>her mind before returning to her room.


    Back in her room, Archie brought a basin of water to wash her feet. After drying them, he helped her settle into bed, tucking the nket around her with a gentle smile “It’s gettingte. Time to sleep,”


    Imogen found it odd and tugged on Archie’s hand. “Aren’t you going to sleep with me?”


    Archie patiently reassured <b>her</b>, “I’ll stay in the guest room until you’ve fully recovered, I don’t want to disturb you if I wake up in the middle of the night to check on the baby,”


    “oh Alright.” Although disappointed, Imogen epted his exnation. After <b>all</b>, Archie often got up at night to care for the baby in the nursery next door.


    The maids frequently praised Archie to <b>her</b>, saying that although he was <b>a </b>new father, he was incredibly attentive <b>and </b>considerate to both the baby and her. It made


    them envy <b>her</b>.


    Imogen telt the same way.


    “Thank you for everything, Archie,” she said softly.


    “It’s my duty,” Archie replied, leaning down to ce a kiss on her forehead. After bidding <b>her </b>goodnight, he left the room.


    Once the door closed behind him, Imogen’s smile faded, and her expression turned unreadable.


    Archie was back, and she should be happy. But for some reason, she couldn’t shake the <b>feeling </b>that he was both familiar and strange.


    She felt like she knew him well, yet at the same time, it seemed impossible to understand what was going on in his mind.


    Archie remained as attentive as ever, but there was a sense of detachment in his care. Whenever she tried to get closer to him, he would stiffen as though he were resisting or reluctant


    Why? They were husband and wife, right? Shouldn’t their kisses <b>and </b>embraces be natural?


    Imogen couldn’t figure it out, but the unease in her continued to grow.


    She began to wonder if she was suffering from postpartum depression or simply overthinking things. Was that why she felt paranoid and insecure?


    That afternoon, she had even grabbed Archie’s hand and asked, “Do you not love me anymore?”


    Archie had spent agesforting <b>and </b>assuring Imogen he still loved her.


    Each deration was tender and heartfelt, spoken with such sincerity it felt like a vow. His words made her cheeks flush and her heart raced


    But as shey alone in the room once more, the other side of the bed cold to the touch, her heart felt hollow.


    Imogen stared into the darkness, her voice barely a whisper. “You canfort me all you want, but please… don’t lie to me.”


    Archie had been staying in the <b>guest </b>room for the past few nights.


    As he pushed open the <b>door</b><b>, </b>a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.


    Archie quickly closed the door, locking It behind him. He tumed around and embraced the woman who had clung to him. He held Johanna tightly, his tone was indulgent yet tinged with helplessness. “Are you jealous again?