Semua Bab A Bride's Last Secret : Bab 11 - Bab 14

CHAPTER 12(William's Rejection)Anna sat at the edge of the bed, her hands folded in her lap, the events of the day replaying like broken glass in her mind. The funeral had been meant to honor her sister's memory, but Margaret's cruelty has shattered it into a spectacle of humiliation.The image of her stepmother's face twisted in rage, the cold, amused curve of Helena's lips, still clawed at her insides.And yet… despite it all… there had been a hand gripping hers when she thought she'd break. Olivia's warmth, Oliver's quiet loyalty, Camille's steady smile. And William… William who had pulled her from the grave, his arm a shield of iron against the storm.A tremor escaped her lips. Gratitude and sorrow warred within her, leaving her drained.She had undressed earlier, slipping into a pale silk nightdress that whipped against her skin. The hour was late.The Fairchild mansion lay hushed except for the occasional groan of wood or distant ticking of a clock. Anna brushed her hair back

CHAPTER 14(The Diary's Poison)The stable still smelled of hay and polished leather, a quiet refuge after the suffocating breakfast ordeal.Anna stroked the horse's white mane, her thoughts heavy with the cruel, painful truth Olivia revealed… the horse, the dream she had long carried.. belonged to Lauren, a wedding gift from William.The knowledge had hollowed something inside her, though she tried to keep her expression calm.But the reprieve did not last.“Mrs Fairchild,” a sharp voice cut through the stable. “Your father wants to see you. Now.”Anna turned. Clara, one of the young maids whose eyes always glimmered with disdain, stood with her arms folded, her tone brazen, face twisted with disdain. Her words carried none of the deference expected of servants in this house.Anna blinked, startled. “Oh… thank you, Clara. Tell him, I'll be with him soon.”But Clara rolled her eyes, cutting her off, eyes flickering around the stable. “I see you've found the stables as well. But one