Chapter 2 Used and Discarded
875 Words
The smile disappeared from Lancelot's face instantly, his sharp features hardening.
He took a swift stride toward her, his voice chilling as he said, "You looked through my phone." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.
Florence's face turned pale, but she didn't argue.
Lancelot took the belt from her hands, buckling it himself, his voice eerily calm.
"Since you already know, there's no need for me to explain. The three-year contract my mother signed with you is up in two months. You won't be taking care of me anymore. She's paid you plenty. When the time comes, leave. Don't ever come back."
'Leave... Don't ever come back?'
Florence froze, feeling her blood run cold, her fingers numb.
Years ago, she'd lied to Evelyn, saying her mother was sick and she needed money for treatment just to get into the Foster family, even if it meant marrying Lancelot in name only.
'When Lancelot woke up, Evelyn clearly didn't tell him the contract labeled me as his wife, not a caretaker. Otherwise, how would he be engaged now? The warmth from last night and this morning is still fresh in my mind, but it was all just a dagger wrapped in tenderness.'
Florence steadied herself and spoke, "If that's the case, Mr. Foster, why wait two months? Let's end it today."
Lancelot's brow furrowed at her words, and he replied, pausing between words, "Have you even read the termination clause? If you break the contract, you get nothing. How will you pay for your mother's treatment then? Don't be rash. Think it over."
Florence's words caught in her throat.
Lancelot slipped into his jacket and walked to the door. Just as he opened it, she thought she had heard a voice that struck a nerve.
She turned her head and saw the figure standing at the doorway.
'That voice... Sophia? It's her? She's the fiancée?'
Her hand clenched so tightly her nails nearly broke the skin, but she didn't feel the pain. Unpleasant memories rose up in her mind, filling her chest with a suffocating weight.
'Why did it have to be Sophia? If it were anyone else, I could've ignored it. But Sophia... of all people, it's Sophia, my half-sister.'
"What are you doing here?" Lancelot's tone was cold.
"Oh, I came to see you, Lancelot. You're always so busy, and you barely make time for me. We're engaged now, and I'd like to spend more time with you."
Sophia's voice was syrupy sweet as she linked her arm through his and gazed up at him, batting her lashes.
Florence tried to avoid the scene, turning to hurry up the stairs, but she barely took two steps before Sophia spotted her. "Florence?! What are you doing here?"
Sophia knew about the contract Evelyn had signed with Florence.
But she'd always assumed it was a housekeeper contract, that Florence was just there for the ten million dollars.
To her, Florence was just the illegitimate daughter. She would naturally do anything for money.
"I..." Florence replied, her expression steadying, deciding there was no use in pretending now. "I'm here to clean for Mr. Foster."
Lancelot, who had been standing with his back to her, turned around, his gaze landing on her.
"We're not going in the same direction," he suddenly said to Sophia. I will have my driver take you home. Stop causing a scene and go home early."
Without another word, Lancelot strode out, leaving Florence alone with Sophia.
Lately, Florence had been feeling constantly tired. Seeing Lancelot leave, she was about to head upstairs to rest.
But Sophia, in her high heels and freshly styled red curls, blocked her way with a mocking smile.
"Florence..." Sophia's voice lost its previous sweetness, replaced by a biting tone.
"Oh, wait, should I call you... maid? You've heard the news by now, right? Lancelot and I are engaged."
Florence clenched her fists, her eyes locked on Sophia's smug face.
Judith Hawthorne, Florence's mother, had passed away years ago, but no one knew her father was actually Elijah Blake. He had pursued her mother for her wealth, and even though they'd never married, Florence was born.
When Hawthorne Group hit hard times, he abandoned Florence and Judith and married Sophia's mother, Hazel Blake. And just like that, Florence was left with the label of an illegitimate daughter.
Before Florence married Lancelot, her grandfather, Benjamin Hawthorne, had intended to announce her as Hawthorne Group's heiress.
But Florence wanted to repay Lancelot's kindness, so she begged Benjamin to wait until her contract ended and then allow her to return to manage the company.
Benjamin, who doted on her, finally agreed, moved by her persistence.
Sophia continued, snapping Florence out of her thoughts.
"What? Cat got your tongue? Feeling ashamed of being the maid? These past three years, you've let Lancelot foot the bill for everything, clothes, food, you name it. And you still want more? You're just as pathetic as your mother!"
Florence had had enough. She shoved Sophia back, slapping her across the face.
"Sophia! Don't you dare talk about my mother! You have no right! You can act high and mighty once you and Lancelot actually get married. Until then, keep your mouth shut! Now get out! Out!"
- Writer
