We're only half-sisters

She looked up at Theodore, her gaze firm yet gentle, her voice lowered in an attempt to soothe his anger.

"I'm sorry... for all the foolish things I did that hurt you. It's true... I did put something in your drink before. But only because I was stupid enough to fall for Savannah's lies."

Knowing full well her mistake couldn't be denied, Sigourney took the initiative to confess. She bit her lip, eyes full of remorse, reaching to grasp Theodore's hand.

"But I've changed-truly. I don't want to hurt you anymore. I just want to be happy with you. No more games, no more mistakes. Please... give me another chance, darling."

Sigourney's voice had always been gentle, but now, softened by emotion, it seemed to melt away the last traces of Theodore's anger. He let out a weary sigh and rubbed his temple, clearly exhausted.

"Alright... Let Sutton handle everything from here on," he said quietly, his tone low and resolute.

"It's late. You should get some rest."

Before Sigourney could say another word, Theodore cut her off. He turned and left the room without a second glance, his tall figure retreating into the shadows-leaving her with only the cold outline of his back.

As always, he chose to sleep in the study, leaving Sigourney alone in the vast, empty bed. Though a part of her felt unwilling-aching with a quiet loneliness-she didn't dare to go after him.

She understood. Theodore needed time-time to believe her words again.

And as for her... there was still so much left for her to do.

...

The next morning, Theodore had already left for work by the time Sigourney stirred. When she finally came downstairs, only Aunt Miller remained in the house. The kind woman greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well last night?"

Sigourney stretched and let out a tired breath. "Not really," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.

After all, her memories of her previous life were far from pleasant. Even after being given a second chance, nightmares still haunted her sleep.

Aunt Miller's expression softened with concern. 

"Then tonight, I'll light some scented candles in your room. They might help you relax," she offered gently, then motioned toward the dining room.

Sigourney sank lazily into her seat at the breakfast table, her movements unhurried as she asked about Theodore's whereabouts. Upon hearing that he wouldn't return until late in the afternoon, she felt a quiet sense of ease. That meant she still had time to return to the Nichols estate-to visit her mother.

Her mother... the one person she most yearned to see after coming back to life.

After finishing breakfast, Sigourney instructed her private chauffeur to drive her to the Nichols mansion. As the car rolled past the familiar surroundings, her gaze softened. A wave of emotion washed over her-this place held far too many memories.

The car pulled into the estate grounds and stopped before the grand front entrance. Butler John, ever dutiful, stepped forward to greet her. He bowed respectfully, opened the car door, and spoke in a hushed, courteous tone.

"Miss Sigourney, welcome home. Miss Savannah is currently inside, speaking with your mother."

Sigourney's brows knit together ever so slightly. It was clear she wasn't pleased to cross paths with Savannah here, in what she still considered her home. But she schooled her features into calm neutrality, offering only a polite nod.

"Thank you for letting me know."

She entered the house without another word.

In the garden, her mother, Emma, was seated at a delicate wrought iron table beneath the soft canopy of trees, having tea with Savannah. Savannah was chattering away, a syrupy smile plastered across her face, the kind that dripped with feigned sweetness. But Emma's demeanor was distant, almost indifferent, as she listening in cold silence.

Sigourney called out gently, "Mother."

At the sound of her daughter's voice, Emma's entire expression shifted. Her face lit up, and she immediately stood from her seat, warmth flooding her features.

"Darling, you're back? It's been far too long-how have you been?"

She stepped forward, taking Sigourney's hands in hers.

"And Theodore? Is he treating you well? Are things still good between you two?"

Emma kept asking questions, her hand clasping Sigourney's in an overly affectionate gesture. Sigourney, ignoring the crimson flush of envy burning in Savannah's eyes, smiled sweetly as she replied,

"I'm doing well, Mommy. Theodore insisted on taking me here to visit you today, but something urgent came up at his company. I had to persuade him for quite a while before he finally agreed to go back and take care of it."

Her tone was light, but every word was carefully chosen-meant for Savannah to hear.

She didn't even glance Savannah's way, though she noticed with secret satisfaction how Savannah's grip turned deathly pale and her expression briefly flickered with distress.

Inside, Sigourney was thoroughly pleased.

Emma, on the other hand, was relieved by the news. She smiled warmly and kept repeating how wonderful that was, before finally remembering to pull Sigourney beside her.

Savannah, unwilling to miss the opportunity presented by Sigourney's presence, quickly cut in before the conversation could shift.

"It's so lucky you came, Sigourney. You should help me convince our mother, please?" Savannah's voice dipped into a soft, almost whiny plea.

"I only want an internship position at the Nichols Corporation, but our mother refuses to grant me even that. I'm still trying to persuade her..."

Ordinarily, Sigourney might have offered her support without hesitation-helping Savannah get whatever she desired.

But not this time.

Not after everything.

Sigourney remembered all too well-how Savannah, once securing that internship, had gone out of her way to form cliques within the company, spreading malicious rumors about Sigourney to undermine her position as director.

She had stirred up no small amount of trouble-trouble that had cost Sigourney considerable effort to clean up after.

A troublemaker like that?

Sigourney had no interest in welcoming her back into the company.

"Our mother? My mother, Savannah. Don't go around claiming things that aren't yours."

"We're only half-sisters-same father, different mothers."