He Loved My Sister. I’m Better Off Without Him novel Chapter 3

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When I came to, I was already back at the Reed residence.

Christopher sat by my bed, as if he had been keeping watch for a long time. His expression was a mask of guilt.

"It was my fault, Juliette. I've taken care of those photos, so there's no need to worry about them anymore. From now on, if you don't wish to go out, you don't have to. I will never force you again. You can stay here at the Reed residence for the rest of your life if you want. I'll be here with you."

I turned away as bitterness rose within me. So, this was his true goal. He wanted nothing more than for me to hide away forever, to never show my face in public again, so that Winona's career would be smooth-sailing and free from obstacles.

I was just about to speak when the door was suddenly pushed open. Winona walked in.

The moment she entered, Christopher's attention shifted entirely to her, his gaze softening with unmistakable tenderness.

Looking back, I must have been blind not to see that it was her he truly loved.

My guard went up instantly. "Why are you here?"

Florence Hale, Christopher's mother, followed close behind Winona. When she heard my words, her finely arched brows knit together in displeasure.

"Winnie came all the way here because she was worried after hearing that you'd fainted. Is that any way to speak to her at all? You really have no manners!"

Winona put on a brave face. "Mrs. Reed, please don't say that. Juliette is just... unsettled from what happened at the auction today. It's alright. I'm used to it."

Florence's frown deepened. "The Reed family has always upheld a spotless reputation for generations. To think we'd now be tainted by such disgraceful scandals… What a tragedy for our household."

Then, she took Winona's hand. "You're such a good young lady, Winnie. Any family would be fortunate to have you as their daughter-in-law. It's such a shame that Christopher doesn't have such luck."

Christopher lowered his head, his expression restrained and heavy.

Then, Winona said she had something to discuss with me in private, so Christopher and Florence soon left the room.

The moment they stepped out, Winona's gentle expression vanished. She looked down at me from where she stood, casually brushing her hair behind her. The champion's ring on her finger glimmered under the light.