Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111 Sylvia’s Resolve

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32

Fin–hind

Marwen snorted dismissively, “His monthly salary? How much do you think that was? The rewards were many, yes, but I had to save! What if something happened in my own family? I needed funds to help them!”

“But, Mother, did you ever think of Father?” Sylvia’s voice choked. “When I was little, he took me to the market. I wanted a sweet pastry. He couldn’t even find a single coin on him. Thankfully, the vendor recognized him and gave me one for free. That embarrassed look on Father’s face–I could never forget it. I used to blame myself for being greedy. Why did I want that pastry? Later, I realized you were at fault too.”

Sylvia swallowed a sob. “You think life was hard because Father had no title. My sister married into an Earl Manor. But is she happy? Does any of her husband’s family like her? They treat her like an outsider! Even her own husband is cold to her… The only reason she’s still in that house is that our cousin commands respect, and the Earl’s family must save face for him! You misjudge people, Mother. You aim too high and see only what glitters. I was right not to listen to you. It’s not a lack of gratitude!”

Marwen’s face flushed red with rage, but she had no retort. In a fury, she raised her hand to strike.

This time, Sylvia didn’t flinch. She met her mother’s gaze squarely. “Go ahead, Mother! Strike me! Better yet, ruin my face so I can never marry!”

Marwen froze at the defiance. She turned and slumped into a nearby chair, beginning to wail. “Grown up now, are you? Don’t need your mother! Don’t need your brother! How could I have given birth to such an ungrateful viper!”

Sylvia felt no triumph, only a hollow ache as she watched.

Her mother was crying out, but not a single tear wet her cheeks.

Sylvia could bear no more. She stood. “If you say I am a viper, then I am.”

Picking up her half–finished embroidery, she turned and left without looking back.

Behind her, Marwen’s curses grew louder, more vile. Sylvia’s face remained impassive as she walked quickly away.

Only when she reached the safety of her own small room did the tears finally fall. She leaned back against the door, her body shuddering with silent sobs.

It took a long time for the storm to pass.

When she finally calmed, she stood and noticed a small cluster of lotus seed pods lying quietly

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10:55 Fri, May 8

Chapter 114 Sylvia Resolve

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“I thought Lady Marwen might come.” Elowen mused.

Given Marwen’s character, she would surely have tried to force her to bring Sylvia along.

She had schemed her eldest daughter into an Earl Manor; she wouldn’t let the chance with the Falconcrest heir slip away easily.

“Lady Marwen won’t be coming, Your Grace, rest assured.” Gerda stepped forward, smiling. “His Grace gave specific orders before he left today. Lady Marwen is to be confined to Rose Hall and is not to leave without permission again. This should prevent any disturbance to you.”

Elowen was taken aback. A strange, warm feeling blossomed in her chest.

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