The Queen They Let Go (Alice and Eric) novel Chapter 2

"Who are you? What are you doing in here? This is my room—get out!"
The moment Eric opened his eyes, a beautiful woman stood in front of him. Her face jogged a memory—something his stepmother once mentioned.
Even while trapped in a coma, he'd still been aware of voices around him. He remembered her saying she'd find a woman to give him an heir.
But Eric wasn't fooled.
He knew she had no good intentions. Anyone she picked would be a tool in the battle over the family's wealth.
Alice's anger instantly flared.
She had only agreed to this marriage to cut ties with the Spencers without dragging her mentor into trouble.
That didn't mean she'd let herself be treated like garbage.
This guy's attitude was so terrible, all her effort to help him detox was wasted!
Without waiting, she lifted her arm.
A tiny silver needle zipped from her sleeve and stabbed right into Eric's shoulder.
His body, which had only just started to regain strength, immediately weakened again. His cold stare sharpened. "You—!"
"Save your breath. Listen to me first," Alice ordered, narrowing her eyes. Her gaze was sharp yet carried something unreadable, like hidden secrets behind clear glass.
Eric clenched his jaw. It wasn't that he didn't want to reply—he physically couldn't.
His blood boiled with rage.
Alice spoke quickly, "I'm your wife now."
She tossed the marriage certificate onto the bed.
The Nolans had more than enough power to register the marriage without needing either of them present.
Eric's brows drew together.
"You're still thinking about your childhood sweetheart? She and I were switched at birth. Now I have come back and married you as the real heiress. They forced me to this. But from the look on your face, you're clearly not into this, and honestly, neither am I. So, how about we strike a deal?"
The fire in his chest had already started to cool.
He kept his eyes on her, studying every move.
Alice didn't care what he was thinking—she just kept talking.
"You weren't in an accident. Someone gave you a poison that works over time. I can cure you, but it'll take a year. During that year, we'll pretend to be a normal couple in front of others. Behind closed doors, we'll just be business partners."
She gave him a second to take it in. "After one year, we split for good. No ties, no drama. Sound fair?"
She figured that would be enough time to uncover the truth—who'd hurt her mentor and destroyed his career.
Eric showed no reaction.
"I'll take your silence as a yes," she said coolly.
Still mute, Eric glared at her.
Alice calmly pulled the needle from his shoulder and walked over to the fridge.
Unfortunately, when she opened it, all she found was pricey medication—no food at all.
She hadn't eaten at the Spencers' residence, and now she was starving. Her face darkened with frustration.
"There's fruit," Eric said suddenly.
As if reading her mind, he reached for a nearby drawer.
But the moment his hand moved, he froze, stunned.
He'd actually been able to grab the handle.
Power was coming back to his limbs.
Could this mean he was truly healing?
Not even Professor Hoffman, the country's top doctors, had been able to help him, and now this young woman—barely more than a girl—was making progress in just one night?
If she could pull this off, one year would be nothing.
He pointed toward the bed. "Since we're married..."
Alice took a bite of the apple and smiled. "I'm not sleeping there."
Even though the Nolans were complicated, a few loyal people still cared about Eric.
One of them usually stayed the night, which was why there was a small bed in the corner. That's where Alice planned to sleep.
That was her plan, and she didn't waste any time. Right after she said it, she walked over to the small bed. "Good night."
She was so tired. After eating an apple to quiet her hunger, drowsiness hit her hard, and she was out the moment her head hit the pillow.
Eric didn't even get the chance to argue.
Was she here to rescue him or drive him insane?
The next morning, Alice stretched and sat up, feeling completely refreshed.
But almost immediately, she noticed a chill running down her spine.