With one sharp slap, Jessica Rocelyn was knocked to the ground.
"Jessica!" Mr. Rocelyn and Robert Jade rushed over to help her up.
Robert was furious. He raised his hand, ready to strike Eclipse Rocelyn, but stopped just inches from her face.
Eclipse's cold, dark eyes met his, and suddenly, Robert froze. In her gaze, he imagined himself covered in blood. A chill ran down his spine, and he quickly lowered his hand.
Jessica lay in Mr. Rocelyn's arms, hoping to see Eclipse hurt, but she was disappointed.
Eclipse didn't flinch.
Jessica tried to hide her twisted expression as pain surged through her face. Then, she felt a cold hand lift her chin. She looked up and met Eclipse's dark, intense eyes.
"Jessica," Eclipse's voice was icy and sharp, "you took my father, my home, and my fiancé. I don't care about those things. But there are some things in this world that you will never take from me."
Her voice dropped lower. "The script I wrote can bring you glory—or destroy you, leaving you shattered."
"If you dare to steal from me again, be ready to face the consequences. I will make sure you regret every bit of it."
Jessica shivered at Eclipse's chilling words. She tried to keep her cool, biting back the pain in her face. "Sister, you've gone too far. You lost your script, and now you accuse me without proof?"
Eclipse tossed her aside in disgust, wiping her hands with a handkerchief. Her eyes were filled with pride and ice. "I don't need proof. Remember, Jessica, one day, you'll beg me to return my script. You... you worthless thief."
With that, Eclipse threw the handkerchief in Jessica's face and stormed out.
Under the bright morning sun, Eclipse's slender figure looked tall and proud as she walked away, the hem of her green dress just brushing the ground. She was cold, but graceful.
Jessica's face twisted in fury, watching Eclipse leave, her body shaking with anger.
It wasn't until Eclipse left the Rocelyn household that she let out a breath of relief.
Even though Eclipse wasn't the original girl, she still felt bad for her.
Lowering her head, Eclipse whispered softly to herself, "There are three things no one can take from us: the food we eat, the knowledge we learn, and our dreams. No matter what happens, those belong to us."
"Your father and fiancé are terrible people—they don't deserve you. But I'll make sure your dreams come true."
Feeling a bit better after saying that, Eclipse looked up at the clear blue sky, ready to move on when she suddenly heard a respectful voice nearby.
"Madam, please get in the car."
Eclipse turned to see a man in a black suit with a stern expression standing beside a car door, waiting for her.
She smiled slightly, feeling the man's calm presence. "Do you know where I'm going?" she asked.
"The Young Master asked me to remind you not to skip lunch, no matter how busy you are."
He held the door open for her, standing still with respect.
That's when Eclipse remembered: she was technically a married woman now.
Being under her new husband's control felt... new.
Eclipse smiled to herself as she stepped into the car.
The car took her back to the castle.
When she arrived, Alastor was sitting at the dining table, clearly waiting for her.
Even though Eclipse's face was calm, Alastor could tell something was off. He pulled out a chair for her, and she nodded in thanks before sitting down.
She smiled slightly at him. "You don't have to wait for me if I'm late in the future," she said.
Alastor stared at her for a long moment.
His newlywed wife had gone home to get something, yet she came back empty-handed. She didn't look too upset, but it was obvious that something had gone wrong.
Eclipse noticed his gaze and understood his curiosity. She smiled faintly, trying to hide the truth. "Something unexpected happened, so I couldn't get what I went for."
She picked up her spoon and began eating her soup gracefully, trying to move past the awkwardness.
Alastor watched her closely but didn't push her for more details.