Chapter 1
She blinked her eyes to wipe out the dizziness and looked up. A lavishly dressed middle aged woman stood in front of her. Evelyn focused her gaze and she could see the woman's fake smile plastered on her face, an urge to puke arose. She barely stabilized her expressions and looked around. It was the main hall of Stanford mansion, a party, it was unsettling but familiar. The hall was decorated with fancy curtains golden in color and at corners there were golden fountains on marble stands. The long tables had white cloth with several kinds of delicacies lined up while the round ones held a variety of wines. It seemed the owner wanted to give the on-lookers a show of how rich they were.
Grace Stanford:
It seems my daughter is shy.
The coaxing voice gave Evelyn goose bumps, she looked at Grace Stanford, her step-mother more like a mistress. Grace wore a green gown which revealed her arms and back,with a long slit at one side reaching the thighs. She wore earrings and a necklace embellished with green gemstones. Her brown hair tied in a braided bun. She was smiling lightly which did not reach her hazel eyes.
Grace:
Announce the news Liliana didn't you love Wilson and wanted to announce your engagement?
Wilson her eyes shrank at the name, dread spreading through her body. She clenched her hand tightly. Her nails nearly digging into palms.
Liliana:
It seems age has gotten to Mrs. Stanford, I never said I loved Wilson, Did Mrs.Stanford deliberately scheme something? (coldly)
Liliana inquired looking at Grace with her big doe-like eyes. Instantly murmurs could be heard in the hall, Grace's eyebrows knitted as she glanced at the guests and spoke through gritted teeth. This girl never spoke back before what had gotten onto her now.
Grace:
Liliana you are drunk let me take you to your room.
But Liliana interrupted her.
Liliana:
Mrs. Stanford wasn't it Laura who told you that she wanted to marry Wilson, you want to make me a third person in their relationship and destroy my reputation.
Laura was Liliana's step-sister, she was innocent on the surface but full of schemes. Well, like mother, like daughter. Laura had brown hair like her mother while black eyes similar to her father which were ready to shed tears in seconds. Right now she was wearing a pink gown of a shimmery material and the sleeves were made of pink gauze. She had curled her hair which was let down. A set of pearl necklace and earrings give her a virtuous aura. She looked at Liliana with grief, her brown eyes were moistened with tears.
Laura:
Sister, you misunderstood me. We were simply having a conversation, I did not know you would scold me if Wilson talked to me happily. Sister if you change your temper he will be happy with you as well.
She purposefully kept her head down and shook her shoulders.
Liliana:
Hah, simply talking. You were almost sticking to him.(she sneered)
Grace:
YOU...(nearly yelled) Ahem you need to go back to your room right now.
Grace really wanted to teach this girl who kept on spouting nonsense. The guests were gossiping and looking forward to more drama. Grace pulled Lilana out of the hall and made way to her room.
Grace:
You are going to marry Wilson and I will make it sure, you *****.
Liliana:
You cannot force me to marry someone I don't want to Mrs. Stanford. Don't forget who I am. I never retaliated, that doesn't mean you are worthy to make decisions in my life.
Liliana coldly spoke disdain evident from her voice. THA red fingerprints appeared on herface.
Grace:
Lock her in her room.
And she left with a huff. Liliana looked at her room, the color of curtains was almost fading, the furniture looked shabby and then she looked at her clothes in the mirror, Dark gray gown that looked unsettling on her. She sat down at the window seat in a daze. After some time the door opened.
Fiona:
( Liliana's personal maid) Young Miss your face is swollen. How could Madam Grace hit you? Let me bring some ice for you. ( She was about to cry)
Liliana:
It's okay Fiona, I have decided to leave the mansion.
Fiona:
Where do you want to go Miss, You will take me with you right?
Liliana:
Do you really want to go with me?
Fiona:
Yes, my lady.(she vigorously nodded)
Liliana:
Alright, we will go together.(she smiled)
Fiona helped ice Liliana's face. She could feel that her mistress was somehow acting different but she was glad of this change.
Liliana:
Fiona go find Sir Chester, he will help us leave the mansion.
Fiona left to talk to Chester, Liliana checked the room to see what to take with her. She gathered her jewelry in a bag; it was the only thing left, which could be regarded as her mother's relics.
Fiona:
Miss, Sir Chester has prepared a carriage please wear this cloak we need to sneak out.
Fiona helped her tie the cloak and the both moved unnoticing. At the side door Chester stood with folded hands, he was tall with a good proportion of muscles. He had jet black hair with black eyes with a hint of gray. He was wearing a casual gray shirt and trousers.
Liliana:
Thank you for your assistance, Sir Chester.
Chester:
Your wishes are orders to me My Lady.
Liliana:
Sir Chester, would you follow me to my Grandparents?
Chester:
I was entrusted to protect you, if you will leave I will follow you.
Liliana:
I know mother left you to protect me. I am sorry I never realized your intentions.
Chester:
My lady, don't embarrass me.
Liliana:
I will wait for Sir Chester then.
Chester helped her into the carriage, which was inconspicuous; the destination was the royal capital
'Casamont'
.
