Beyond the Silver Lining

Chapter 1

**Title: This Lotus-White Side Character No Longer Fits My Role**
Eleanor Everhart had lived the life of a wealthy heiress for twenty years, speaking four languages, mastering the piano, and dressed in flowing gowns that made her look like a fairy. Her life seemed destined for ease, poised for a grand family marriage that would see her enjoying afternoon teas, indulging in luxury shopping, and living the high life.
But fate had other plans. First, her fiancé cruelly called off their engagement, turning her into the talk of the town's elite. Soon after, she learned a shocking truth: she had been switched at birth, and she wasn't a socialite at all. The real heiress had taken her place, leaving Eleanor as the unwanted impostor.
Eleanor had always considered herself the pure-hearted protagonist in her fairy tale, only to find out she was nothing but the scorned side character in a tale about hidden identities.
Eleanor Everhart: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
With everyone watching to see how the fallen heiress would cope, they were taken aback when she appeared on a reality TV show, her wild hair cascading around her face, smokey makeup accentuating her rebellious spirit, and her jeans ripped to shreds. With fervor, she shouted along with the audience:
"Yo, yo, let's get it started! Forget the piano and the prim and proper life; I’m done with tears! High-society living? It's a joke! Let's dance away the nights!"
Awestruck, the crowd was left speechless.
What followed was a comedic rise as she captured hearts nationwide as a beloved comedian.
----
With the real heiress finally revealed, rumors circulated that her failed engagement with the Wainwright family might be back on. It turned out that Julian Wainwright, her former fiancé, had an eye for true talent, and suddenly, he wasn’t interested in faux riches anymore.
During one live show, someone noticed Julian in the audience, expressionless but holding a sign that read, “I LOVE Eleanor Everhart.” Meanwhile, the real heiress was equally cold, leading viewers to wonder who had stitched up the rips in her rebellion-themed jeans.
----
**As the story unfolds, Eleanor learns that her old life, filled with posh dresses and elite gatherings, was merely the facade of a world that rarely recognized true happiness. And her journey through laughter, heartbreak, and self-discovery has just begun.**
**Chapter One: Moving On**
Recently, high society in Bertshire buzzed with scandalous news. Whether it was the elite matrons or the well-heeled daughters, they couldn’t get enough of the gossip.
The former darling of House Everhart, Clara Everhart—the equally glamorous yet false heiress—was finally exposed.
This wasn’t about Clara's existence, but rather her identity. Everyone knew that shortly after her birth, she was snatched by a deceptive nanny. It took the House Everhart two long years to find their true daughter, whose absence had been felt deeply.
The turn of events only began when the Haven of Grace, the orphanage that housed the switched children, conducted an audit of their records. The new director stumbled upon the shocking mix-up involving two two-year-old girls. One was a wealthy child lost to the world, while the other was an orphan destined for adoption by a pair of university professors. Due to a mix-up, the House Everhart brought home the orphan instead of their true heiress, leaving the real wealthy girl in the loving embrace of her adoptive parents.
Now, the world was less concerned about who the true Clara Everhart was and more intrigued by the former heiress who had claimed a life of luxury for twenty years only to be revealed as a mere imposter. The mockery came in waves as Eleanor—ever hopeful, she had tirelessly chased Julian Wainwright, embellishing their engagement amid the gossips—was left to reap what she had sown when Julian broke off their engagement.
The social circles of Bertshire, known humorously as the Sisters of the Mould, gathered for their usual afternoon tea, bursting with delight as they recalled Eleanor's fall from grace.
“After two decades as a fake heiress, she’s finally being unmasked. It's about time!”
“Isn't it obvious why Julian Wainwright was smitten? He had no idea she was just a con.”
“Rumor has it that House Everhart is searching for the real heiress now. What will Eleanor even do?”
“Who knows? She’ll likely return to her shadowy past; her ties with House Everhart are superficial at best. They’re not going to hold onto someone whom an heir like Wainwright rejected.”
“How pitiful, going from luxury to sleeping in a cardboard box. If I were her, I’d rather not live!”
“Did you unfriend her on social media? Better check in; she’s moving beyond our circle now!”
----
Meanwhile, in Golden Jewel Manor, Lord and Lady Everhart were oblivious to the murmurs surrounding their family’s scandal.
Eleanor stood at the manor's threshold, suitcase in hand, stealing one last glance at the grand, shut doors behind her. As she packed, the maid's voice lingered, her face contorted with discomfort, repeating Lady Everhart's orders to leave behind the luxury bags and jewelry; she could only take the bare essentials.
Now, her suitcase felt heavy with emptiness—just a few plain clothes tucked inside.
She recalled the maid’s apologetic tone, her heart heavy. Truthfully, she had no desire to drag any possessions from her old life.
Golden Jewel Manor sat in a wealthy enclave, where residents drove exquisite cars. The nearest subway station and bus stop were over three miles away.
With determination, Eleanor dragged her suitcase to the bus stop and, after an hour of transfers, arrived at The Traveler's Lodge, a budget-friendly inn known for its no-nonsense approach.
She dropped her bags, headed straight to the bathroom, and let the warm water wash over her. Using the cheap, no-name shampoo, she scrubbed her hair clean, her thoughts swirling as she faced the beginning of a radically different chapter of her life.

Chapter 2

Eleanor Everhart had long, straight black hair that cascaded down to her waist, which she maintained with meticulous care, never daring to dye or perm it. The silky strands shimmered like silk, always a source of pride for her.
Her hair care routine had become almost automatic, and during one wash, she accidentally let some lather drift into her eyes. The moment the foam hit her cornea, the sting became unbearable. With her head tilted back, Eleanor hurriedly rinsed her eyes under the running water.
The water rushed into her eye sockets, spilling over, mingling with the tears that finally flowed as if they were waiting for an excuse to escape. It started as soft sobs but turned into an all-out cry, echoing against the bathroom walls. Eleanor leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor, her sobs racking her body.
It felt like a cathartic release—her emotions pouring out to cleanse the humiliation and awkwardness she had been enduring. She cried for her failed relationships and the indifference in the eyes of men, and for the ridicule from her friends who treated her like an outsider, a mere interloper in their world.
Deep down, she knew she had no right to cry, as she had been the one to disrupt another’s life. It was the kind of dramatic twist suitable for cheesy soap operas, where the imposter at least had poor parents by their side at the end. Eleanor couldn’t even claim that; she was the abandoned child from Haven of Grace, while the real Lady Everhart had been adopted by a university professor. Now, she had adoptive parents who loved her, but the shadow of her true identity loomed like a storm cloud waiting to unleash its fury.
As the final tears dried up, Eleanor switched off the water and wiped her cheeks dry before stepping out of the shower. The Traveler's Lodge wasn’t known for its soundproofing, and she could hear the raucous laughter of children in the next room. She changed into her pajamas and plopped down on the bed, her phone buzzing with a new message from the bank.
The balance was dismal.
Sniffling, she swiped over to her WeChat, where several unread messages awaited her, the latest from the Sisters of the Mould.
“Eleanor, are you alright? I heard your uncle kicked you out. That’s just too much; they raised you for twenty years! Is it because of the wedding with House Wainwright that fell through? Seriously, was it Julian Wainwright’s fault he didn’t want to be with you?”
“Where are you staying now? I have a discount VIP card for Welton Hotel if you need a place. Just a heads up—it’s still over a thousand a night even with the discount. Can you handle that?”
Eleanor read through the messages but chose not to reply, deleting them one by one. Words had always slipped through her fingers like sand; it felt futile to respond. However, there was a sting of truth in their concern. Her uncle had poured everything into her upbringing, believing that her marriage could resurrect the declining fortunes of House Everhart. But when she was ultimately deemed “useless”—spurned by House Wainwright—she was unceremoniously tossed aside.
The fallout from the orphanage mix-up had sealed her fate; “Clara Everhart” was now severed from her identity, becoming “Eleanor” instead.
Eleanor turned off her phone and lay back on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. It dawned on her just how much the news of her expulsion from House Everhart had circulated among her friends. The unwanted daughter had finally been kicked out of a place she never belonged.
Classic fairy-tale drama, she mused.
After twenty-something years, she had become that one-dimensional character in a story whose sole purpose was to be ridiculed and put down.
And what of Julian Wainwright? The male lead in this narrative? Absolutely, he was the darling son everyone coveted.
This thought should have made her chuckle, but all she felt was a heavy weight crushing her chest.
She wrapped herself in the thin hotel blanket, the staleness of the fabric hitting her nose as she shifted in bed. Pulling it away from her mouth, she tried to find a more comfortable position, but her eyes were still focused on the ceiling, her mind racing through memories of the past.
In her mind’s eye, she envisioned the female lead in this soap opera, who loved the male lead for eight long years. Julian Wainwright and House Everhart were two well-regarded names in Bertshire, a legacy bound by the friendship of their grandfathers, who had arranged their union. But fate had conspired in a cruel twist, both families ending up with boys. The marriage had been postponed for their grandchildren.
As luck would have it, Julian Wainwright was the only son, while House Everhart had only Clara, who had been lost and later reclaimed by circumstances neither family understood.
Eleanor first met Julian at fourteen. He was four years older and had a faint scent of sweat after a soccer match, casually throwing his backpack over one shoulder as he passed her by, his gaze taking in her presence. Their eyes locked.
In that fleeting moment, looking into his hazel eyes, Eleanor felt an undeniable attraction, an instant falling that dug its claws deep into her heart.
From that day on, she fantasized about their arranged marriage, always working hard to become the perfect daughter-in-law. She wore her long hair exactly the same way, adhered to a specific dress code, and carried herself as if she were already part of the Wainwright legacy, waiting for the day she would marry Julian.
When Julian was busy with friends, she crash-landed into their gatherings. When he studied abroad, she followed him during her summer breaks. While his friends often looked down on her, all that mattered was Julian in her eyes.
Two years ago, she had hit the legal marriage age; finally, it seemed they were set to tie the knot, but instead, he chose to seize opportunities overseas, expanding the family business while she completed her studies back home. This, too, didn’t strip Julian of his allure, even if he didn’t carry the Wainwright name abroad. She watched him transform from that youthful soccer player into a striking figure, her heart still hopelessly tied to his.

Chapter 3

In Brighton, at The Bard's Quarters, Eleanor Everhart and Julian Wainwright shared their first intimate moments, leaving traces of their connection in every corner of the apartment.
Eleanor returned home from her vacation feeling happy and sweetened by memories.
It had been just a month since Julian came back, concluding his two-year stint abroad in market expansion, having achieved remarkable success as president of Wainwright Holdings.
From the moment he re-entered the Berkshire socialite scene at the shareholder meeting, rumors swirled that an engagement between the Everharts and Wainwrights was soon to follow. The Everhart family had been visibly in decline in recent years, banking everything on a proposed union with the Wainwrights.
Eleanor awaited that announcement excitedly.
Instead, she got news that the Wainwrights were breaking off the engagement.
What had once been a promise between their parents was now a thing of the past, as both elder generations had passed on. The Wainwright family handled the situation with grace, offering the Everharts any assistance they might need moving forward.
But it was clear to everyone that the long-term benefits of a union far outweighed the fleeting reassurances they offered.
Eleanor couldn’t accept this. She sought out Julian only to find herself confronted by the cool indifference in his gaze at the party. It felt like a bucket of cold water splashed over her, awakening her to the truth.
It was then she understood that Julian had always looked at her with that same calm detachment, a realization she had avoided in the grip of her unyielding affection.
The evening concluded with her colliding into a waiter carrying drinks, sending a cascade of red wine soaking her dress while onlookers snickered.
Returning home, she faced her uncle and aunt’s disappointed admonishments about why she hadn’t bagged a catch like Julian Wainwright after all these years.
Then, surfacing from the shadows of her discomfort, came the revelation of a twenty-year-old scandal regarding the mix-up at Haven of Grace.
As her thoughts spiraled, Eleanor squeezed her eyes shut. If she had clung to a flicker of defiance after the engagement was called off, the truth of her lineage crashing in extinguished it all.
Some things were simply never meant to be.
After a day settled in bitterness, she noticed a smile creeping back on her lips.
Rolling over to nestle into her pillow, she closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.
Letting go of someone, she realized, wasn't as hard as she'd thought.
The next day she awoke feeling rested, greeted by the sun streaming through her windows. For the first time in ages, Eleanor felt invigorated.
Her phone buzzed with a fresh batch of messages.
The Sisters of the Mould continued their relentless “concern” for her, and she decided to take a stand—deleting every one of them from her friend list.
She was well aware of her unpopularity within this group; while most of them flaunted their family fortunes, the Everhart name had dwindled to mere reputation without the financial backing to match. Additionally, while her family might lack in funds, she once had a prominent connection to Julian. Even with his cool demeanor towards her now, their past left room for jealousy among her peers.
With the deck cleared, Eleanor turned her focus to job hunting and downloaded several employment apps.
Having graduated university just months prior, she had refrained from job seeking, believing she would soon devote herself to being Julian's wife. Now, she realized she had missed the corporate hiring wave, making jobs harder to come by.
Her degree was in a niche field, not the easiest market to navigate. As days filled with searching faded into the mundane, she sent out countless applications, mostly falling into silence, with the few replies mostly being rejections.
Staring at a long list of “no’s,” she felt disappointed but recognized it was to be expected. While others busied themselves with internships and securing credentials, her devotion to Julian left her resume lacking.
Yet, as the days wore on, the hotel bill continued to climb, and Eleanor was nearing a crisis—she might find herself homeless.
Rubbing her temples, she sighed deeply. Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, hope arrived.
An email popped into her inbox, subject line bright with opportunity: “Elysium Media Company, Management Trainee Interview Invitation.”
Her heart raced, nearly launching her off the bed.
Berkshire, a hub for politics and culture, had countless media firms, but she had never heard of Elysium. A quick online search revealed a modest company with complete registration, seemingly reputable, and even boasting a few up-and-coming stars.
The interview was scheduled for the next day.
Eleanor put in a bit of effort for her appearance, giving herself a cheerful smile in the mirror before heading out thirty minutes early to the interview site located in a well-kept office building.
At the reception desk, she checked in and waited for what felt like an age before the interviewer invited her in.
The interview room was quiet, only the sound of paper shuffling filling the air. Eleanor took a calming breath; she reminded herself not to be nervous as she spotted the interviewer intently going over her resume.
Once they exchanged greetings, she took a seat, placing her hands on her knees.
The interviewer glanced up, a bewildered expression flitting across his face as he scanned her from head to toe. “Miss Everhart, why didn’t you include a photo with your resume?”
Eleanor hadn't expected this as the opener. “Um,” she paused for a moment, “the job application platform generated my resume automatically, and it didn’t allow me to add a picture.”
Nodding, the interviewer proceeded with questions relevant to the company.
Feeling confident in her responses, she watched closely for their reactions, gauging interest.
As she wrapped up the last question, they leaned in quietly to converse, one of them finally looking her way with a nod and pleasant smile. “Miss Everhart, please hold on a moment. Another interviewer is interested in meeting with you.”

Chapter 4

Eleanor Everhart was stepping into the world of job hunting for the first time. Unsure of the standard interview process, she simply nodded, "Okay."
Before long, a man in his thirties entered the interview room. Unlike the other two interviewers, who were dressed in sharp suits, this man wore casual attire and appeared quite friendly.
Eleanor felt his gaze sweep over her from head to toe as he walked in, but she was determined to secure this job, so she swallowed hard and sat up a bit straighter.
Seth Green took a seat, bypassing any small talk. He picked up her resume, scanning through it quickly.
Eleanor felt a pang of nervousness; surely, this man held more authority than the other two. Her hands, resting in her lap, clenched tightly.
Seth was currently dealing with the headache of selecting a trainee for the company’s upcoming talent showcase, The Young Maidens. There were four spots available, and one was still open. After glancing through her resume, he noticed there was no photo attached, prompting him to finally look up at her.
When he did, his eyes lit up with recognition. Suddenly, it made sense why the human resources team—used to glamorous starlets—had insisted he come to meet her.
Eleanor had a fresh, clean vibe about her. Her appearance was simple, with hardly any makeup, yet her features were captivating, the kind that drew eyes in without effort.
Her beauty wasn’t of the typical bombshell sort, but every feature was striking; those doe-like eyes and porcelain skin—she could easily be the face of a pop group.
Seth composed himself before leaning in slightly, offering her a warm smile, “Miss Everhart, I’m the head of our talent management department. I’d like to ask you a few questions, if that’s alright?”
Talent management. Eleanor felt a little lost at his response, but she nodded nonetheless.
Seth got straight to the point, asking the pivotal question: “Miss Everhart, what’s your relationship status? Do you have a boyfriend?”
Eleanor blinked, taken aback by the question. She hadn't anticipated anything so personal. After measuring his serious expression, she shook her head, “No.”
The mention of relationships brought to mind Julian Wainwright, igniting a tangle of feelings. She wasn't even sure how to define her past with Julian—were they ever really a couple, or was she simply a tool for his use?
Eleanor lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
Seth continued, “What about your skills? Any special talents? Can you do any singing or dancing? Like Bard's Verse?”
“Uh,” Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard. She hadn’t expected a talent assessment for an entry-level position. “I used to dance ballet as a child but stopped long ago. I can sing, but I'm not that great. As for Bard's Verse," she trailed off, straining to find something relevant after only a moment's reflection, "I did win an award for reciting poetry in school. Does that count?”
When Seth heard "reciting poetry," his smile faltered for a brief moment.
“Alright,” he nodded, taking a calming breath.
Aside from the Bard's Verse inquiry, none of her answers were surprisingly off-key. It was fine—if she lacked skills in the glitzy entertainment sector, that was okay. Beauty was the real ticket here; there were plenty of talented trainees, but only a few would truly shine in this harsh industry. In this world, image was everything.
Seth was already leaning towards a decision when he looked back down at her resume, then raised his head, hands clasped on the table. He smiled at Eleanor again, “So, Miss Everhart, we believe the trainee position may not quite fit you.”
Eleanor's heart dropped at those words. “I—”
Seth added swiftly, “However, we think you have great potential. Would you be interested in becoming a signed artist with our company?”
Eleanor's face bore a look of confusion.
Noticing her lack of knowledge about the entertainment industry—she probably didn’t even keep up with the stars—Seth pivoted the explanation: “What I mean is, if you signed with us, we’d help you launch your career in the entertainment world, make you a star.”
She gasped, processing the idea, then forced a chuckle, considering the skills needed for fame. “Well, I can’t do any of that singing or dancing you're talking about. I... I also can't act.”
Seth flashed a smile filled with charm, “That’s alright; you've got the looks.”
Eleanor remained speechless.
Seth continued, “Remember last year’s hit boy band competition called The Bard's Contest? This year, they’re doing a girls' version called The Young Maidens. We'd love to send you as our candidate. If you participate, I believe you could definitely debut in a group.”
Eleanor recalled The Bard's Contest—a huge phenomenon that even she, with her minimal celebrity interest, had heard of. Contestants trained for months, with only a few of the hundreds becoming part of a group.
Seth's hopeful gaze fixed on Eleanor.
Considering her desperate circumstances, nearly facing homelessness, she suddenly recalled the living conditions portrayed in last year's show where trainees shared a dorm.
“Wait, if I join that competition, will I have housing and meals provided?” she asked, her tone urgent.
Seth blinked, almost taken aback by the question, and responded with evident relief, “Oh! Yes, meals and lodging are covered.”
Eleanor drew in a breath. “Then I’d like to give it a try.”
Seth opened his mouth in surprise—he would have never guessed that the incentive of meals and accommodation would seal the deal.
Eleanor returned to The Traveler’s Lodge after the interview, her phone buzzing with a steady stream of messages from Seth.

Chapter 5

Eleanor Everhart received the message: she was to join the remaining three trainees tomorrow at the company to rehearse for their debut performance.
While staying at the inn, Eleanor frantically binge-watched episodes of last year's "The Young Maidens." She noticed that although there were a hundred contestants, only a handful had standout moments on screen. Aside from the debut group and a few uniquely styled individuals, most of the participants ended up nameless by the season's end.
Comparing herself to last year's contestants, Eleanor couldn’t help but feel that, without singing, dancing, or experience in Bard’s Verse, she wouldn’t shine in the show either. But it didn’t matter; just having her meals and accommodation covered felt like a win.
Meanwhile, Seth Green, her manager, was pacing excitedly in his office after officially signing Eleanor to their agency.
Upon meeting her today, he found himself plotting her career trajectory for the next few years in his mind. First up, she’d compete on "The Young Maidens" as the pure, fresh-faced girl-next-door, where she’d build a fanbase, then transition into acting. It was a shame to settle for a girl group with a face like hers. Without acting experience? No problem. Start with simple, low-stakes roles in lighthearted dramas to hone her skills—she’d surely get better with time. As long as she kept her looks, her future would be bright.
Lost in thought, Seth couldn't wait to grab the phone and contact the producers of "The Young Maidens" to confirm their fourth trainee.
However, his excitement turned to disappointment when he hung up the call.
Noticing Seth's troubled expression, Bran, his assistant, couldn’t resist asking, "Hey Seth, what’s wrong?"
Seth cursed under his breath.
Their agency's delay in submitting Eleanor’s information meant that the producers awarded the slot to a competing firm instead. It was clear they were taking advantage of their smaller agency, altering the number of available slots at the last minute.
Now, since the other three trainees had signed contracts early on, swapping them out for Eleanor wasn't feasible.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Seth dialed the producers' number again. The response was the same as before, but this time with a twist: as an apology and a gesture to maintain a good relationship, they offered a replacement slot for an adjacent program, "The Bard's Contest."
Seth’s eyebrows perked up at the mention of "The Bard's Contest."
The next day, Eleanor arrived early at the office. Instead of heading to the rehearsal space, Seth led her to his office.
He informed her about the recent developments with their slot for "The Young Maidens." Eleanor felt deceived and taken advantage of.
Seth felt like a fraud, even though he hadn’t lied to anyone.
After considering the offer for "The Bard's Contest" and glancing at Eleanor’s perfectly innocent face, he rubbed his temples with frustration.
Eleanor bit her lip and fidgeted with her fingers, feeling downcast. "So, does this mean I can look for a regular job?"
She was under a management contract, not a labor one, so pursuing a normal job wouldn’t interfere with her career in entertainment.
Seth deliberated for a moment before making a decision.
“It doesn’t matter what show it is. Even if it’s just one round, gaining experience on screen is what’s most important now.”
He was convinced that with her appealing looks, the producers would definitely feature her on screen. For a newcomer, nothing was more valuable than gaining visibility.
"I’ve set up another program for you."
"It includes food and lodging," he emphasized.
By the third day without a debut, Eleanor found herself once more entangled with Seth’s plans, agreeing to participate in "The Bard's Contest" because of the accommodations.
In front of her lay a program description booklet for "The Bard's Contest." It was a new variety show that no one had attempted before, with no reference points to consider.
Eleanor scrutinized the material, spotting the phrase “Chinese youth rap competition” and raising her eyebrows.
The show seemed to be structured rather simply—focused solely on rap battles compared to the three different skills required for "The Young Maidens"—singing, dancing, and Bard's Verse. The fact that it appeared to simplify the competition made her wonder if it would be easier.
Glancing at Seth, she asked, "So, I just need to learn Bard's Verse, right?"
Seth nodded, observing her carefree excitement due to her ignorance.
"Yes, that's right."
Eleanor’s heart lifted at the prospect of skipping singing and dancing practice.
Seth pondered the situation further. Unlike "The Young Maidens," where there had been a clear push to recruit contestants, "The Bard's Contest" hadn’t garnered much attention prior to filming. All he knew was that some underground rappers would be part of the lineup, and the judges were certainly not as prestigious as those on "The Young Maidens." It had the makings of yet another low-profile web series, unlikely to attract much attention from audiences.
Even Eleanor's stunning looks, which would have undoubtedly shone in a girl group competition, might not leave a mark in a rap show.
Frustrated, Seth found himself cursing the producers of "The Young Maidens" once again, but then reassured himself that at least sending Eleanor off to accumulate screen time was beneficial. He hoped to find some small supporting roles in upcoming web dramas that he could slot her into during her time in the competition.

There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading "Beyond the Silver Lining"

(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app).

❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️