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him
“Are you okay?”
When we returned to The Main House, I grabbed a damp cloth for Lachlan’s face.
Lachlan didn’t take it, just sat there staring into space.
Fair enough, that kind of shock would take anyone some time to process, so I wasn’t rushing
“I’m sorry…
After what felt like forever, Lachlan finally spoke up.
I paused, nearly spilling some coffee from my cup.
“Sorry for what?” I asked coolly, though I knew exactly what he meant.
“Everything.” Lachlan hung his head, completely deflated.
“I never thought Lillian was like that. She was lying to me the whole time.”
“Did she lie to you? Or did you want to be lied to?”
I ran my fingers along the table, my voice low and steady.
My calm demeanor came from countless disappointments and grievances piled high, giving me the clarity to see through everything now.
Lachlan, can you tell me what you love about Lillian?”
“I don’t know.” Lachlan shook his head.
“All I know is that Lillian’s parent was the Thorpe Estate’s servant. She grew up in our household, and she was always lively since she was little, never afraid of me, unlike the other servants who would hide when they saw me. When we were kids, she took me fishing and catching shrimp, which I found really fun. Later when we grew up, she went back to her hometown with her parents, and at first I didn’t think much of it. But when she showed up again, dressed in rags and crying so pitifully, I couldn’t bear it. Especially when she kept saying she loved me and couldn’t live without me… I felt I had to step up, protect her for life, and give her a
good life.”
“What, so that’s why you’ve been harsh to me, blaming me for everything and making me
miserable?” I sneered.
“I’m sorry…” he said.
“No need to apologize. Looking at you now, all I can say is that karma comes full circle.”
“What goes around comes around!” I cursed these last four words in my heart.
“Lachlan, have you ever considered whether Lillian truly loved you? If she did love you, why didn’t she just tell you directly when she left? Why create all that drama afterward? After she reappeared, I had someone investigate her. It was easy to find information! If you had paid more
attention back then, you wouldn’t have been fooled so completely! That man tonight is called
Liam Davis. Lillian knew him from before. Because he’s slick and smooth–talking, he’s conned
many women, and Lillian was one of them. Back then, Lillian never returned to her hometow with her parents, she ran off with Liam halfway through the journey! But Liam, having grown up surrounded by women, was never serious about settling down. He quickly got tired of Lillian and planned to sell her for some cash. When Lillian found out, she escaped for her life. By chance, she
23:50 Fri, 14 Mar
attention back then, you wouldn’t have been fooled so completely! That man tonight is called Liam Davis. Lillian knew him from before. Because he’s slick and smooth–talking, he’s conned many y women, and Lillian was one of them. Back then, Lillian never returned to her hometown with her parents, she ran off with Liam halfway through the journey! But Liam, having grown up surrounded by women, was never serious about settling down. He quickly got tired of Lillian and planned to sell her for some cash. When Lillian found out, she escaped for her life. By chance, she ran into you along the way, which led to everything that followed.”
I spoke slowly, watching Lachlan’s reaction.
As expected, his emotions were all over the place, and his expression was impossible to
describe.
“Thorpe Estate offers security and comfort. Lillian would never leave that. But she still has
complicated feelings for Liam, so over time, their relationship evolved into what it is today.”
“So all these years, Lillian has been taking my money to support that sleazeball Liam? She
even planned to use Madison to inherit the Thorpe family fortune and steal everything from us!”
Lachlan was furious, hating himself for being so blind!
“I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you over the years…” Lachlan sighed, filled with self–reproach and regret for his past actions!
Lachlan couldn’t bear to look at me, lowering his head the entire time.
I laughed softly, my eyes showing complete indifference, as the damage had already been
done, so what meaning did his apology hold for me?
All my emotions had been worn away by the unfair treatment and resentment I had
experienced in the past.
I was merely an outsider now, watching the players fight amongst themselves.
“Since you were able to track down Liam, you must know where he is. Honey, can you tell me where I can find him?”
“Please don’t! I’d prefer if you called me Clara instead.”
Being called “Honey” made me uncomfortable, so I smiled politely as I declined, following his
conversation line.
“Why do you want to find Liam?”
“Why shouldn’t I find him? He subjected me to such terrible humiliation, and I must catch him to have my revenge!”
Lachlan spoke through gritted teeth, hatred flashing in his
I pressed my lips together, telling the truth.
eyes.
“If we hadn’t caused a commotion today, I might have still been able to find him. Now that he’s been spooked, he’s definitely run off already. Trying to find him again won’t be easy.”
“Can you think of some way to help?” Lachlan looked at me desperately.
“I’ll do my best,” I agreed verbally but didn’t say anything more.
Deep down, I felt uneasy, sensing that something was about to happen.
