Emma estimated it to be three months, but in reality, Luna Sandra passed away just a short month after the mourning was announced at Alpha Goode Manor.On that day, before dawn had even broken, representatives from the Goreng family were already knocking on the grand doors of the Seldom family mansion.Carol received the news first and hurriedly came to report, “Luna Sandra has passed away!”Although prepared for it beforehand, upon hearing those words ringing in her ears, she still felt surprised.“Why so soon?” Luther beside her couldn’t help but remark.Carol’s face carried a hint of sarcasm as she replied, “After the Goreng family brought her back, just as the young lady said, they invited the Imperial Physician from the palace to examine her, but the lady’s condition had already deteriorated critically. She refused to take her medicine. The Goreng family tried everything, even inviting a renowned healer from the south, but before that person could arrive in the Capital, Luna Sand
The second stepmother’s eyes swelled like peaches. If anyone who looked at her would think she was so compassionate.Only she knew how much effort it took to put on this facade, even using the best perfumes layered six or seven times just to make her complexion appear slightly paler.When she saw Felicia dressed in vibrant red, she was initially surprised, but then a bitter smile appeared in her eyes, and she determined not to give her time to change clothes.She grabbed her hand and said, “Quickly come in, senior lady is waiting for you!”Felicia misunderstood the meaning behind these words, becoming even more convinced that her maternal grandmother had passed away.Overwhelmed with joy, she tried to restrain her expression of happiness, intending to brush off the woman’s hand.However, unable to avoid the onlookers, she was forcefully dragged into the main hall by the woman. As soon as she stepped inside, she heard the second stepmother exclaim, “Senior lady, Felicia has returned!”
Under the canopy of the prison cell, Emma counted six lice in her long hair. After eight years without bathing, she felt as if she were wearing a thick suit of armor, and killing lice became her only way to pass the time.Twelve years imprisoned in the cell, Emma raised her head and looked into the space. Every time it rained, her feet would ache to the point of madness.She was the biological daughter of Beta Henry, but unfortunately, she wasn't born from the womb of Luna Sandra. Instead, she was taken to a low-status concubine. Moreover, being held in the second month, which was believed to bring disadvantage to parents, her father sent her to distant relatives for upbringing. Unfortunately, even her relatives didn't want to raise a child alone and sent her back to the village to fend for herself. Thus, she, a noble girl from the most powerful family in the Blue Moon pack, had to do household chores and even work in the fields.Like a discarded jewel, she was thrown into the ordinar
She felt even more heartbroken. "If it weren't for that, how could he have contracted pneumonia? How could he have died at such a young age? He is your biological son, and just because of a misunderstanding, you treated him like that! What did I do wrong? I called the doctors urgently to treat him; I wanted to save my son! But all you cared about was Felicia. My son was burning with a high fever, and he cried to me, 'Mother, it hurts so much!' Do you understand my suffering? I would willingly give my own life to save him if I could! Your precious Felicia has you, but my Phil only has me! Why did Felicia give birth while I had to take care of her? My son was fighting on the brink of life and death at that time! Now, I don't want anything else! I only want Phil to come back to life! I hate Felicia, and I resent her. I loathe her! I wish I could tear her apart piece by piece!""You despicable person!" Alpha Jeffn grew angrier, his disgust for the woman before him increasing. "You want to
Jennifer remained unchanged in Emma's memory, oppressing others without affection, whether towards herself or her daughter-in-law, Omega Hana. Emma stared at Jennifer intently, instinctively wanting to speak. Still, Omega Hana blinked at her as if silently warning her not to open her mouth, as speaking would only bring more trouble upon her.Omega Hana was a gentle daughter-in-law, but no matter what she did, this wicked mother-in-law, Jennifer, never paid her any attention. She spent her days nitpicking and finding faults. When she saw Omega Hana trying to help Emma, she immediately assumed she was deliberately defying her and became even more ruthless towards them. Emma gritted her teeth and stared fixedly at Jennifer.Instinctively, Jennifer glanced at Emma and noticed a coldness and a hint of icy indifference in her gaze. A sense of unease rose as she scolded, "Are you out of your mind, you little wretch!"Emma hadn't even had a chance to question why she had reverted to her thirt
Emma went to the riverside and sat down, using all her strength to pound the wooden pestle onto the clothes. The wooden pestle struck the clothes, making a "thud thud" sound and dirty water continuously splashed onto her clothes and face. Despite that, she continued to work diligently without any trace of resentment.The other servant girls washing clothes noticed her and pushed each other, casting sidelong glances at her and gossiping, chattering like a flock of sparrows."Look, look, the young lady has come to wash clothes.""How pitiful! Look at her clothes; they're not even as good as ours.""Is she really the noble lady of Beta Henry? Why don't I see any important officials coming to visit her?""Oh my... don't you know? She was born in February; they say she's cursed! They quickly drove her away; they don't want to see her again!""Oh... Being a noble lady like that, she's not even as good as us village girls. If it were me, I'd be furious!""That's right! With such a young lady
Thanks to the previous incident, Emma became the center of attention in the village. Beta John and Jennifer no longer assigned her heavy tasks, but she felt uncomfortable staying home and decided to help at the tea shop near the village gate.Until now, the tea shop was managed by Mason and Omega Hana, selling tea and quick corn cakes to passersby, conveniently earning some money. Omega Hana felt sorry for young Emma and didn't let her do any other work except boiling water in the small storage room behind the shop. Just as Emma added fuel to the stove, Omega Hana hurriedly entered and saw Emma busy. She quickly said, "Emma, hurry up! We're running out of water. Bring ten corncakes. We have esteemed guests resting at the tea shop." Emma complied, walked to the door, and felt puzzled. Many guests were from different directions, but she had never heard them referred to as esteemed guests. According to Omega Hana's words, what kind of people were considered esteemed guests? Emma strolled
Staying in the Seldom Malami family for half a month, the Seldom family prepared two maids and two caretakers to accompany Emma back to the Capital. Beta Henry's carriage arrived, the carriage curtains adorned with colorful pearl chains, and the deep red silk embroidered with exquisite peony flowers, giving the decorations inside the carriage a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. However, it seemed simple and unadorned from the outside.Emma glanced briefly and then looked away. She knew that Luna Sandra was using this to threaten her. However, this was just the beginning.Qri carefully placed a cup of hot tea on a small wooden table inside the carriage, glancing at Emma, who seemed to be resting with her eyes closed, wondering if she should engage in small talk to ease her sorrow. Emma's demeanor was not like that of a young lady when traveling. She also looked at Ori sitting across from her, who seemed to wear a peculiar expression, making her even more uneasy. The Seldom family