Chapter 19
934 Words
Caroline's POV
"You still have time to change your mind," Margret said as she adjusted the shawl over my shoulders. Her brows remained knitted with concern while she looked me over from head to toe. "You don't owe those people anything, Caroline. If your instincts are warning you not to go, then stay here."
I smiled faintly and shook my head.
"I have to go," I replied, taking a slow breath as my ribs protested with every movement. "If I keep avoiding them, they'll only become more suspicious."
Margret sighed. "I don't like this."
"I know." I reached for her hand and held it gently. "But I need to face them."
Her gaze drifted to the bruises peeking out beneath the sleeves of my blouse. The cuts on my hands had begun to heal, but the deep purple marks Cerene had left on my body were impossible to hide completely. Even standing for too long made my injured ankle throb.
For a brief moment, I almost gave up.
The memory of crashing through that window flashed before my eyes. Cerene's expression.
If I wanted my freedom, I had to be brave at least one more time.
"There is one thing I need you to promise me," I said quietly.
Margret looked at me attentively. "Anything."
I squeezed her hand a little tighter.
"Please don't tell anyone about the inheritance. Not yet."
She looked surprised for the second time since I spoke about it .
"Not even my lawyers?" Margret asked thoughtfully.
"They already know because they handled the paperwork," I replied with a small smile. "But outside of that... no one else."
Margret remained silent.
"I don't want Peter to find out," I continued. "I don't want my parents to know. I don't want Cerene or anyone connected to the Lockwoods learning that you've made me your heir."
I lowered my eyes.
"If they discover it now, they'll never leave me alone."
Margret slowly nodded.
"You have my word."
"I mean it," I said, meeting her gaze. "Please swear it."
Margret smiled gently before placing a hand over her heart.
"I swear on the Harrington name that your inheritance will remain our secret until you decide otherwise."
Relief washed over me.
"Thank you."
She stepped forward and embraced me carefully, making sure not to touch my injuries.
"Be careful," Margret whispered. "And if anything feels wrong, leave immediately."
"I will."
An hour later, the driver dropped me outside my parents' house.
The familiar building stood exactly as I remembered.
Nothing had changed. Only I had.
I took a deep breath before walking toward the front door.
Before I could knock, it swung open.
"My darling!" Mom exclaimed with a bright smile as she hurried toward me and wrapped me in a hug.
I froze. My mother... ...was hugging me.
She stepped back and cupped my cheeks lovingly.
"Look at you," Mom said, her eyes filling with what looked like concern. "You've lost so much weight."
I stared at her, unable to respond.
"Come inside," Dad said warmly as he appeared behind her. He smiled in a way I hadn't seen since I was a little girl. "We've been waiting for you."
Slowly, I walked into the house.
The dining table had already been prepared.
Every single dish covering it was one I loved.
I couldn't remember the last time anyone had gone to this much effort for me.
"Sit down," Mom said cheerfully as she pulled out a chair for me. "You must be exhausted."
I obeyed almost mechanically.
Everything felt unreal.
My father disappeared into another room before returning with a small velvet box.
"I bought this for you," Dad said with a gentle smile as he placed it into my hands. "Open it."
Confused, I lifted the lid. Inside lay a beautiful silver necklace with a delicate sapphire pendant.
It was elegant and expensive.
My throat tightened. "Dad..."
"I wasn't always the best father," Dad admitted, looking at me with unexpected remorse. "I hope we can make up for lost time."
For one dangerous second...
I almost believed him.
A memory surfaced without warning.
I was ten years old, standing in this very house after winning first place in a school competition.
I'd rushed home, clutching my certificate with excitement.
Dad hadn't even looked at it. Instead, he'd walked past me to congratulate Cerene for finishing second.
Another memory followed. Mom baking Cerene a birthday cake. Mine had been forgotten entirely.
Another.
Cerene breaking my favorite music box.
I'd been punished for accusing her.
The memories came one after another, reminding me that kindness had never existed in this house unless it benefited Cerene.
So why now?
Why were they smiling at me as though I'd always been their precious daughter?
"My dear," Mom said sweetly as she set a porcelain teacup in front of me. She smiled lovingly before gently stroking my hair. "You used to love my tea. Drink it while it's still warm."
I looked down at the steaming cup.
Everything about today felt wrong.
And yet...
Refusing it would only raise suspicion. I forced myself to smile. "Thank you."
I lifted the cup and took a few small sips.
The tea tasted perfectly normal.
My parents watched me with warm smiles. We continued talking.
For several minutes, everything seemed... peaceful.
Then, without warning, my vision blurred.
I blinked. The room tilted slightly.
A strange heaviness spread through my body.
My fingers loosened around the teacup.
I looked up at my parents.
Their smiling faces suddenly seemed... distant.
"Mom..." I whispered as dizziness overwhelmed me. "I... I don't feel..."
- Writer
