The door was blocked by a heavy wooden cabinet, letting it open just a silver. Jeannette peered into the pitch–dark room, then quietly closed the door.
As the door clicked shut, the tension in the air finally loosened. Only then did Blanche and Fernando realize something was off.
In order to stay out of Jeannette’s line of sight, Blanche had pressed her back against Fernando’s chest. Through the thin fabric of her dress, she could feel the powerful rise and fall of his breath and the thunder of his heartbeat.
“We should wait a little longer before going out,” Fernando whispered, his voice low and deep, the warmth of his breath grazing her ear, sending an electric shiver racing through her veins.
Blanche couldn’t help but recall how Fernando’s bedroom was filled with portraits of her, how he’d fall asleep clutching their wedding photo. The memory made her flush with embarrassment.
Yet there was no way she could move, not even an inch. All she could manage was a faint, barely audible “Mm.”
Suddenly, Jeannette’s voice, thick with tears, broke the silence on the other side of the door. “Eddy, I love you! Please, don’t make me marry Kelvin.”
Blanche immediately froze.
Eddy was out there too.
She strained to listen, but Eddy said nothing.
Jeannette’s voice trembled, each word more broken than the last. “Margaret told me… she said if I marry into the Anderson family, I’ll have to follow all their rules, I’ll have to give Kelvin a family, She’s forcing me!”
Blanche’s hand at her side curled into a tight fist.
Sensing her anger, Fernando murmured softly at her ear, trying to soothe her. “Her marriage to the Andersons is set in stone. The Andersons have influence all over the city–there’s no way they’ll let her back out now.”
“Laney, she’ll get what’s coming to her, sooner or later.”
At that, some of the tension left Blanche’s shoulders.
“Kelvin won’t touch you.” Eddy’s voice cut through the air, and Blanche’s heart
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clenched painfully in her chest.
How many nights had she been haunted by nightmares of him and Jeannette tangled together, whispering sweet nothings? She never wanted to hear it again.
Suddenly, something warm and solid pressed gently over her ears–Fernando’s hands. He was trying to shield her from the voices outside.
But Blanche could still hear them, clear as day, and she forced herself to stay calm, grateful for his attempt.
“No, Eddy,” Jeannette pleaded, even more desperately. “Margaret already told me the truth. She knows about us. She said she can accept Lara, but only if I do my duty become a real Anderson daughter–in–law and give Kelvin an heir!” Her voice was raw with grief. “I don’t want this. I belong to you.”
There was a sudden scuffle, a rustle of movement. Blanche bit down hard on her lower lip, feeling as if she’d plunged into an icy lake. Her hand twisted into a knot
at her side.
Out of nowhere, a loud crash echoed through the hall.
Jeannette’s agonized scream followed.
“Your engagement is already public knowledge–it’s about the reputation of the Anderson Group and the Simmons family. You have to go through with it,” Eddy’s voice was cold, detached. “Today is your engagement party. You should be with Kelvin, not here with me.”
“Eddy, Lara is your daughter! How can you let her call someone else ‘Dad“?” Jeannette sounded utterly devastated. “I’ll listen, I promise. I’ll never go near my sister again.”
וויו“.
“I’ll go. I’ll take Lara and leave Novandria, okay?”
“I don’t want anything else, just please–don’t do this to Lara.”
She sounded utterly pitiful, begging for mercy.
“Kelvin won’t touch you. Do you understand?” Eddy’s patience was clearly wearing thin. “The Andersons are old money, strict traditions. Lara will have a good upbringing with them. She should be grateful.”
Jeannette finally gave in. “You won’t abandon us, will you?”
“As long as you behave–and don’t upset your sister again.” Eddy’s tone softened, if only slightly.
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“I know I was wrong. I won’t bother her anymore. Eddy, Margaret will force me and Kelvin together tonight–what should I do?” Jeannette’s voice turned sickeningly
sweet.
Then, the sound of rough, desperate kissing came through the door
Blanche clenched her jaw, squeezing her hand so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Suddenly, Fernando’s arms tightened around her, steadying her as she swayed. His hand slipped from her waist to her fist, gently prying it open as he whispered, “Laney, you’re hurting me.”
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