Chapter 5
Outside the grand entrance, Lillian watched everything unfold, her eyes cold and calculating like a serpent. Without a word, she turned and descended the stairs.
As night fell, Yates Manor was ablaze with lights, filled with laughter and joyous chatter. Lillian, wearing a lavish princess gown, stood at the center of attention on the stage, basking in the adoration of the guests.
In stark contrast, Eleanor stood alone in a corner, dressed modestly. Her eyes were filled with envy and yearning for the opulence she had never known.
As the crowd showered Lillian with extravagant gifts, a member of the Yates family suddenly remembered, “Hey, wasn’t today also Ellie’s birthday?”
“Where is Ellie? Why isn’t she up on stage with Lillian?”
The guests turned their attention to Eleanor, who seemed to shrink under their gaze.
Selene, appearing to remember the oversight, hurried over to Eleanor, taking her hand and awkwardly explaining, “Oh, Ellie prefers peace and quiet. She doesn’t like crowds, so she let Lillian stand in for her.”
Kane, who had been by Lillian’s side, looked at Eleanor in surprise, his expression curious and puzzled. “Why didn’t you tell me today is your birthday too?”
Bitterness welled up inside Eleanor, Kane used to remember her birthday, standing up for her against the Yates family’s favoritism. He had promised, “If your family won’t celebrate your birthday, I will.”
Thanks to him, Eleanor had celebrated a few birthdays and received gifts from him. But things had changed. Kane’s attitude shifted from condemning Lillian’s need for Eleanor’s bone marrow to aligning with the Yates family’s desire to extract more to ease Lillian’s illness. All the beautiful memories had shattered like fragile glass.
Despite the injustice she felt, Eleanor remembered her promise to Kane to be well–behaved tonight. She forced a smile that seemed serene, as if she was truly unaffected by everything.
On stage, Lillian casually wrapped her arm around Kane’s, drawing his attention back to her as she sweetly asked, “Kay, what gift did you prepare for me?”
Kane hesitated briefly before producing a dazzling necklace from his pocket. Gasps erupted from the crowd.
“Oh my God, isn’t that the rare ‘Tears of the Mermaid‘ that sold for a fortune at auction recently?”
“Kane is really generous with Lillian!”
“But, doesn’t ‘Tears of the Mermaid‘ symbolize undying love? Shouldn’t it be for Eleanor?”
Eleanor clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms until she drew blood. Her
16:51
gaze blurred as she looked at the deep blue jewel.
Blue–her favorite color. Lillian, on the other hand, adored pink.
Just a month ago, when Kane bought the ‘Tears of the Mermaid‘ at auction, he had gazed at her with deep affection and said, “This necklace symbolizes undying love, just like my love for you.” “Ellie, on our wedding day, I want you to wear this necklace so everyone knows you’re the only one in my heart.”
Those words echoed in her mind, but now, he was giving this symbol of love to someone else.
Kane couldn’t bring himself to meet Eleanor’s eyes. When Lillian asked him to place the necklace on her, he complied without hesitation.
Eleanor abruptly turned away, forcing back the tears threatening to spill.
She composed herself and quietly returned to her corner, choosing not to retreat to her room. She knew leaving now would only provoke gossip and give Lillian an excuse to cause a scene, possibly resorting to melodramatic antics.
She had promised Kane she would behave, and she intended to keep her word.
The banquet was filled with culinary delights, but Eleanor couldn’t eat due to her health. A servant brought her a warm glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, saying it would replenish her energy.
Thinking of the wedding in three days, she hesitated but eventually accepted the drink. Taking small sips, she hoped to endure the evening without spoiling Kane’s plans.
Just as she had taken a few sips, a sharp cry pierced the air from the stage.
“Lillian, what’s happening to you?”
2/2
