Chapter 25
Lilian used to love her brother to bits, as he would send any sleazy
best food on earth, and give her the one Night Pearl in Uitor packing, find her the
as a present.
But while Rupert had been an all–powerful brother before, that brother was gone once Evelyn was brought back into the family.
All that was left was a fool–one who never used his brain and blamed her for everything, just as he was doing now!
Even as Lilian’s brow creased deeply from the pain of Rupert’s grip, the marquise smacked Rupert on the arm before she could speak. “What are you doing?! Let go of your sister!”
“Don’t take her side, Mother! There are just the two of you in that carriage, or are you saying that she didn’t make you cry?!”
Even as Rupert snarled, he glared viciously at Lilian. “I’m warning you–even if I did make a mistake, it’s not Mother’s fault! So don’t you dare take it out on her, or I’ll hurt you if you make her cry again!”
And with that outburst, he shoved Lilian forcefully away, leaving her stumbling.
She lost her balance as she felt a pang of pain from her sprained ankle, but fortunately, Winter was already behind her and caught her steadily.
“What are you doing?!”
The marquise shoved Rupert too, but he was strong, and she could not budge him at all.
Seeing that her son stood firmly in place, she gave her a thump on the chest. “It’s not her fault -I just happened to cry! Can’t you calm that hot head of yours for once?”
“Listen to yourself, Mother. Don’t you find it almost funny?‘
On the other hand, Rupert was insistent that the marquise was just playing favorites. “Have you ever been brought to tears for no reason before she returned? It’s just been a few days since she’s back, but how many times have you cried since? And it’s just a day after New Year’s!
Then, he turned, bellowing, “Lilian Kert! Don’t you think for a second that-”
“That the three years spent at the washhouse is anything to brag about.”
Even as she cut Rupert short with calmly and tenderly, Lilian stared at Rupert, seemingly unaffected. “And I’m just making up for those three years for what I owe the marquis‘ household and Evelyn Lestrade. Was that what you were going to say, Mr. Lestrade?”
That was exactly what Rupert was going to say, just to warn her from using those three years to bully their mother.
+25 BONUS
And yet, while he was going to blurt it out without much thought, why did it hurt him to hear it from Lilian, as if something ruthlessly tore through his chest?!
Nonetheless, Lilian continued, “You don’t have to remind me repeatedly, Mr. Lestrade. I know my place and will keep to myself without causing the marquis‘ household any trouble. But in turn, I would ask that you not bother me over the next few months too.”
Then, with a bow at the marquiso, she left.
Before now, living in the marquis‘ residence left her feeling like she was depending on someone else’s charity, which she bore with for Madam Lestrade’s sake, but things were different now.
After all, the marquis‘ household needed her to marry Prince Michael, which was why she had the right to warn Rupert sternly not to cause her further problems.
It left Rupert so stunned that he did not realize what had just happened until Lilian was already inside the marquis‘ residence.
He knew that Lilian had become different since she returned from the washhouse–cold, distant, and keen to stay well away from the rest of them.
Even if she was upset, her reactions were at best apathetic.
But now…
A foreboding sensation seizing Rupert just then, he wheeled on the marquise and asked, What on earth happened, Mother?”
The marquise was frowning, but knowing that she could not hide it, she said quietly, “Let’s talk inside.”
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