Emelia’s Pov “How were you able to recognise her?” I glanced up at Elijah who shrugged. “Give your big brother some credit. I can do anything if I want to.” His tone of voice was cocky, laced with confidence and a hint of pride that made me roll my eyes instinctively. “Yeah, yeah. Big brother my foot.” I scoffed, nudging his shoulder with mine, “You’re not even subtle about bragging anymore.” “I don’t need to be.” Elijah replied smoothly, leaning back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head, “I’ve spent years watching everyone lie through their teeth, so forgive me for enjoying a moment of being the smartest one in the room.” I chuckled, my eyes still fixed on the screen. The camera panned slightly to show Melanie sitting across from another girl, one whose face was turned away from the camera, but there was something about her silhouette and posture, even the way she tilted her head when she spoke… It was familiar. I don't know where I had seen something like
Emelia’s Pov I watched as Nora's eyes widened dramatically, confusion arising on her face. Her eyes darted around, probably trying to figure out what I meant by what I said. But it was true, even if I forgive Liam and the rest, I would never forgive Nora, Ethan and Amelia. Especially Nora. I stepped away from her with a smile, glancing towards Amelia. Amelia was still staring at me, her face red with anger. I walked towards her, since she was already angry, why not use her anger fully? “Mom.” I called out sarcastically. She had always hated me calling her that form of endearment. In the past, I thought it was just because she hated me, but now I know it's because I'm not even her biological daughter. “Don't you ever call me that!” Amelia whipped her head towards me, her chest heaving. “Why not? You're my mother, aren't you? You're the one who birthed me and Nora is just a little bastard that you brought from outside thinking that it was me. Why do you treat Nora better than
Nora's Pov“I know I’ve hurt you.” I went on, my voice trembling, “And I can’t take it back. But I’m leaving now, and before I do… I just wanted to say it. I’m sorry, Emelia. Truly. I was wrong. About everything.”I forced myself to look directly at her. My face was a mess, red-rimmed eyes, trembling lips, humiliation painted all over, but I kept my gaze steady. I needed her to believe me. Or at least pretend to. For my sake, she had to believe me. Emelia had always liked me, that I knew, but she changed. If I apologised now, she would forgive me, right? Emelia tilted her head, expression unreadable.And then she laughed. It was a quiet chuckle at first, then louder. It spilled out of her like she couldn’t hold it back, as though I’d just told the funniest joke in the world. The sound echoed through the wide sitting room, bouncing off the walls like cruel applause.I flinched, stunned.Was she… Was she really laughing? I turned to Amelia in confusion, seeking her support, but even sh
Nora's Pov “Nora! Don’t say something like that! It’s not your fault! You didn’t do anything wrong!” Amelia cried as she held me tighter, her arms trembling around me. Her voice cracked under the weight of her emotions, as though she couldn’t bear the thought of me suffering this way. I buried my face deeper into her shoulder, letting my sobs grow louder, more pitiful, “If I apologise to Emelia.” I whispered hoarsely, “Do you think they’ll forgive me and let me stay? I won’t cause any more trouble, I swear. I’ll even do whatever Emelia asks me to do. I’ll become her slave forever, but please… don’t expel me from school. Don’t chase me away from this manor. Please, Mom… help me.” I knew exactly what I was doing, using the word Mom. It slipped from my mouth like a dagger dipped in honey. And just as I expected, Amelia’s breath hitched. She pulled back slightly, her face stricken, “Nora, don’t… Don’t talk like that. I promise… I’ll talk to Elijah. I’ll talk to Liam too. Maybe if the
Nora's Pov “Miss Nora, the driver is already here to take you to the other manor.” A servant stood near the door, her eyes looking straight at me. She had a smirk on her face, although it wasn't very evident but I could still see the mocking look in her gaze. She was laughing at me. How can someone this lowly, not more than a servant laugh at me?! She left after saying what she needed to say without the usual respect that they used to have for me whenever they spoke to me. Back then, they would do anything I wanted. They would even lick the floor if I wanted them just so that they would get on my good side. I clenched my fists as the door closed behind her. That smug, pitying look in her eyes ignited something in me. That girl wouldn’t have dared look me in the eye just a few weeks ago. Now she had the audacity to mock me with her tone? I turned toward the mirror and stared at my reflection. My hair was still neat, my makeup was still perfect. I looked just as poised and elegan
Emelia’s Pov I slowly put my arms around Liam, then buried my face into his neck, breathing in his scent. My heart felt like it was fufiled, like I had gotten what I always wanted. I realised that even though I acted tough and pretended like I had given up on recieving love from the people I held dear to me in my past life, I still wanted it. I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't crave this love from Amelia or Edward but Liam… I had always liked Liam even more than the rest of the brothers. I remembered that when I first arrived, the person who welcomed me first was Liam. He was the one who spoke to me first, he was the one who asked me not to get close with Ethan, before the whole saga with him falling down the stairs, he was actually always there. So him not liking me anymore had actually hurt the most. But now… I guess things had gone well. He had shown lots of times that he wasn't on Nora's side anymore. “Thank you.” I murmured and we stayed like that until my arms started to