Carla arrived home.
Before she'd even stepped inside, she could hear the maids whispering just beyond the door.
"The eldest son's been so strange lately. He used to be so polite—always smiling at everyone he met."
"Yeah, now when I greet him, he just ignores me. I mean, I'm pretty sure I haven't done anything to upset him, right?"
"It's not you. He's just been in a bad mood these days. Doesn't matter who it is, he's the same to everyone."
"That's true. I was cleaning out the trash the other day and found a bunch of gifts Miss Carla had given him. Those were the things he used to treat like treasures, always keeping them on the highest shelf. Now he's just tossed them in the garbage."
"I always thought he had a good temper, but now I'm not so sure. He can turn on a dime."
Their voices were soft, but not so quiet that Carla couldn't hear the mocking laughter that followed. Each snicker landed like a slap across her face.
Swain had thrown out her gifts? The same gifts he once cherished, now in the trash—her kindness reduced to little more than gossip fodder for the staff.
Carla's eyes burned with humiliation and fury.
She'd hesitated over Edwin's proposal, telling him she needed time to consider. But now, all that hesitation was swept away by the sting of shame and anger.
She lifted her chin, smoothed her expression, and walked inside as if nothing was wrong.
The two maids tending to the withered plants at the doorway straightened up as she entered.
"Miss Carla," they greeted in unison.
Carla gave them a small, sweet smile and a graceful nod. "Is my brother home?"
"Yes, Miss. The second young master is in his room," one replied respectfully.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Watching You Burn In Regret
Why is it stopped at 69.. please update...
Lovin' this!...