Chapter 7 Bittersweet Undertone
1025 Words
Kris Howard.
The son of Conrad's friend, heir to the Howard family's vast empire, and future leader of Uranus Group. In just three years, he would take the company to its peak, earning admiration for his brilliance and fear for the power he wielded.
But that was still years away. For now, he was a university student juggling assignments, an internship, and the looming burden of a marriage contract, one designed by his parents for mutual benefit.
I knew the man he would become, but the present Kris was something else entirely—a reality Eleanor had revealed to me just moments ago.
"We've always been close to the Howard family," Eleanor had said, her words careful and measured. "Fiona and Kris grew up knowing about the engagement, believing each other to be their future partner. Fiona has spent her entire life preparing to be his wife."
I could see the pieces coming together.
They'd kept Fiona, the impostor, because of her value in securing an alliance with the Howard family.
"And?" I'd asked, my tone calm but firm. "Why are you telling me this now?"
Something was shifting. From the moment I began standing up for myself and pushing back against Fiona, the script of my second life had started to change.
In my previous life, Eleanor had never mentioned the engagement. After my coming-of-age ceremony, I was married to Kris without discussion or choice.
Had there been secrets I missed in my former life?
"When your father was walking Kris out earlier," Eleanor continued hesitantly, "Kris brought up the engagement. He said that now the real heir has returned, the engagement should no longer involve someone unrelated to the family by blood." Her words started out hesitant but gradually gained confidence as she spoke, "Helena, I don't want you to feel forced into this. You deserve the chance to marry for love, to find happiness with someone who truly values you."
Her words were deliberate, yet the underlying message was clear. She was spinning the tale of a fairytale romance, trying to convince me to reject the engagement. If I walked away from the contract, I would be the only one to bear Conrad's wrath.
I wasn't blind to her tactics. Eleanor knew exactly how to manipulate people, and now she was trying to steer me toward a decision that served her interests. 'Of course, Fiona learned from the best,' I thought.
Eleanor, with her beauty and elegance, had the ability to make anyone do her bidding with a single glance. Men would have fallen over themselves to give her whatever she desired.
She might share a face with me, but she and the imposter were the real mother-daughter pair.
Over the years, Eleanor had poured her heart and soul into shaping Fiona, molding her into her crowning achievement, her living proof of success.
"Mom," I said softly, gazing into her eyes as if moved. "I know you have my best interests at heart. I want to find a husband I truly love too."
Eleanor's expression softened as she pulled me into a warm embrace. "I just want you to be happy," she murmured.
"Thank you, Mom," I replied gently, leaning into the hug. "Sleep well tonight."
Her lavender-scented perfume lingered in the air as she left.
The fragrance, soothing and familiar, carried a bittersweet undertone—the floral language of "waiting for love".
Eleanor leaned in and kissed my cheek before leaving the room.
As the door clicked shut, I wiped the spot where her lips had touched, a cold ache settling in my chest.
'Rest well. Tomorrow, you'll hate me even more.'
Even if I had no intention of marrying Kris again, I wouldn't let them use me to achieve their goals.
Another knock came at my door.
I let out a bitter laugh. 'So much for a quiet night.'
Fixing my expression, I opened the door to find Sebastian standing there.
In his hands was a black velvet box, the lid open to reveal the sapphire cufflinks Kris had given me earlier.
I studied him, my thoughts racing.
It was late—too late for a male servant to be making deliveries.
Sebastian had always been a quiet presence in my past life, a ghostly figure who shadowed Conrad until the day he left the household.
"Why are you delivering this yourself?" I asked coolly. "Why not leave it with Milly?"
Sebastian's response was composed. "If I handed them to Milly, wouldn't you question her tomorrow about why the cufflinks were misplaced?"
'Interesting.' He wasn't wrong, and his honesty was refreshing.
Theft was a serious accusation. It could get the head maid punished for negligence.
"And delivering them yourself ensures they won't go missing?" I pressed, curious how he would handle the implication.
"If they were to go missing," he replied evenly, "it would be best if they ended up in Ms. Fiona's room."
A soft laugh escaped me despite myself. He had offered a scapegoat and, in doing so, revealed his disdain for Fiona.
I realized that in this household, I might just have an ally.
Taking the box from him, I smirked. "I don't know my way around the estate yet. When you're free, perhaps you could show me?"
"It would be my pleasure," Sebastian said, bowing slightly before stepping back into the shadows.
This time, no further knocks disturbed my night.
At precisely 7 AM, I stood in Fiona's vast walk-in closet.
Her wardrobe was an embarrassment of riches: two walls of designer clothes, another of luxury handbags, and a shoe carousel that whirred like a Ferris wheel, showing off every pair in rotation.
I selected an unopened white French blouse. It fit snugly across the chest, but that only served to enhance my figure. For pants, I chose a pair made from matching material—they weren't meant to be the focus.
The real highlight was the sapphire cufflinks. I secured them at my wrists, lifting my arms to catch the light. The gems sparkled brilliantly, drawing the eye.
'Kris Howard, you've given me quite the gift,' I thought.
Today, these cufflinks would become my weapon.
- Writer
