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The Lady Nun Vows Revenge novel Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Mary had just been checking Dylan’s wound when she paused at Eliza’s words. You’ve already chosen the place?

Eliza nodded. “I have

Is it beautiful Mary asked, her voice low and hesitant. Is it hidden enough? Secluded enough that no one will ever find

her!

Eliza met her eyes and answered gently, but firmly. Yes. The view is lovely. It’s peaceful. And no one will ever disturb her again.

GoodMary murmured, her voice softening with emotion. She carefully reached out and took the box from Eliza’s hands- the one that held Caroline’s bones.

Eliza had already prepared everything. The bones were sealed inside a lacquered casket that had once been brought over with the Padilla family’s dowry. A faint floral scent lingered on the box, disguising any trace of decay.

Mary cradled it like the most fragile of treasures. Her eyes were red as she said, I’ll speak with her a little while. I’ll come find you later.

Eliza gave a quiet nod. Alright

But later didn’t come until dusk the next day.

It had been an entire day and night before Mary returned, clutching the casket tightly to her chest. Her face was pale, eyes swollen, and even her usual upright posture had wilted.

Serenity: she whispered, voice trembling. Gobury your mother.

She handed the box back to Eliza with reverent care, and her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

When it’s done.Mary added, almost pleadingly, tell no one- sleep in silence. No one should ever disturb her again. Andwhen I die

—not even me. Caroline always loved

peace and quiet. Let her

Mary paused, then continued in a breathless hush, if you’re willing, bury me beside her.”

Her penance wasn’t over yet. But when it was, she wanted to follow Carolineto rest beside her, at last.

Eliza turned to her, startled. You

But Mary shook her head before she could finish. Don’t ask. Just don’t.”

She cast one final, lingering glance at the casket, Then turned and left the room.

Her voice drifted back to Eliza from beneath the archway, soft and fading: The orchids in my gardentake them to Caroline. They were her favorite.

For the next three days, Mary never returned to her courtyard.

When Eliza went to collect the orchids, she paused at the sight. They were immaculate, arranged with care on wooden framesvibrant, fragrant, and lovingly tended.

She remembered the first time she came to Saint Grace Nunnery. She’d gotten lost and stumbled into a courtyard blooming with orchids. And there Mary had stood under the Lunar Arch, sternfaced, cradling a pot of flowers. She had opened her mouth to scoldonly to go silent, her voice catching in disbelief as she stared at Eliza’s face and whispered, Caroline?

That bond, Eliza thought, between her and Motherit must’ve been deeper than anything I can imagine.

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Chapter 208

In the end, Eliza didn’t take all the orchids.

She left onethe most beautifulat Mary’s doorstep. Alongside it, a small folded note:

Mary, I think Mother wouldn’t want you to be alone. So I’m leaving this orchid with youto keep you company in her place

Mary found the note when she returned.

She didn’t say a word. But a single tear slipped from her eye, carrying a grief too deep for words.

After Caroline’s burial. Eliza gently transplanted all of Mary’s orchids around her mother’s resting place.

In the stillness of the pocket farm, where no one else could intrude, Caroline could finally rest in peace

Eliza remained by her side for an entire day, whispering memories, sharing regrets, pouring out the love she had never been able to give in time

Mother, she murmured, curled beside the headstone as though curling beside her mother’s body, if only you were still here.

She slept there for three full days.

And in those dreams, Caroline had never died. Her father had never betrayed them. Her brothersBenedict, Dylan. Matthew, Anthonystill loved her dearly. Sophie had never existed. They were one happy, perfect family.

Bur dreams always end.

When Eliza finally woke, she left that warmth behind, pulled herself from the sweetness of the illusion, and went straight to work.

She concocted the antidote to the scorpion venom and administered it to Dylan.

When he’d recovered enough, Mary escorted him down the mountain.

Dylan walked away from Saint Grace Nunnery with one last longing glance over his shoulder, hopingjust hoping for a glimpse of the girl he once called sister.

But Eliza never came out. He became the second man to leave that place with nothing but silence and sorrow.

Serenity has been hurt deeply, Mary told him. Earning her forgiveness won’t be easy

Dylan lowered his head. It’s alright, he said. Tll spend a lifetime repaying her

At the same time, back at the Stonor residence, Sophie finally awoke after three days of frantic care.

Dozens of physicians, even imperial doctors, had worked round the clock to drag her back from death’s door.

When she opened her eyes and saw Gabriel by her bedside, she burst into tears. FFather. I thoughtI’d never see you again

Gabriel’s face was stone. You knew it was blame?

dangerous, and you still did it. Look at where it got you. Who do you think is to

I’m sorry, Sophie whimpered. Pleaseplease don’t be angry. I know I was wrong

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11:46 Fri, 18 Apr

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