Second Chance in Brightfall

The Countryside Girl Returns

Chapter Three

" Excuse me," Lena spoke softly, her voice calm.

" Are you the ones my father sent to pick me up?"

The butler turned around.

The moment his eyes landed on Lena's face mottled with terrifying red rashes, recognition dawned instantly.

Second Miss Quinn.

The country girl who has been abandoned for years.

But... something felt off.

Wasn't this girl supposed to be timid and weak?.

Then why did she stand there so quietly, yet give off an indescribable pressure that made him hesitate for a split second?

Must be my imagination, he told himself quickly.

"Yes, Miss," he replied, bowing slightly. "We're here to take you home."

" Thank you for the trouble," Lena said with a faint smile. " Let's go."

That smile made the butler's scalp prickle.

She was... to ugly and frightening!

But perhaps that was for the best.

Today's luncheon had been carefully arranged by Madam Marilyn, inviting influential wives and socialites,all to witness just how hideous the long lost Second Miss truly was.

Once word reached the Thompson family, who had a marriage agreement with Lena, there would be no way Madam Thompson would accept such a daughter-in-law.

This would give the lady's own daughter, the Third Miss, a chance to marry into the prestigious Thompson Family.

" Miss, please get in the car," the butler said, pinching his thigh hard beneath his trousers to suppress his disgust as he opened the door.

Half an hour later, the car stopped before the Quinn Family villa.

Lena looked up at the familiar gates.

So this was it again.

In her previous life, this place had overwhelmed her. She'd walked in timid and wide-eyed, intimidated by the luxury, stumbling over her words, becoming the laughingstock of the entire household.

The old matriarch had been displeased.

Only later did Lena learn the truth, the Quinn Family had only recently climbed into the Brightfall upper circle.

This mansion.

Barely counted.

She had been summoned back this time because the old lady's health was failing.

Her indifferent father wanted her present, for appearances.

Yet despite everything, the old lady had been the only one who had ever shown her a trace of warmth.

Not love. But not cruelty either.

This time... Lena wanted to accompany her through her final days.

Her thoughts churned violently.

Her face remained unreadable.

Inside the gates, the butler led her straight into the living room.

The space was packed.

Guests.

Crystal chandeliers.

Antiques that were normally locked away, now deliberately displayed.

Marilyn wanted to intimidate her.

"Madam," the butler announced loudly, bowing

" Second Miss has returned."

Marilyn suppressed the smile tugging at her lips and turned toward the old lady in the wheelchair.

" Mom," she said sweetly, " Lena is back"

The old lady had been drifting in and out of sleep, but today she forced herself to stay awake.

When she heard Lena's name , her eyes opened slowly, revealing an undeniable sharpness and authority.

" Where is she?"

The butler hurried aside.

Instantly, dozens of curious gazes landed on Lena.

Red Blotched face.

Plain clothes.

Travel worn suitcase.

A country bumpkin.

Marilyn waved her hand with feigned warmth.

" Lena, come here."

As she spoke, she subtly gestured toward the girl seated beside her.

Mira understood immediately.

She stood gracefully and walked toward Lena, forcing down her disgust as she took Lena's hand.

" Sister," Mira said affectionately, " you're finally home. I've been waiting for you."

Mira, Brightfall's most celebrated socialite.

A limited-edition designer clung perfectly to her tall frame. Her makeup was flawless. Every strand of hair lay in place.

Standing beside her, Lena looked utterly out of place.

Lena studied Mira's affectionate act, and a quiet bitterness stirred in her chest.

No wonder Evan had abandoned her.

No wonder he had chosen Mira...and taken Lena's heart with her.

The guests whispered openly.

" My god... she's hideous."

" Compared to Third Miss, it's like comparing heaven and mud."

" No wonder they hid her away all these years."

" I heard she's engaged to the Thompson family's second son? Madam Thompson would go mad if she saw this !"

Mira's lips curved ever so slightly.

Suddenly, she didn't mind Lena's existence at all.

An ugly duckling only made a swan shine brighter.

Lena heard every word.

She felt nothing.

After death, mockery lost its power.

She gently withdrew her hand, nodded politely at Mira, and ignored Marilyn's ostentatious display.

Then she walked straight toward the old lady.

She bowed slightly.

" Grandma," she said softly. " I'm back."

The living room fell silent.

The old lady squinted at her.

Red rashes.

Yet... bright, fearless eyes .

Most people trembled under her gaze.

This girl didn't.

Interesting.

She raised her hand slightly.

" Come closer."

Lena obeyed.

" What a good child," the old lady said slowly. " You... look blessed."

Lena's throat tightened.

She stepped forward and, on impulse, wrapped her arms around the old lady.

" Grandma," she said quietly. " I missed you."

The old lady stiffened, clearly unused to affection, but then slowly returned the embrace.

" You must be tired," she murmured.

The faint scent of incense calmed Lena's heart.

In her past life, on her deathbed, the old lady had clutched Lena's hand, crying and apologizing.

Back then, Lena hadn't understood why.

Now she did.

The old lady had known.

She had known Marilyn was responsible for Lena's mother's death.

But Marilyn had been pregnant.

The family's reputation mattered.

So the truth was buried.

That guilt... was Lena leveraged this time.

" It's not tiring at all," Lena said softly.

" Seeing you makes everything worth it."

The old lady smiled, a real one.

Marilyn's expression darkened instantly.

How was this possible ?

Wasn't this girl supposed to be from the countryside? How could she have none of the rustic demeanor? Her poise, manners, and speech were even better than Mira, whom Marilyn had meticulously groomed!

Then, an idea struck.

Marilyn smiled brightly.

" Lena," she said casually.

" It's been so long since you have been home."

She tilted her head.

" Did you bring a gift for your grandmother?"