Sitting still on the bed, Lariette quietly looked outside the windows. Her blue eyes mirrored the vast and distant summer sky. The incident with Damien earlier had left her mind.
The breeze flew inside through the open windows, bringing along the distinctive echoes of people's chatter and laughter from the garden below.
Even without looking outside, Lariette knew most of the patients in the garden were accompanied by their family members or friends. Their happy laughter crept bitterness into her heart.
'Don't cry, Lari. They don't deserve your tears.'
'Stop crying because of them. Just... stop.'
Lariette ashamedly recalled the nights she cried herself to sleep because of the disparity in treatment between her and Stephanie. She often told herself not to get hurt but, it was easier said than done.
'I miss Granny. I should visit her soon.'
Lowering her head, Lariette scoured for the memories of the past – the time before the Elsher family found her.
For over ten years, Lariette lived a simple yet happy life with her grandmother, Mrs. Evans. They only had each other because her mother walked out of their lives when Lariette was five. Her father was never in the picture.
Never once did Lariette imagine the Evans were not biologically related to her. The mix-up that happened during her birth changed her fate.
But, Lariette didn't care about it. She was never ashamed of her previous life with Mrs. Evans even though the Elshers thought differently.
The Elsher family discovered Lariette's whereabouts shortly before her sixteenth birthday. They immediately ordered her to come back with them.
"My dear Lettie, don't be sad. Your family will treat you better. We can keep in touch."
Lariette hoped to bring Mrs. Evans along but, the sweet old granny told her never to bring the matter up with the Elshers. Mrs. Evans said she was too old to uproot her life.
Abiding in her beloved grandmother's words, Lariette quietly followed the Elsher family's bodyguards to the family manor. She expected to be welcomed warmly, yet...
Her expectations crumbled like a sandcastle being ravaged by giant waves.
"Lariette, behave. You're not a country bumpkin anymore."
"You're not our sister. Don't even think of being one of us."
"Phanie likes the dress. Just give it to her. We can buy another one for you."
All her three brothers clearly expressed their disdain toward her appearance. To them, Stephanie was their one and only sister.
Everything became worse when Lariette's parents, Jonathan and Samantha openly showed their favoritism. They cared more about what Stephanie thought instead of her.
Lariette understood she was practically strangers to the Elsher family after being apart for more than ten years. But, she was devastated because none of them took a step forward when she tried to get closer to them.
Time and again, she let them disappoint her.
'I've been a pushover for so long. I'll get back what's rightfully mine.'
Lariette envisioned going back to live with Mrs. Evans someday. Unfortunately, her grandmother succumbed to her illness a few years ago.
Lariette was forever grateful to her maternal grandfather, Chairman Delaney for giving Mrs. Evans the best hospice care before her death. He also accompanied Lariette during the funeral.
'I miss Granny. I miss Grandpa.'
Smiling weakly, Lariette knew she was also to blame for letting the Elsher family mistreat her for years. She was so desperate for their familial love that she forsake her dignity.
Chairman Delaney noticed how unfairly Lariette was treated by the Elsher family. He often persuaded her to come and live with him but, she kept refusing.
Lariette said she just needed to work harder to gain her parents' and siblings' recognition. She also begged Chairman Delaney not to scold Jonathan and Samantha.
"Lari, you know you can come to me. Your grandpa might be old and sickly but, you can count on me."
Lariette knew how sad and disappointed Chairman Delaney was with her every time she turned his offer down. Yet, her grandfather still respected her wishes.
'I'll take everything Grandpa has been keeping for me. Especially that. The one thing Stephanie wants most for her wedding.'
Slowly shaking her head, Lariette lay down on the bed. Her head began to throb. Her injuries still needed time to fully recover but, the doctor said she could be discharged tomorrow.
'I better stay with Maddie for now, lest Damien comes to my place.'
Lariette was grateful because she hadn't moved in with Damien. He suggested it several times already but, she didn't feel prepared yet even though they had dated for two years.
'Now that I'm not blind anymore... I think Phanie purposely led Damien to me.'
Stephanie had been formally engaged to Matthias for three years already but, many gentlemen were still eyeing her. Damien undoubtedly was one of them.
'I'm a freaking idiot. They won't ever accept me in their family. Stop dreaming, Lariette.'
Closing her eyes, Lariette tried to stay calm despite the overwhelming disappointment eating her from the insides. She couldn't afford to lose her composure when everything had just started.
Ruediger Alvord.
The outcast of the Alvord family and the subject of ridicule in high society. Even though he never joined the banquets and whatnot, people couldn't help but talk about him.
About how he couldn't surpass his younger brother.
About how he lived an ordinary life after being stripped from being the heir.
And, about how he had been wasting his life away.
No matter what people said, Lariette believed Madeline's words more. She also knew how gossip could be exaggerated, especially when the person in question never did anything to disprove the rumors.
The young man indeed was the best candidate for her plan. Nevertheless, she wanted to talk to her friend about it before coming to any decision.
After all...
"LARI!"
Stunned by the sudden yelling, Lariette abruptly opened her eyes. She blankly stared at the door where the figure of an anxious Madeline stood.
"Maddie? You, why are..."
"Lari, are you okay? I heard that scumbag came here."
Madeline rushed inside the ward after closing the door. She had just finished her talk with Ruediger before hurrying to check on Lariette.
"He did come... Wait, did you meet Mr. Alvord?"
"...yes."
Lariette opened her eyes wide. Propping herself up, she sat on the bed, "Then, have you heard of his proposal for me?"
Standing by the bedside, Madeline nodded once.
"Yes. I'm sorry, Lari. He heard the plan."
Lariette discerned the look of guilt on Madeline's face. Waving her hand, she beckoned her friend to come closer. Madeline lowered herself on the chair by the bed.
"There's nothing to be sorry about," Lariette softened her smile, trying to reassure Madeline that she was alright, "I'm thankful for Mr. Alvord's help. He arrived right on time."
Lariette believed Madeline had heard everything from Ruediger. If not, her friend wouldn't know about Damien's appearance.
"Then... have you thought of my cousin's suggestion?" asked Madeline cautiously, "About him being your husband in this plan?"
Lariette nodded. She swiftly inquired, "There's one question I have for you. Maddie, is Mr. Alvord a good man?"
"Yes," replied Madeline without missing a beat, "Rudy is a good man. I've been looking up to him since I was young."
Lariette raised her brows. She was amused at the sight of Madeline's eyes sparkling as she vouched for Ruediger's reputation.
Madeline had her fair share of experience with unreliable men, stemming from her father's infidelity. She understood what Lariette's question meant.
Softening her smile, Lariette uttered, "That's all I need to know."
Lariette had quickly come to a decision. She wanted to take up on Ruediger's offer. Yet, she still needed to have a further discussion or two with him.
She would meet him soon.