She had succeeded in avoiding Juliet for three days until today, when she walked into the nursery to check on Ellie, shocked to find Juliet sitting next to the crib with her gaze on the sleeping child.

As if sensing her presence, Juliet had turned sharply around, a small smile immediately claiming her face the second her eyes came to rest on Gretchen.

Managing a smile of her own, Gretchen had made to leave the room, pausing in her tracks when Juliet's voice stopped her.

“You cannot simply avoid me forever, Lady Williams.” Juliet said, tilting her head to the side as she observed her. “I can see it in your eyes that you do not like me. For all I know, you despise me. Yet, you have so many questions —questions you're dying to ask.” Juliet rose to her feet and began walking, until she was standing before Gretchen. “Here I am, Lady Williams, ask.” Juliet said, green eyes staring into Gretchen's eyes.

Gretchen's gaze examined Juliet. From her glossy, brown, straight hair, to her green eyes, to her pointy nose and rosy red lips. It wasn't hard to see what Ethan had fallen in love with; Gretchen was staring at one of the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Juliet had a charm about her and a presence that commanded attention. Many times, Gretchen had found Ethan's gaze lingering on Juliet for longer than she would like to admit to.

Perhaps Gretchen did have many questions, but they were answers she knew she wouldn't get from Juliet. For all she knew, Juliet was the evil one —and that was all she needed to know.

Yet, she couldn't help but desire the answers to the silent questions in her heart —how had Ethan and Juliet met? What had their marriage been like? Why did Juliet run off? Why did she come back for Ellie?

Juliet's smile broadened. “I shall wait until you are willing to voice your questions, Lady Williams. Forgive my intrusion, but I do have a question of my own.” She lowered her gaze. “Your ring...” She whispered, taking a hold of Gretchen's left hand. “Why did Ethan buy you a ring?” She tilted Gretchen's hand from side to side as she examined the gold wedding band.

Gretchen understood Juliet's ploy to plant doubt and maybe even fear, in her heart. The knowledge did not surprise her, but it infuriated her to think that Juliet's sole reason for coming back was to try to ruin her marriage.

Straightening, she faced Juliet. “And why not?” She gritted her teeth in a useless attempt at regaining control of her temper. She jerked her hand aside and clutched it before her, protecting the ring from Juliet's scrutiny. “This conversation is over, Juliet. I brought you back here because I believed I didn't have a choice. I brought you back because I needed to put Ellie's needs above mine, but I will not have you...”

“Ethan and I were married five years ago...”