Chapter 1
I Won’t Run Away From This Marriage “Come on, hustle up! Change your dress and get that hair done! Don’t forget the headpiece!” Eleanor Adams jolted awake, the cacophony tugging her from dreams she couldn’t quite grasp. Blinking against the morning light, she stared into the mirror and was met with her own reflection—fair and delicate, yet somehow unrecognizable. The girl looking back at her felt like a puppet, manhandled by a trio of anxious little hands. Dressed head-to-toe in fiery red, her hair twisted into an elaborate bun adorned with a garish floral headpiece, her cheeks painted so thickly with makeup she resembled a circus clown. Everything about this scene screamed wedding, yet confusion swirled within her. Did she not die in that car crash? Had she been whisked away to some hellish afterlife, destined to be a ghostly bride? “Is everything ready?” A woman in a flowing blue dress entered the room, her voice a soothing contrast to the chaotic chatter outside. “Almost there,” came a whisper from the servants. Caught in her bewilderment, Eleanor stared blankly as Matilda Adams, her younger sister, approached, a triumphant smirk dancing on her lips. “Little sis, the wedding party is almost here. Time to get moving!” “Wait a minute!” Panic surged, and Eleanor shot out, blocking one of the maidens who held a red veil aimed straight for her head. “Who are you people? What wedding? What is happening here?” Unfazed by Eleanor’s frantic questions, the servants glanced at Matilda, awaiting orders. Matilda stepped closer, her voice low and dripping with mocking sweetness. “Eleanor, save your breath. No amount of playing dumb will help. The wedding is set. Dad said whether you like it or not, you’re marrying Bennett today.” Before Eleanor could respond, two of the maids covered her mouth with a cloth, effectively silencing her. Ten minutes later, the wedding procession arrived at the grand entrance of Adams Manor. Two hefty women gripped the struggling Eleanor, draping the red veil over her head as they marched behind Matilda towards the waiting entourage. “Look at that, that’s Eleanor’s soon-to-be husband—he doesn't look too bad!” “What good is a pretty face if he’s broke and uneducated? He lives in Oldborough's slums, and word is he’s got a shady background. He can’t even get drafted! What kind of life will she have, forcing her way into that family?” “Guess that’s why she’s fighting it tooth and nail…” In high society, it's dog eat dog. Everyone loved to build someone up only to tear them down. Once the admired beauty, Eleanor was now the subject of cruel laughter, and her fall from grace had everyone eager for the show. Observing the jeers around her and the half-worn bicycle her fiancé pushed, Matilda's smile broadened. Who would have thought Eleanor Adams, once the envy of Riverford, was nothing more than an imposter? Reduced to marrying a rough-hewn man from the underclass? “Eleanor, your rough patch is just beginning,” Matilda seemed to sing as William Bennett frowned at Eleanor's futile struggle. “She’s just throwing a tantrum,” Matilda reassured him, her voice sugar-sweet yet sinister. “Don’t worry; we can’t delay the ceremony. Let her ride with me—just in case things get messy.” William’s dark eyes hardened as he wordlessly turned his bicycle around. Matilda signaled for the two hefty women to shove Eleanor into the back seat of her flashy car—a gleaming crimson crown in stark contrast with the situation. Society’s daughters piled into their respective vehicles, eager to follow and witness Eleanor’s humiliation unfold. Once the door slammed shut, Matilda yanked the veil off Eleanor’s head. “Eleanor, behave yourself. If you try to run, I’ll have someone knock you out. They tend to hit hard and I can’t promise they won’t crack your head open,” she taunted. Eleanor assessed her captors—a pair of bullish women flanking her—slowly subsiding into a resigned quiet. Matilda's satisfaction was palpable as she released the cloth from Eleanor’s mouth, her expression caught between triumph and mockery. “I know you look down on William, but remember—Dad put in serious work to make this happen. If you refuse him, your only options might be much worse: an old man or a widower with a disease. Think about it.” Eleanor, however, felt like she’d been struck by a bolt of lightning as Matilda’s words pierced through her fog. William? Wasn’t that the name of the vicious antagonist from that romance novel she’d read, *Reborn in the Eighties: The Reign of Pampered Marriage*? Sudden memories hit her—flooding her mind as if she were drowning in them. Eleanor was not just a soul misplaced; she had somehow slipped into the pages of that petty tale. But instead of being the glamorous heroine, she was the same-named scheming villainess who had ruined everything for the rightful lead. This faux heiress was the result of a mix-up at birth, and when the truth emerged, she’d clung to her guardians’ home, desperately antagonizing the real heiress until they threw her into an unloving marriage to gritty William, who resided in a rundown neighborhood. And after all that chaos? The original Eleanor ended up unfaithful and caught, with no one to turn to and derision cutting her down before she met a miserable end. Yet what the original Eleanor hadn't realized was that the rough man she’d scorned would later rise from the ashes, building an empire of his own. Collecting herself, Eleanor squared her shoulders and flashed a calm smile at the smug Matilda. “You raise some good points. Sure, William may not have riches, but he’s tall and handsome, seems grounded, and willing to work hard. I could find a lot to appreciate in a man like that.” Matilda’s eyes narrowed, doubt painting her features. “Eleanor, I’d advise you not to entertain any funny ideas. If you dare run, I’ll make sure your city registration gets moved back to the countryside. You wouldn’t believe how tricky it is to get that back to the city. Even if you manage, you’ll be stuck with a rural status, missing out on urban benefits.” “Don’t worry. I have no plans to flee. I’m flat broke—there’s nowhere for me to go.” It was a sobering truth. Eleanor had been pampered for so long, devoid of survival skills, not a single cent to her name; outside right now, she wouldn’t stand a chance. With a nod from Matilda, the hefty women finally released their grip on Eleanor’s arms. Rubbing her sore wrists, Eleanor gazed out the window, noting the outdated infrastructure, the way people dressed—it all spoke volumes of economic struggle. Though she lamentably found herself in a stranger’s life, her resolve strengthened. Life was a gift, and she’d seize every opportunity that came her way.
Chapter 2
The Wedding Scene: Accusations of Theft The luxury sedan pulled to a halt in front of a cramped, rundown alley. It was too narrow for the car to drive in, so Eleanor Adams was hoisted from the vehicle, her red veil freshly draped over her head, held up by two older women. As they squeezed through the cramped passage, the worn cobblestones beneath their feet threatened to send the bridesmaid tumbling into the mud with each misstep. Eleanor, before she was swept into this bizarre narrative, had been the daughter of a prominent family, accustomed to the comforts and civility of grand ballrooms. This dilapidated street was unrecognizable to her. Without the support of her two companions, she would surely have stumbled more than once. The wealthy ladies trailing behind her couldn't hold back their disdain, effectively clutching their handkerchiefs to their noses as they navigated the filth. “Is this place even livable? Ugh, it’s gross—smells like something died here,” one remarked, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “Hang in there, we’ll only be here for today. Poor Eleanor, though… she’s stuck here for life,” another chimed in, feigning sympathy. At that comment, a wave of morbid delight rippled through the group, the stench suddenly becoming bearable. After what felt like an eternity of tread between stepping into muck and dodging broken tiles, they finally arrived at their destination. With the crackle of fireworks echoing in the air, Eleanor’s veil was lifted, revealing a towering man clad in a dark blue suit. He was strikingly handsome, and as Eleanor craned her neck to meet his gaze, she felt an unfamiliar warmth flood her cheeks. His features were defined: sun-kissed skin, piercing dark eyes, and a strong jawline that radiated a raw, magnetic confidence. William Bennett—the name stirred something within her, a mix of frustration and awe. How could her counterpart find fault with someone who looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine? Their eyes met briefly, and while Eleanor was taken aback by his physical presence, William too was surprised. He had expected to encounter a troll of a wife, given Eleanor's infamous reputation for mischief, yet here she was, a vision of beauty with wide, sparkling eyes that seemed to reflect his own astonishment back at him. “Caleb Underwood, get your head in the game. It’s time to pay tribute,” William's older brother, Richard, urged, breaking the charged silence. With a slight flush creeping up his neck, William averted his gaze and strode toward the entrance without acknowledging Eleanor, leaving her feeling adrift. “Just look at this dump! It’s worse than any of our servant quarters,” one of the socialites scoffed. “Maybe we should ask Eleanor if she’d like to come work for us instead,” another suggested with a crooked grin. “There’s no way I’d take her on. We have standards for our staff,” came the dismissive reply. “She’d need to be useful; her laziness would ruin me.” Matilda Adams lurked nearby, reveling in the rich girls’ jibes while maintaining a facade of innocence. “Let’s not dawdle out here. We’re all here for the wedding, so why not enjoy the festivities?” Matilda urged, masking her glee at Eleanor’s impending embarrassment. The group, their collective intentions far from honorable, flowed inside as they prepared to witness what they believed would be a spectacle of disgrace. Past the raised threshold lay a small courtyard, where a table was set with lit candles, sweets, and framed photos of the deceased. William’s parents had passed long ago, their memory honored in this simple manner. “Bow to heaven and earth, then to your parents, and finally to each other,” the officiant instructed. Eleanor, still reeling from the whirlwind of the day, followed suit, her mind spinning as she found herself gearing up for a marriage she never saw coming. Having never even been on a date, here she stood, about to commit to a complete stranger. “Once the ceremony concludes, the newlyweds will toast the guests,” the officiant announced as a small clay cup was handed to Eleanor. Her heart raced as she stared at the untouched alcohol within it. Amidst the laughter and structure of the ceremony, a clattering noise drew Eleanor's attention to the ground. There, nestled among the dust and dirt, glinted a bold gold bangle studded with red gemstones. “Wow, that’s a hefty piece! Bet it’s worth two, three grand at least!” someone exclaimed. “More like four or five! Look at all those rubies!” another added, her voice hardly concealed its envy. Gasps echoed through the courtyard, hushed tones of astonishment filling the air—this trinket was essentially a month’s salary for the average person, one that could write a check for eight years of hard work. Then one of the socialites gasped. “Wait! That’s Mrs. Ethan Adams’ missing bracelet!” “Right! It’s the same one! I remember!” another one chimed in, the thrill evident in her voice. “Who is Mrs. Ethan Adams?” a newcomer asked, trying to piece together the drama that was unfolding. “A recent arrival with serious connections. Her family deals in imports, you know the type,” came the explanation. “Oh! That makes sense. But if that’s her bracelet, why is it here?” Someone pointed an accusing finger at Eleanor. “I saw it fall from her! It definitely came from her.” “Yeah, I saw that too—no doubt about it,” another echoed. The whispers turned into a chorus of accusations, each one more venomous than the last, swiftly labeling Eleanor as a thief. Matilda stood back, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips as she watched her carefully orchestrated trap unfold. Eleanor observed the disdain layered in the gazes directed at her, alongside Matilda’s expression rife with feigned surprise. It became clear: this was a setup intended to tarnish her name further. If she couldn’t clear her name today, the tale of her theft would echo throughout Riverford, ruining her before she'd barely begun to navigate this new life. But Eleanor was no fool, unlike the version of herself those around expected. “Let me remind you, this is a society governed by law, not by hearsay. Unless you can present evidence, keep your mouths shut,” she retaliated, her tone steady and commanding. “Or I will sue for defamation, and watch as each of you gets carted off to jail.” The stunned silence that followed spoke volumes, the shock palpable among the previously raucous group. Matilda, unwilling to give up her game so easily, chimed in, “Eleanor, if you’re in need of money, you can always talk to your parents. I’d be willing to lend you some of my allowance in a pinch. You should reconsider resorting to such foolish actions.” Eleanor couldn’t conceal her amusement, arching an eyebrow at Matilda. “What actions exactly? I’m a little lost here.” Matilda feigned concern as she glanced around at the crowd, adopting a worried expression. “Let’s leave the bracelet issue for later. It’s not a good idea to argue about it now; it could ruin your reputation right here, right now.” Eleanor almost burst into laughter. Did she still have a reputation to salvage at this point?
Chapter 3
“That's my bracelet, not stolen.” “Let me take the bracelet for now. After the wedding, we’ll return it to Mrs. Ethan Adams and apologize for the mix-up. She’s a forgiving woman; as long as you’re sincere in your apology, she’ll let it go,” Matilda Adams suggested, bending to pick up the gleaming piece of jewelry. Before she could reach it, Eleanor Adams snatched the gold bracelet off the ground, letting the sun catch its shine, displaying it to the onlookers. It was a chunky thing, as thick as a chopstick, intricately crafted and adorned with several pea-sized pigeon blood rubies that glimmered seductively in the light. After a long moment of admiration, Eleanor turned to the girls who had pointed out the bracelet’s origin. “You all said you saw it fall from my wrist, right?” “Absolutely, I saw it clearly.” “Same here,” several voices echoed affirmatively. Eleanor smiled, satisfied. “Great. Then I’m claiming this bracelet as mine. Wouldn’t want anyone to pop up later claiming it’s theirs, right?” The guests exchanged glances, some stifling their laughter as the absurdity of the situation set in. The absurdity of Eleanor’s declaration hung thick in the air. Didn’t she realize the implications? Was she really going to claim the stolen property right in front of everyone? Richard Bennett, the groom, could hardly sit still. The wedding was mere moments away from completion, yet chaos threatened to unravel everything. His sister-in-law was turning this into a spectacle. Stealing without a shred of subtlety, getting caught in public—it left a bitter taste that their family would never live down. Richard, usually the obvious authority in the family, shot a look at his brother, William. The unspoken message was clear: figure this out, fast. William, however, was too distracted. He stood across the room, captivated by Eleanor. Rumors swirled about her being a “fake aristocrat”—dimwitted and insufferable. But in that moment, he couldn’t help but admire her calm and sharp intellect. What was her play here? When Matilda heard Eleanor claim the bracelet, she nearly burst out laughing. The idiot just gave herself away! “Oh, Eleanor, so you’re just admitting you stole it then?” Eleanor wiggled her ear theatrically, her big almond-shaped eyes wide with mock surprise. “You look really young, isn’t it a bit crass to say I’m admitting to theft? I’d say you’re more like thirty, given how bleak your skin looks.” Matilda’s face soured instantly. They were the same age—both just past eighteen. How on earth could Eleanor make such a judgment? If Eleanor knew what Matilda really thought, she’d scream in indignation—that was entirely untrue! Years spent in the country, without modern care, had left Matilda’s complexion dull and rough. If anything, it was Eleanor’s beauty that stood in stark contrast. Feigning hurt, Matilda played the victim. “But Eleanor, you just said the bracelet is yours!” “Yeah,” Eleanor shrugged, “I said it’s mine, but never claimed I stole it.” Matilda pointed accusingly at the bracelet in Eleanor’s grip. “But that’s obviously Mrs. Ethan Adams's! You were at the gala when she wore it, remember? At the end of the night, it went missing right after you ducked out early because you were ‘not feeling well.’ The others can confirm this!” Several girls nodded in unison, backing Matilda’s claim. Eleanor leaned in, eyebrows raised. “So what? Just because you say it’s Mrs. Adams’s without proof doesn’t make it true.” “It’s decorated with six rubies, and her initials are inscribed inside the band in fancy script. How can you deny that?” Eleanor tilted her head, her expression playful. “Well, you seem to know it all—were you perhaps at the jewelry shop and didn’t mention it?” Matilda shot her a glare, her composure slipping. “Ethan’s wife definitely talked about getting it as an engagement gift! You left the party early, mere minutes before it vanished!” “Ah, I see.” Eleanor smirked, “But I can assure you, this isn’t the bracelet she lost.” Matilda’s demeanor shifted to one of exaggerated distress. “Oh, dear Eleanor, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Just admit it already; the evidence is stacked against you!” “Admitting fault is noble, sure,” Eleanor retorted, showing her palm, the gold bracelet sparkling brilliantly against her pale skin. “But why should I take ownership of something I didn’t steal?” Casually, she held it up, letting the glint speak volumes. “Whoa—that can’t be Mrs. Adams’s bracelet!” one girl gasped. “How can you tell?” “Matilda already mentioned that Mrs. Adams's had six rubies, but check this out—it’s got seven!” “No way.” Matilda sprang forward, snatching the bracelet from Eleanor’s hands, counting frantically. One, two, three… no, no, no. There were indeed seven rubies! It couldn’t be. She had personally slipped it onto Eleanor’s wrist. How could it have changed? “Are you sure? Do you need a second opinion?” Eleanor teased, her confidence gleaming even brighter than the bracelet. Matilda looked into Eleanor’s innocent eyes, bewildered. “What the hell did you do?” Eleanor feigned shock. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! This is straightforward. I found it on the ground just like anyone else would.” Matilda rose to her feet, the bracelet glimmering ominously in her grip. “It should be six!” “Oh come on,” Eleanor breathed, her face suddenly clouding with emotion. Tears pooled in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. The crowd went silent. There was something heartbreakingly beautiful about her as she cried quietly, a contradictory image of delicate strength. “The night of the gala, I didn’t leave early because I was unwell. I was pushed into the lake! I was drenched to the bone. I swear, I didn’t steal anything! This bracelet was bought with my own savings, meant for my mother’s birthday. A small thank you after eighteen years of care. Matilda, I know you resent me for claiming your life, and I understand your frustration. I never meant to intrude on your narrative. I’d hoped to make amends by keeping my distance, but I can’t help but ask why you continue to pursue me?”
Chapter 4
**The Path of the Lotus** There's an old saying: when you tread the path of the lotus, the lotus has nowhere to go. Matilda Adams never imagined that the one person she’d often manipulated and slandered would turn the tables. Eleanor Adams had learned her tactics well, and now she aimed them squarely at Matilda. Fury simmered in Matilda; she snapped, "You're lying. With your personality, if someone really shoved you into the water, would you just quietly walk away?" Even if they were the kind of people who put up with a lot, being pushed into the lake for no reason would definitely call for an explanation. Curious eyes filled the room, suspicion woven into their gazes toward Eleanor. Clearly, they doubted the truth of her earlier claims. Eleanor, tears streaming down her cheeks like raindrops on a wilted petal, wailed through her sobs, "I didn’t say anything because the ones who pushed me were your friends. They said they were just helping you out. If I went to Grace Carter like a soaked rat looking for an explanation, it would be embarrassing, and it would ruin the whole night." Eleanor’s sobs faltered only briefly, "And they’d deny it, saying I was just trying to frame them and jumped in myself. This isn't the first time something like this has happened. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. I thought it best to keep my head down this time to avoid more gossip." Everyone had heard the rumors of the Adams family—how the false daughter was a spoiled brat and the true daughter was benevolent and polite. But what they witnessed was a different story altogether. It was clear that the real daughter and her allies were the ones bullying the imposter, daring to accuse her of theft right in front of everyone. Imagine how much worse they would be at home, where no one could see their tyranny. With the tide turned, guests began to side with Eleanor, offering her sympathy while casting scornful glances at Matilda. Even the onlooking debutantes couldn’t hide their disdain for Matilda. Although they enjoyed Eleanor's embarrassment, they felt no warmth towards Matilda, who seemed like nothing more than an intruder in their world. Matilda quickly realized she was at a loss. Continuing to push about the bracelet would only dig a deeper hole for her. Experience had taught her to adjust on the fly, and a look of guilt swept over her face. “I had no idea, Eleanor. They never said anything to me. When I saw the bracelet, I thought you’d just made the same mistake again. This is all my fault; I should’ve been clearer. I’m sorry.” An apology may have been in order, but the phrase "made the same mistake again" was prickly. Eleanor’s sharp retort came with a toss of her head. “It’s fine; I’m used to it by now. It's not like it’s the first time." Oh, here we go. An invitation for mutual destruction. Not willing to give up, Matilda latched onto the bracelet once more, captivated. Its design was similar to Grace Carter’s, crafted by a master jeweler, with rubies so vividly cut they seemed to pulse with life. There was no comparison to anything made in Riverford. “Eleanor, this bracelet is rare. Which boutique did you get it from?” “Got it through a cousin overseas,” Eleanor shot back, cutting Matilda off mid-sentence. But Matilda pressed on, “Didn’t you say Grace’s bracelet had the character for ‘Song’ engraved inside? I see yours has an engraving too, but... not that one.” Following Eleanor's lead, Matilda glanced at the inner side of the bracelet, spotting the letters Y&M delicately etched. With no clue that she had been deflected yet again, Matilda absorbed the distraction. “Weren’t you mentioning how you were planning to gift this to your mom? Why isn’t her name engraved on it?” “Because I bought it secondhand. I’m just going to have the engravings altered so it has my mom’s name later,” Eleanor explained flatly. At that moment, Matilda found herself at a standstill, the sting of defeat biting hard. Reluctantly, she returned the bracelet to Eleanor. Richard Bennett, sensing the air shift, gestured for the officiant to move onto the final steps of the ceremony. Matilda had aimed to pin a theft accusation on Eleanor but had instead shot herself in the foot. Realizing there was no point in sticking around, with a storm cloud hanging over her, she slipped away from Bennett Hold. --- Inside the new couple’s quarters, laughter echoed as two cheerful matrons arranged decorative silk on the bed. “Lay the bed right, send blessings for a big family!” “Wishing for boys and girls!” “May you have double happiness, everlasting fortune!” “May the couple enjoy marital bliss!” As they recited the blessings, they tossed dates and peanuts across the bed in celebration. Once finished, the matrons turned to Eleanor, beaming, “Dear, the bed is ready! Here’s to love and a family for you and your husband soon!” Eleanor blushed, mumbling, “Thank you.” She tried to meet their gaze, but awkwardness hung in the air until one lively friend broke the ice, “Looks like our bride is so nervous, she even forgot to send her Venmo payment!” Eleanor’s eyes widened. Oh right, Venmo payment... “Uh, I don’t have the payment with me…” she stammered. Her explanation brought no suspicion; after all, someone buying a gold bracelet was unlikely to worry about a few bucks. Then someone chimed in, asking who had it. While she opened her mouth to reply, a woman in her thirties stepped up, “I’ve got it, don’t worry! I was just so excited, I forgot.” Once the Venmo payment and wedding treats were distributed, the crowd flowed out to the banquet, leaving only Eleanor and Grace Carter in the room. Grace eyed the leftover treats in the bag, annoyed at how little was left. "Those people can really consume, can’t they? Two pounds of candy, and we barely have half a pound left!" Tying the bag shut, she turned to Eleanor. “Hey, take a breather. I’ll step out and check on the kids.” Eleanor nodded quietly. Once Grace left with the remaining trinkets, Eleanor clicked the door shut and locked it tight. Her heart raced as she opened her palm wide. With a flicker of intent, a glistening droplet of water formed in her palm, then vanished into thin air. Who would have thought her little divine spring would follow her into this life? Joy spread across Eleanor’s face. In her previous life, she was born frail, destined to die young. A master once told her she wouldn’t see her tenth birthday, so her family gifted her an ancient jade pendant for protection. When she was five, a small accident caused her blood to drip onto the pendant, awakening the spirit spring inside. Thanks to that enchanted water, she defied the odds and lived into her twenties. Beyond its protective powers, the spring was a small storage space—not much bigger than a bedroom—that contained all the treasures she’d gathered over her previous life. The golden bracelet that had caused such a rift tonight was one of those hidden jewels, switched out in the moment she spotted it during her search. If only Matilda had paid more attention, she would have realized that Y&M was just a clever abbreviation of Eleanor's name.
Chapter 5
Later on, just focus on living your life with her. Eleanor Adams felt a flicker of thought, and suddenly, two gold bangles studded with rubies appeared in her hands. She compared her own bangle to the one Matilda Adams had used to frame her. Their shapes were almost identical—only the patterns and number of rubies varied. That was precisely why she had been able to pass unnoticed. “Knock, knock.” Hearing the soft knock at the door, Eleanor quickly tucked the bangles into her pocket. She opened the door to find William Bennett, the groom, standing there with a tray of food. He looked like he was ready to serve her a meal. “I’m not hungry,” she said, blocking his entry. William raised an eyebrow, his voice low and steady. “You sure?” Eleanor shook her head, stepping aside to let him in. He placed the food on the wooden table, and for a moment, his gaze lingered on the scattered peanuts and dates on the bed before he turned to her. “Didn’t know what you liked, so I just grabbed a bit of everything.” “Oh, thanks,” she muttered, feeling awkward in front of the man she had just married. Noticing her discomfort, William didn’t linger. Though she was starving, the food didn’t look appealing—bland, greasy, and unappetizing. Eleanor managed to take a couple of bites of the greens before she put down her chopsticks. Just as she was about to grab a few peanuts and dates from the bed, another knock interrupted her. This one was timid, almost weak. Curious, she opened the door to find nothing at first, but then a small voice piped up from below. “Auntie?” Eleanor looked down to see a little girl barely taller than her knee, clutching a bowl of tea with trembling hands, her glassy black eyes wide with shyness. She squatted down, taking the bowl gently. “You brought this for me?” “Mm-hm.” “What’s your name?” “Isabelle Bennett.” “Ah, Isabelle! What a lovely name!” Eleanor smiled, noticing the little girl's face flush with pride. Isabelle pointed to the bowl of tea and whispered, “Uncle gave it to you.” Eleanor didn’t drink immediately—instead, she let Isabelle in and closed the door behind them. She rummaged around for something sweet to give the girl but found nothing useful in the new home. Resigned, she handed Isabelle some peanuts and dates from her bed. At first, Isabelle hesitated, but Eleanor playfully stuffed them into Isabelle's pocket, and the girl finally murmured a shy “thank you.” As Isabelle peeled a peanut, Eleanor discreetly dropped a few drops of her special water into the tea bowl. It was always wise to be cautious; the water had restorative properties and could detoxify. “So, how old are you?” Eleanor asked, sipping her tea. “Six,” Isabelle replied. “Are you in school yet?” Isabelle shook her head. Despite her young age, the little girl was remarkably composed, and soon Eleanor had a good grasp of the Bennett family dynamics. It turned out Isabelle’s parents had passed away, leaving just her and her two uncles, William and Richard Bennett. The woman who had handed out the wedding candy earlier was Richard's wife, and Isabelle had a little brother, only four and a half. Eleanor was impressed to see that Isabelle was so polite—she carefully placed the peanut shells and date pits on the table instead of making a mess everywhere. Despite her previous disdain for Grace Carter over the payment and wedding sweets, Eleanor couldn’t help but feel a growing fondness for her now. If Grace had raised such a thoughtful daughter, she must be a decent person herself. — As the sun began to set, the guests filtered out. The Bennett brothers, with help from friendly neighbors, quickly tidied the remnants of the celebration. Richard pulled out his pre-prepared Venmo payment and a few sweet treats, graciously thanking everyone who had helped clean up. When he returned, he found George Dawson animatedly chatting with William. “...Ethan Adams's secretary personally came by, gave us eight hundred bucks and two hundred pounds of ration tickets. Thank you so much, man!” Once George left, Richard turned to William, looking guilty. “Will, I’m sorry... about everything.” William gave Richard a reassuring pat on the shoulder, interrupting him. “It’s all sorted out now. No harm done.” Richard rubbed his face, frustration etched all over it. “I’ve remembered the Dawsons’ kindness throughout everything. When our parents passed, we had creditors banging down our door. There was barely anything to eat. If George hadn’t brought us that basket of sweet potatoes, we might have starved." With George now sick and unable to work, feeding his entire family was an issue. George had asked Richard for help getting Henry Dawson a job, and Richard didn’t feel right saying no. “While we certainly should help the Dawsons, next time, let’s discuss it first,” William said firmly. Richard nodded quickly. “I understand. I won’t take things into my hands again.” The marriage between William and Eleanor had come about because of Henry Dawson's situation. William was a small contractor with a dozen workers under him, currently managing a project at the Adams Estate. There were rules about employing workers that stipulated they had to be at least sixteen years old. Henry, only fifteen, had been claimed to be sixteen so he could be hired. Unfortunately, shortly after starting on the site, there was a collapse, and he was seriously injured. The company assigned to deal with the accident discovered Henry’s true age and that they had hired him illegally. This meant no compensation for him, and William was liable for hefty fines. Strapped for cash, William had no choice but to approach the company boss, Ethan Adams, to plead his case. Ethan, meanwhile, was worried about Eleanor and saw this as an opportunity. In the end, a compromise was struck: William would marry Eleanor, and in return, Ethan would overlook any penalties for the violation. “William, I don’t think that Adams girl is as unreasonable as people say. Now that you’ve brought her home, just focus on building a life with her. Women all have their quirks; it doesn’t really matter who you marry. Besides, she’s quite pretty and educated—sounds like a good deal to me.” Thinking back to Eleanor's striking features, William nodded thoughtfully. “I get it, brother; don’t worry.” “Alright, it’s getting late. You should wash up and get some rest after a long day.” — With Isabelle's company and playful spirit, time slipped by quickly, and soon the sun started to dip below the horizon. “Isabelle,” Richard’s voice called from the other room. Isabelle jumped up from her seat. “Auntie! Dad’s calling me!” “Okay, go on,” Eleanor said. Isabelle hesitated, her glassy green eyes darting toward the peanut shells on the table.
There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading "Behind the Veil of Deception"
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app).
❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️