Chapter 38
Adaline began softly, almest coaxing, “Because of what happened today, people are whispering that we abused you. I don’t know who started the manier but it’s everywhere and it’s diven our stock pice down
“That place has been open for years. There’s never been a single abuse case reported, so no one out there believes you were hurt by anyone indids
“After talking it over, we think the best solution is for you to clarify things yourself–tell everyone your wounds have nothing to do with the Bennett
family.
“The prison has powerful backers, and we can’t afford to offend them. Maybe you could assure a statement saying you were kidnapped and tortured by unknown criminals. How does that sound?
“It won’t cost you a thing. I know you’ve suffered this past year, but we’ll make it up to you–I promise.”
Elena’s voice was icy. “Mother, don’t you already know the truth? Are you really asking me to bury it?”
Adaline faltered, “Elena… you you’re refusing?”
Elena stared at her stunned expression and felt an urge to laugh.
Elena wondered, ‘Is my refusal really such a shock? in her mind, am I obliged to agree to anything they ask?
Elena asked quietly, “Since when has it become my duty to do their bidding?”
Adaline’s voice turned unmistakably cold as she said, “Elena, this costs you nothing. You’re part of the Bennett family. A family shares blessing and hardship. The Bennetts are in trouble–are you really going to sit back and watch
Elena shot back, “When you threw me out as the scapegoat, did ‘sharing hardship‘ ever cross your mind?”
Adaline choked on that retort, speechless
Adaline insisted, “Elena, Annabelle is our own flesh and blood. She suffered outside for twenty years. What’s so wrong with you taking the blame for
Elena gave a hollow laugh. What had she been hoping for? She knew all along they considered her sacrifice perfectly natural
Adaline saw her reluctance and disappointment flickered across her eyes. “Tine, get some rest,” she muttered, then turned on her heel and left the room.
Elena pressed a trembling hand to her swollen, burning cheek; it felt as though her heart were bleeding.
How could they beat her one moment and, the next, demand she defend the Bennett name? She hated every inch of this house.
The next day.
When Elena got up the next morning, she found Adaline alone in the house. The woman’s face was wreathed in gentle smiles as she too and said, “Elena, you’re awake.”
a’s hands
Elena stared, dazed–her warmth didn’t seem feigned, and for a split second Elena wondered if she were dreaming. Before Annabelle’s return, Adaline had indeed spoiled her as though she were the apple of her eye.
But Elena remained clear–headed: Adaline would never dote on her for no reason. She bad refused their request last night, today they must have devised
some new tactic
Adaline said warmly, “Elena, I waited for you so we could have breakfast together.”
Chapter 39
Elena pressed her lips together was this her “mother” playing the affection card? Keeping her tone event, she asked, “Where are the others?”
Adaline replied. “Your brother and your father have gone out.”
Elena asked nothing more and ate in silence.
Adaline continued, “After breakfast, let’s go shopping. il buy you some new clothes I haven’t properly spent time with you since you came home.”
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.