MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: SOULMATE, ANDREA VANZO.
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Madam, madam," Jane called in a hushed tone, hurrying after Harlow. The sight of her new mistress strolling towards breakfast in nothing but her nightdress was enough to scandalize any high-society household.
It was both insane and Barbaric...
This was unthinkable for the newlywed daughter-in-law of a prestigious family like the Hamiltons. What would her mistress say? Jane's heart raced as she imagined the uproar. She doesn't think Garth woul be able to hold her tongue on the one.
Besides her news madam has been really weird, first she she knew her name without her introducing herself, and even threatened to know more secret about her. Now she knows the way to the dinning room even if she's never been here before.
What does this mean? Has Harlow been here before?
Perhaps her young master and her new madam are secret lovers? Jane shook her head, it is impossible. Her young master despise the girl very much.
Maybe she's just lucky to know around.
Madam," Jane whispered urgently as they turned a corner. "You cannot attend breakfast like this. It's... it's abominable! Mistress Garth will be furious."
Harlow paused mid-stride, her expression calm and unreadable, though her icy blue eyes glimmered with quiet amusement. "Why are there so few maids in this mansion?" she asked, ignoring Jane's distress. She cared less if Garth will be furious.
Infact, that is why she had won her night dress in the first place. To poke the woman.
Jane hesitated before replying, her voice low. "Because the Hamiltons are on the verge of bankruptcy. That's why we need your help." Jane's words came faster, her tone pleading. "Madam, everyone knows you've loved Master Alanis since high school. Please, consider his plight, his family's plight. Sign the deal and save them."
Harlow tilted her head, a sardonic smile curving her lips. "What a pity," she murmured, almost to herself.
Her thoughts drifted to the past. She remembered her wedding night vividly
The thrill of anticipation, the endless dreams of a happy future, and the unwavering hope that love would grow. She'd been so naïve then, a young bride blindly offering her heart to a man who didn't want it.
Alanis had been kind enough to clarify their arrangement the very next morning. He had called her to his office, foolish Harlow thought it was spending time with him till he made those rules. The rules that hunted her to the end of her life.
Rule One: She was never to lay claim to his properties.
Rule Two: He would not return home to her.
Rule Three: Their marriage was a mere transaction, nothing more, nothing less. Love was out of the question.
He knew she loved him, yet he had demanded she unloved him. Was that even possible.
Back then, she hadn't faltered. Desperation had blinded her, filling her with a fool's hope. She'd cooked meals he never ate, waited by the door for nights on end, and endured his absence everyday. Just as he promised, he never returned home.
When his mother and sister mocked her for being childless, she swallowed her humiliation, even though she knew the truth, Alanis had never touched her. He was never at home to even touch her.
In her first life, she had played the role of the desperate wife perfectly. But desperation had brought her nothing but suffering. The Hamiltons had used her, manipulated her love, and ultimately taken everything from her, her children, her pride, her life.
Not this time.
Harlow's lips curved into a bitter smile. As she entered the dining room. This time, she wouldn't let them win.
"Harlow," Garth greeted with an overly sweet smile. Her sharp eyes flickered to the nightdress, a brief flash of disapproval quickly masked by feigned warmth.
"You look beautiful this morning… in your nightdress." She stretched her hands for a hug which Harlow dodged.
Harlow inclined her head slightly. "I didn't have time to change," she said simply, her tone flat.
"That's quite alright, dear," Garth said, gesturing to the table. "Please, join us."
As Harlow approached, her gaze fell on Alanis. He was seated at the head of the table, his presence as commanding as ever. His dark eyes, framed by thick lashes, seemed to pierce through her, the subtle scruff on his jaw accentuating the rugged masculinity she had once admired. Beside him sat George, his younger brother, who greeted her with an eager smile.
George's eyes lingered on her in a way that made her skin crawl. She ignored him, her focus returning to Alanis. His expression was impassive, yet for a fleeting moment, their gazes locked. He didn't just glance at hehis eyes traveled down her figure, lingering in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.
He's looking at me?
Harlow quickly turned away, her heart pounding. In her previous life, Alanis had never looked at her, not even accidentally. She dismissed the moment as unimportant and took her seat.
"Here, my dear," Garth said with a saccharine smile, pushing a plate toward her. "I remembered your father sent me a list of your favorite breakfast, toast with eggs, fish, vegetables, and… baked beans."
Harlow's stomach churned. Baked beans. Garth knew she was allergic. In her past life, the woman had always added something to Harlow's meals that would make her sick. And Harlow, desperate to please Alanis, had eaten it every time. The memory of suffocating in the bathroom, vomiting, and even fainting replayed vividly in her mind.
There was a time she couldn't breath after eating the baked beans, she hurried into the bathroom to vomit it all but it was ready too late. She was out of breath and passed out. When she woke up again, she was in a hospital and Alanis has accused her of pulling a stunt again.
"She's allergic to baked beans," His deep voice cut through the air like a blade. Alanis Hamilton was speaking up for her?