CHAPTER 48
Genevieve’s POV
When I came to pick up my brother, Michael, I was the image of sweetness and grace–the picture–perfect daughter..
I immediately spotted him outside the gates of his massive hilltop estate, so I quickly plastered a bright smile on my face.
“Michael!” I called out, waving both hands.
“Genevieve,” he said with a warm smile, pulling me into a hug the moment I reached him.
I clung to his arm with all the practiced sweetness I’d learned to wield.
“It’s so good to see you!” Then I feigned concern. “You look tired. I’m sorry you had to have bothered you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m always happy to see you and to help you in any way.
God, he really was the perfect older brother. Doting, loyal, and blinded.
“Come inside for a while,” he invited warmly. “The house has missed you.”
A servant greeted us just beyond the entrance, bowing slightly. “Miss Genevieve, welcome back. Shall I prepare your usual jasmine tea?”
“Yes, please, Henry,” I said. I loved being adored like this–doted on, cherished, seen as delicate and perfect.
“Sooo… Where’s Mom and Dad?” I asked in my sweetest tone ever, looking around with false eagerness. “I really wanted to see them today!”
“Oh, unfortunately, they’re on one of their business trips again,” Michael explained. “But surely, if they had known earlier that you’d be coming, they would have dropped everything to be with you.”
I nodded, feigning mild disappointment.
In truth, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t really want to see my fake father. His eyes were too sharp–it always felt like
he was looking straight through me. It always gave me the creeps.
Soon we settled in the sunlit sitting room. Michael turned to me as the servant left.
“Now,” he said gently, “tell me the truth. How have you really been? Why did you ask me to see you today?”
I rested my head on his shoulder again, my voice light and teasing. “I’m doing pretty well, really. Managing things the best I
can.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.
I sighed, then looked down, my eyes met his with practiced fragility. “I want to marry Damien.”
+20 Bonus
His entire body stiffened. “Damien Vaughn?”
I nodded, resting my chin on my hand. “He’s now divorced, as you’ve probably heard. And I really want to marry him, Michael.”
Michael exhaled slowly. “Genevieve, I heard his mother is difficult. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I’ve already dealt with his mother she’s now offended Madam Diane and needs Lancasters to put in a good word for her…“1 revealed why I came today.
But Michael still frowned. “I don’t think this means you can marry Vaughn. Damien doesn’t seem like the type who can be controlled.”
My smile turned awkward. Was he unwilling to help me?
“And besides…” my brother didn’t notice anything unusual about me, “he used to treat his ex–wife terribly. I really don’t get why he’s treating her like this…”
My eyes widened. He seemed to have some sympathy for Celeste. That wouldn’t do.
I straightened, slipping my arm into his. “That’s because his ex–wife was the problem. Foolish, selfish, always playing the victim.
Michael frowned, clearly still unconvinced.
“She made my life hell back at the orphanage,” I added, voice soft with just the right edge of pain.
“She would push me out of line, hide my shoes before lights–out, spread rumors to the caretakers. It was relentless.”
Michael’s expression shifted, hardening.
“You remember I’d told you about those days, don’t you? When I had no one?” Tadded, lifting my gaze to meet his.
He nodded, his entire demeanor shifted.
“She what?” he growled, rage flashing in his eyes.
“But I didn’t say anything because… what was the point? People always sided with her.” I looked away like the memory was
painful.
Michael clenched his fists. “She’ll regret that. I promised no one would ever hurt you.!
Great. My loyal brother.
But then, his next words froze my smile.
“Take me to her, now.”
Η
“What… who? Celeste? Damien’s ex–wife?” I stammered.
“Yes. I will make her regret what she did.”
2/4
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I didn’t want them to meet–they were real siblings. But if I kept refusing Michael, who knew if he’d go find Celeste on his own? Things could spiral out of control even faster.
“I will, Michael,” I said, wrapping my arms around his brother. “You’re so good to me.”
He cupped my shoulder gently. “You’ve been through enough. It’s a miracle we even found you again. If it weren’t for that orphanage matron contacting us by chance…”
My stomach twisted. I forced a smile. “Let’s not talk about the past. I want
- t. I want to focus on the future
e now. ||
“Of course, sure. But how’s the matron doing?” he asked gently, concerned in his voice. “She was the one who raised you, right? I
think you called her Auntie… Eleanor?”
“Yeah,” I answered with a forced smile. “She’s fine.” I brushed it off with a wave of my hand, then launched into a different
topic. But inside, I was greatly annoyed. If only Auntie hadn’t made that call… I thought sarcastically, my chest filled with
bitterness. Hah! Maybe she’d still be fine.
