Chapter 4: Unwanted

Eleanor gasped at her father’s harsh words. She opened her mouth to speak, but Archie squeezed her hand firmly, tugging her back slightly.

She glanced up at him and saw his cold gaze fixed squarely on Jackson.

“It matters not who I am. What matters most is that I love Eleanor with all my heart, and I am going to marry her.” Archie spoke in an authoritative tone that admitted no debate.

Eleanor stared at him in utter disbelief. The man spoke with such conviction, as though none of this were merely an act.

She noticed Jackson opening his mouth to object, but Samantha cut in before he could say a word.

“If you truly love each other, then of course you have our blessing,” Samantha said, looking directly at Eleanor. She then turned to Jackson, adding, “Right, darling?”

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. She knew for a fact that Samantha’s words did not come from a place of sincerity. Samantha was simply thrilled at the prospect of her stepping out of this house for good.

Even so, that was precisely what Eleanor wanted. She could no longer bear living under a roof where no one respected or wanted her.

Jackson’s expression turned even colder as he looked at Eleanor, letting out a harsh scoff. “Fine! If you want to get married, then go get married and take her out of this house!”

Eleanor’s fingers tightened around Archie’s hand. She had not anticipated Jackson giving her up so easily.

Perhaps she truly held no remaining value in his eyes now that Julian had broken off the engagement.

Besides, it was a blessing in disguise that her father had no idea who Archie was; this way, he couldn't exploit Archie’s influence for his own business gains.

“Very well. Since you have given your blessing, I expect you to act as a witness to our marriage. Today!” Archie stated with absolute conviction, his eyes unyielding.

Jackson clenched his fists over his thighs. He averted his gaze, releasing another heavy scoff.

“Once you walk out that door as a married woman, don't you dare think you can ever return to this house!”

Eleanor remained silent, staring at her father. Jackson’s words only solidified her resolve to leave.

“Gather your things. You're coming with me as soon as we have the marriage certificate,” Archie whispered with quiet intensity.

Eleanor nodded. She released Archie’s hand and headed toward her bedroom on the ground floor.

As Eleanor walked to her room, Iris—who had been silent until now—followed right behind her.

Without even knocking, Iris barged into Eleanor’s room and watched her stepsister pack.

“Only take what’s yours. Don’t you dare leave here after stealing anything,” Iris said sharply, driving home the point that Eleanor owned nothing of value in this house.

Eleanor remained quiet, ignoring Iris standing behind her.

Iris was merely a stepdaughter in this household, yet she acted as though she owned the place, treating Eleanor like a stray simply because Jackson always favored and shielded her.

“Don’t worry, I know my place. Unlike someone who puts on the airs of a princess after being picked up from the streets,” Eleanor retorted bitterly.

Iris gasped in shock at Eleanor’s bite. Incensed, she marched straight up to Eleanor.

Roughly grabbing Eleanor’s arm, she raised her hand and swung it across Eleanor’s face.

Slap!

The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the room. Eleanor’s cheek immediately burned hot and red from the strike.

“Just so you know, you are nobody! Your mother was nobody! My mother is the only woman Father ever loved. Remember that!” Iris spat, her glare filled with warning.

With that, Iris deliberately knocked Eleanor’s suitcase over, stepping heavily on a few pieces of Eleanor’s clothes scattered on the floor.

Eleanor stayed silent. She quickly gathered her clothes to avoid keeping Archie waiting any longer.

In the living room, Archie remained standing. His icy glare stayed fixed on Jackson, who didn't even dare to meet his eyes.

Momentarily, Archie saw Iris return to the living room with an irritated look on her face. His eyes narrowed as he watched Iris whispering grievances to Samantha.

Shortly after, his gaze shifted to Eleanor, who emerged dragging a small suitcase.

For the daughter of a fairly prominent family, was this truly the extent of her belongings?

Archie finally understood just how cast aside Eleanor was in this household. It made sense now why she had to work at his company, even though her family owned a sizable business of their own.

“Is that everything...?” Archie’s sentence cut off as his eyes caught the red mark on Eleanor’s left cheek.

Instantly, Archie’s gaze turned razor-sharp, cutting toward Iris sitting beside Samantha.

Looking back at Eleanor, he demanded in a low tone, “Who slapped you?”

Eleanor had not expected Archie to notice her cheek. But since this man had no real connection to her, there was no need to escalate Iris’s behavior in front of him.

“It’s nothing,” Eleanor replied softly. “Can we please leave now?” Her eyes turned pleading, as if the man before her were truly her ticket out of this prison without bars.

Archie gave a quiet nod. He intertwined his fingers with hers once more, but before leading Eleanor away, his dark eyes flashed dangerously in Iris’s direction.