The Reborn Lady

Everyone in the capital knew that Evelyn Lansing had staked her reputation on Julian Sterling for three long years. No one believed she'd swallow her pride and let a servant girl walk all over her.So, when Julian showed up at Evelyn's gate with a matchmaker in tow, half the city turned out to watch, waiting for her to make a scene.Even Julian's face darkened as he instinctively pulled Ivy behind him. "Lady Evelyn, I know you took care of me for three years. But I can't marry you out of guilt. I won't let you make things hard for Ivy either."Evelyn's expression didn't change. She calmly held out a list and replied, "You worry too much, my lord. This is the wedding gift I prepared for Ivy. She's been at my side since she was a child, so we're as close as sisters. Consider it a token of my regard. I only hope you'll treat her well."Julian glanced down at the thick ledger, surprise flickering in his eyes.Behind him, the crowd erupted into whispers."Has Lady Evelyn changed her w

The cold water closed over Evelyn in an instant. She held her breath on reflex and kicked desperately toward the shore, but Ivy had her wrist in a death grip. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free.As the two of them sank together, icy water poured into Evelyn's nose until her vision went dark at the edges.Someone shouted, "Someone's fallen in! Help!"A figure shoved through the crowd and dove into the pond without hesitation.Through the blur of water, Evelyn saw Julian swim past her. He wrapped an arm around Ivy's waist, pulled her close against his chest, and swam for shore without so much as a backward glance.Evelyn froze for a second, then choked on another mouthful of water. After flailing around for a few seconds, she finally managed to steady herself and emerge from the water. When she looked up, she was met with Julian's furious gaze."Lady Evelyn, is this how petty you are? You can't even stand to share with her? I already promised to make you my s

The rod came down hard, pain exploding across Evelyn's back. She bit down and let out a stifled groan.Martha rushed forward the moment she saw it, throwing her whole body over her mistress. The blows kept falling, each landing with a dull, heavy thud. It felt like each one struck Evelyn's heart harder than the last.Tears sprang to her eyes. "Martha, get up! You're too old to take this!"Martha clung to her, her voice growing fainter and fainter. "I'm fine, my lady. My skin's tough. I can take it..."Once the twenty strikes were finished, the attendants stepped forward to untie Evelyn. Julian had already left the estate with Ivy in his arms. Evelyn scrambled up on hands and knees and gathered Martha into her arms.The older woman was weak and pale, yet she still managed a smile for her mistress. "Don't cry, my lady. It doesn't hurt."Tears kept streaming down Evelyn's face. "Stop talking. I'll go get a physician right now..."She turned in a panic, and that was when she saw sev

Out on the street, Julian, dressed in white wedding attire, rode a tall horse, his attendants following the carriage behind him.Crowds packed both sides of the road. The procession stopped in front of the estate gate. Julian dismounted and strode inside, heading straight for the main chamber.The door opened, and Ivy stepped out, supported by a maid. She was dressed in that white wedding gown from Evelyn, the gold-threaded doves catching the light. Julian smiled as he walked over and lifted her into his arms.When he turned, his eyes flicked briefly toward the side room in the distance. He saw the man he'd assigned push the door open and step inside, then he looked away and carried Ivy to the carriage. The procession made its way back to the Sterling family's estate amid music and celebration.Julian carefully guided Ivy across the threshold before leading her into the main hall. The officiant's voice rang through the hall as he led them through the vows and the exchange of rings,

Julian couldn't stand to hear another word. He shoved the door open.Ivy jumped, startled by the sudden noise. She spun around to face his dark expression, a flash of panic crossing her face before she quickly slipped back into her usual fragile mask."My lord? Weren't you going to the palace? Why are you back so early..."Julian jerked away from her outstretched hand, his eyes cold. For the first time, he realized just how clumsy her act really was. He couldn't believe he'd never seen through it until now.He looked at her stiff, forced smile and slowly said, "I was just at the door. I heard everything you said."Ivy went rigid. The color drained from her face, and tears spilled down her cheeks. "My lord, I just love you so much. I didn't want to lose you, that's why I did all this..."She wept, looking delicate and pitiful. In the past, Julian would have already pulled her into his arms, his heart aching for her. But now, he felt nothing.He took a step back and ordered, "Some