15 Year ago 8

15 Year ago 8

Chapter

Meanwhile, Madam Lestrade was taken ill by the time Lilian helped her back to her room

It was just as the marquise had put itMadam Lestrade’s health was ailing

Even if she had deliberately controlled her emotions, she had still been too agitated and wheezing even as she lay down

Fortunately, her chief maid had expected it and arranged for the family doctor to wait outside

By the time Madam Lestrade lay down, the doctor was prepared to help her with massages and pain relief, allowing her to catch her breath

It was not all that dramatic, but Lilian still felt helpless even as she stood in a corner, watching

Madam Lestrade noticed that and sat up by her bed, beckoning to her

Lilian’s nose was reddened, but she fought back her tears as she walked to Madam Lestrade’s bedside, worried that her tears would ail Madam Lestrade further

Did I scare you?Madam Lestrade smiled warmly nonetheless

Lilian sniffed as she clenched on Madam Lestrade’s hand. You promised me to live long.” 

Π 

Madam Lestrade was the only one Lilian had left 

Madam Lestrade kept her tender gaze on Lilian. I’d like to, so that I could protect you 

forever 

But she was clearly not going to do so for much longer

With that in mind, she suddenly asked, Should arrange a marriage for you?” 

She was still well enough to get a word in and arrange Lilian a fine marriage, and in a way, would protect her for the rest of her life

that 

Lilian certainly read Madam Lestrade’s mind but shook her head and lowered her gaze. I just– want to stay by your side.” 

Over the last three years, many things had become clear to her

If the people who loved her so dearly for fifteen years could decide to abandon her overnight, how could she count the rest of her life on a socalled husband she did not know

She decided that she would stay with Madam Lestrade and move out when Madam Lestrade passed oneven a life where she was constantly on her toes was better than staying with the marquisfamily

And knowing how stubborn she had been since a child, Madam Lestrade understood that no one could compel Lilian to do anything against her will

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Chapter

As such, she sighed and did not say anything else

Lilian stayed at her side, only leaving after Madam Lestrade fell asleep

Still, she had just returned to Floret Garden when Winter came up to her. Ms. Lestrade is here to see you, milady.” 

Evelyn

Lilian frowned, though Winter continued before she could, saying, She came alone.” 

Lilian, however, laughed. She told you to say that?” 

Winter blinked at her innocently but nodded. If you don’t wish to see her, I’ll turn her down…. 

See? Even a mere servant knew that she did not want to see Evelyn

But Evelyn did not seem to understand that

In fact, she had told Winter to tell Lilian that she came alone, and that the maid who had falsely accused Lilian was not with her

It was hilarious

Sure, it was that maid who had falsely accused her, but Evelyn was still the one who refused to admit that she broke the princessfavorite bowl. She never said a word either as her maid pinned the blame on her, quietly allowing Lilian to be scapegoated

That was what Lilian did not understandwhy did Evelyn think she would get to see her

Just tell her I’m asleep,Lilian snapped coolly

Yes, milady!” 

Winter nodded and left, and it took her a while to return with an awkward look, seemingly too embarrassed to speak. Milady, she has come to apologize, and she refuses to leave until agree to see herAnd it’s starting to snow outside.” 

In reality, Winter had no idea why Evelyn was so bent on meeting Lilian

you 

But Evelyn was the family’s favorite, and who knew what they would say if she were caught in the snow outside Lilian’s pavilion

If anything, it bode ill for Lilian… 

Frowning and sighing softly, Lilian gave in wearily. Show her in!” 

Yes, milady.” 

Soon after Winter stepped out this time, Evelyn came in

Seeing that Lilian was applying some medicine to her calluscovered hand, Evelyn cringed but 

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Chapter

quickly bowed her head. Greetings, sister.” 

Lilian never even looked her way, Sit.” 

Her voice was soft, but the coldness was palpable 

Evelyn did not sit, instead walking up to Lillan. Let me help you.” 

She picked up the medicine on the table, ready to help Lilian apply it, only for Lilian to hide her hands under her sleeves

Lilian finally looked up at Evelyn then, sneering in disdain. It’s freezing out there. What are you doing here instead of staying in your bedchamber?” 

Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes, as if Lilian’s coldness gave her grief, and she stood there as she said quietly, I’ve come to apologize. It’s all my faultif I didn’t break that bowl, you wouldn’t have suffered so much! You can do anything you want to me, as long as it placates you!” 

She looked like she could kneel right then, and she sounded so sincere

However, Lilian merely looked on coldly, waiting until Evelyn finished before she asked, Did you think that your only mistake was breaking that bowl?” 

That left Evelyn stumped, while Lilian slowly stood up and walked over to the doorway, sighing as she stared at the twigs floating over the frozen lotus pond

Even as the cold air filled her lungs, her presence seemed to darken as well

You’re the real daughter of the marquis,she said. For fifteen years, I’ve stolen your right and privilege. I understand that the marquisfamily ought to love you and protect you, and even Cherryton is rightfully yours, even if it was my favorite

I won’t lieI felt guilt when you returned, and I thought about returning to my birth parents. But the marquis told me that they were both dead, and I could stay here without worry. I was grateful and told myself to get along with you despite all that, and yet…” 

Turning around, she looked Evelyn in the eye as she asked, Can any of you tell yourself in good conscience that I’ve hurt you in any way?” 

Evelyn said nothing, her tears ready to fall at any moment

For a single instant, even Lilian felt powerlessanyone else in the marquisfamily who saw that would be accusing Lilian of bullying Evelyn in a beat

Hell, did Rupert not kick her down the stairs just because Evelyn had that look on her face

And she never did a thing

Feeling a chill in her heart, Lilian glared coolly at Evelyn as her voice turned icy. So why did you have to hurt me?” 

15 Year ago

15 Year ago

Status: Ongoing

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