All Chapters of The Heart’s Verdict: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

I said, "So, that's how it is. I understand now."Lowering my gaze, I stepped back, putting more distance between myself and my fiance, Glenn Howard."You should save this sponge cake for Amelia, then. After all, she's the one who's going to be your wife."My words stunned him for a moment. Then, he frowned and angrily said, "Victoria, there's a limit to how jealous you can be. There has never been anything inappropriate between me and Amy."Of course. Glenn was a refined gentleman who often helped young women from poor families find respectable occupations, changing countless lives in the process. Everyone praised his kindness and integrity. And at first, I thought he was simply trying to help my sister, Amelia Ashworth, too.But he called me "Victoria", while he called her "Amy".I didn't want to hear any more explanations. I bowed politely and turned to leave. But the moment my back was to him, tears welled in my eyes.We had grown up together, with ten years of friendship be

I handed over the library keys and brushed past Glenn and Amelia.Outside, the sun was blinding. I lifted a hand to shield my eyes.I thought I would cry again. But when I touched my face, my skin was dry. It seemed that Glenn could no longer make me cry.Then came the day Imperial Academy rearranged the seating according to rank.My seat had always been in the front. Even during the last five times when Amelia had ranked first, Glenn had left me where I was out of consideration for our past.Now, however, he was angry. He personally carried my nameplate to the very back of the hall and set it in the filthiest corner. That seat was reserved for students who were lazy or notorious for poor conduct. In the past, no one had ever been made to sit there. By doing this, Glenn was publicly declaring that I was that kind of person. As a head professor at Imperial Academy, no one dared to question him.Crude remarks and snide insults, along with fruit peels and trash, were hurled at me.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.Preparations for the Lights Festival were already underway throughout the city. Twinkling lights lined the streets, their golden glow filling the city with warmth and splendor. After spending days at Amelia's side, Glenn finally remembered the promise he had left forgotten. He purchased the most exquisite lantern he could find. Then, gripping the lantern handle, he made his way to the confinement room with quick steps.He was certain I would be waiting for him there. He had even pictured the meeting in his mind—he'd explain everything gently to me, then place the lantern in my hands. He thought that as long as he fulfilled his promise, I'd be overjoyed and forgive him.But when he opened the door, the confinement room was completely empty and eerily silent. Dust drifted through the rays of fading lights.There was no sign of me anywhere.Glenn's expression darkened instantly. In a fit of rage, he grabbed the warden by the collar and dema

News that Prince Colin had stood from his wheelchair during the return visit swept through Emberwood overnight.The entire city was in uproar. People said that while Professor Howard was a refined gentleman and the most respected scholar in Emberwood, he was hardly worth mentioning compared to a powerful prince who was healthy and heroic. They remarked that Amelia had traded a fortune for a handful of coins.When those comparisons reached the Ashworth residence, Amelia was completely enraged. She locked herself in the room and smashed everything within reach. Shattered porcelain lay on the ground, reflecting the twisted ferocity on her face."Wasn't I told he'd been crippled for years, and that he was barely hanging on and wouldn't live much longer? Why? Why does that illegitimate daughter Victoria have such good luck?"She screamed as tears streamed down her face, consumed by jealousy and resentment.Seeing her daughter on the verge of hysteria, Penelope hurried forward to comfor

When Glenn awoke again, his head was splitting, and every muscle ached. The next second, his entire body went rigid and cold.Beside him lay Amelia, unclothed, tears still fresh upon her face as she feigned distress.Suddenly, frantic footsteps echoed outside. Penelope stormed in with a crowd of relatives and household staff, catching the pair together in bed.The evidence was undeniable. There was no room for explanation.Penelope immediately demanded that Glenn marry Amelia to officiate their relationship.Glenn closed his eyes, feeling nothing but cold disgust. He knew he had fallen into Amelia's trap once again. But left with no choice, he reluctantly agreed to the marriage.Half a month later, Glenn coldly brought Amelia into his household as his wife. There were no decorations, no wedding party, and no guests.On their wedding night, he never returned to their room. Instead, he sat alone in his study, drinking late into the night, one glass after another. His eyes were emp