14
Lillian finally escaped with Liam.
They fled in desperation without taking anything because Lachlan threatened to report therm to the authorities, and they feared being charged with murder.
I didn’t order my servants to chase after them, figuring that living penniless on the streets might be a harsher punishment than prison.
It took less than two days before I heard that Liam’s gambling addiction flared up, and with no money to place bets, he planned to sell Lillian to a brothel for quick cash.
Lillian refused utterly. After all, she had once enjoyed wealth and luxury. How could she accept such a degrading fate?
She thought that with her clever ways, perhaps she could beg Lachlan for forgiveness after some time had passed.
Unfortunately, Liam didn’t give her that chance, as his gambling debts couldn’t wait!
Liam resented her rash actions, which lost him the game and cost his son’s life! After beating her mercilessly, he tried to force her into prostitution.
But Lillian was no longer the passive woman she once was. She grabbed a knife, intending to
scare him off!
Old grudges met new hatred! They went back and forth!
I heard neither back down, and Liam eventually turned the tables, seizing the knife and hacking wildly at Lillian!
Lillian fought back in vain and ultimately died a brutal death under his blade.
According to reports, her death was horrific. Half of her face was nearly chopped off!
As for Liam, he was quickly arrested after neighbors reported his violent assault in the street and sentenced to execution after autumn!
Everything finally settled down.
I packed my things and knocked on the study door.
“Sign it.” I handed over the divorce papers, my expression completely calm.
Lachlan silently took them, his hand trembling slightly.
“Is there really no chance left? Claire, I was wrong.”
“I know. After everything that’s happened, I believe you now fully understand the suffering!
once endured.”
I smiled faintly and continued, “And because of that, I trust you can more deeply comprehend my current despair. Lachlan, we did have something beautiful once. We were betrothed since childhood, but after my mother died, our families‘ engagement could have been nullified. But you were honorable. You and your mother insisted on keeping the old promise and rescued me from my troubles. You were once the light in my life, the salvation in my da☐ existence. During those days when my stepmother abused and mistreated me, you appeared like a guardian angel by my side, leading me out of my misery, out of my cage. I once swore to treat you well for the rest of my life. So when Lillian slandered and schemed against me, and
23:52 In 14 Mar
comprehend my current despair, Lachian, we did have something Beautiful once. We were betrothed since childhood, but after my mother died, our families‘ engagement could have boon nullified. But you were honorable. You and your mother insisted on keeping the old promise and rescued me from my troubles. You were once the light in my life, the salvation in my dark existence. During those days when my stepmother abused and mistreated me, you appeared like a guardian angel by my side, leading me out of my misery, out of my cage. I once swore to treat you well for the rest of my life. So when Lillian slandered and schemed against me, and when you repeatedly took your anger out on me, I endured it all. I thought, this is my way of repaying my debt. I’m returning the kindness you once showed me, and now we can both be
free.”
I spoke slowly, reflecting on the past but feeling entirely at peace.
I did love Lachlan once, but that love had an expiration date.
“Everything was my fault… I destroyed my own happiness and ruined our family with my own
hands.”
Lachlan quietly closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face.
“I always knew you’d leave once everything was over. You’ve let go of everything, while I’m still trapped in a web of my own making. I forgot to tell you, I’ve sent word to Mother. She’ll be bringing Christopher home soon.”
“You told Elizabeth?”
I froze for a moment, genuinely surprised by this revelation.
Lachlan’s mother, Elizabeth, was my mother’s old friend and had always been kind to me.
When Lachlan brought Lillian home against everyone’s wishes, Elizabeth was so upset she
stayed in bed for two weeks.
She helped me deal with Lillian in many ways after that, always taking my side.
But despite her efforts, Lachlan favored Lillian. After she gave birth to Madison, Elizabeth, as a
grandmother, eventually had to swallow her pride and accept the situation.
Elizabeth felt sorry for my suffering and often shed tears over my predicament.
I couldn’t bear to see Elizabeth worrying at her age, so I suggested she return to our
hometown to rest.
I also begged her to take my son, Christopher Thorpe, with her.
Given Lillian’s ambition, she would never be content as a mistress! She was definitely eyeing
my position as the legitimate wife!
I wondered if she would come after me directly or use Christopher to get to me.
Either way, I had to protect Christopher by keeping him for from this troubled place!
Only then could I fight back with peace of mind!
“I think they’re about to arrive.” Lachlan gave a bitter smile.
“Clara, don’t blame me. Divorce is a big deal, and if I didn’t tell my mother, she’d skin me
alive.”
“No divorce allowed! If anyone’s leaving, it’s that ungrateful son of mine! Clarie stays!”
Just as he finished speaking. Elizabeth’s voice echoed through the room.
Moments later, a figure stormed in and immediately slopped Lachlan hard across the facel
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Either way, I had to protect Christopher by keeping him far from this troubled place! Only then could I fight back with peace of mind!
“I think they’re about to arrive.” Lachlan gave a bitter smile.
“Clara, don’t blame me. Divorce is a big deal, and if I didn’t tell my mother, she’d skin me
alive.”
stays!”
“No divorce allowed! If anyone’s leaving, it’s that ungrateful son of mine! Clarie
Just as he finished speaking. Elizabeth’s voice echood through the room.
Moments later, a figure stormed in and immediately slapped Lachlan hard across the face!
“You idiot! I told you that woman was trouble, and now you finally believe me!”
slap!
Elizabeth was fuming and still unsatisfied; she swung her hand again for another stinging
“Yes, Mother. I understand. I deserve whatever punishment you give me.”
“Hmph! I don’t even want to dirty my hands on you!”
No matter how submissive Lachlan acted, Elizabeth wouldn’t cut him slack.
Instead, she gently took my hand and spoke kindly to me as we stood to the side.
“Clarie, you’ve been wronged. You’ve been through so much lately.”
“It’s nothing, really.”
I smiled softly, feeling genuine affection and respect for her.
“I heard all about that woman. It makes my blood boil even now! Though things have
settled down, the damage is done and can’t be undone. I understand and support your wish for
separation.”
“Elizabeth…” I was touched by her words.
Elizabeth patted my hand and continued, “But while separation is acceptable, leaving this
house is not. You’ve done nothing wrong, so if anyone should go, it’s that ungrateful son of mine!”
“But…”
“No buts about it. That foolish boy has already discussed it with me. He plans to join the army
and live a soldier’s life. And you will stay here in the estate to raise Christopher…”
Elizabeth held my hand and spoke slowly.
“Claire, I don’t expect you to forgive him. If he dies on the battlefield, the entire Thorpe Estate will be yours. You’ll be free from all this trouble. Wouldn’t that be for the best?”
“Are you really joining the army?”
I turned to Lachlan, who nodded firmly.
“I made the mistake, so I should make amends. If I earn honor and recognition, it will bring
glory to the Thorpe family. And if I die, I know you’ll take care of everything…
Lachlan’s eyes showed determination as he explained his plan.
I knew what he was really saying between the lines. If he returned with honor, he hoped…! would forgive him.
But I said nothing.
Ultimately, I went to the city gates to see him off.
О
JA
23:52 Fri, 14 Mar A.
