Five years ago, while collecting herbs for Jaxon, I had accidentally saved a woman. I kept it from him, quietly tending to her wounds until, one day, she vanished without a trace. I never saw her again.
That voice sounded like hers.
Butler Dayne seemed to leave to report something, and after a long wait, the door opened again, inviting me in.
The Montgomery estate sprawled out before me, its classical elegance filling the courtyard. I was led to a spacious tea room to wait. Not long after, I heard footsteps, the sharp click of high heels growing louder as a maid ushered someone in. As I looked up, I came face-to-face with Arabelle.
She froze, clearly startled to see me. Jaxon, too, halted in his tracks when he saw me. His expression darkened, a scowl overtaking his features as though his face had become the color of storm clouds.
"You followed me? Didn’t I say you’re not allowed to show up in front of me again?"
I quickly explained, "I’m here to see Rigel, the young master of the Montgomery family."
His expression softened slightly, though suspicion still lingered in his eyes. "Why are you looking for him?"
"I’m here to treat—"
"You came early just to beg the Montgomery family to take you in, didn’t you?" Arabelle interrupted. "But Liora, you’re just a pawn to marry into the Montgomery family in my place for luck. Do you really think they’ll treat you kindly?"
"I’m only thinking of your well-being. I’m afraid you’ll be mistreated. You should leave quickly. If you anger Mrs. Montgomery, it won’t end well."
Her voice was sickly sweet, as though she were trying to protect me out of kindness. Jaxon glanced at her with appreciation, his gaze softening.
"Arabelle, you’re so considerate."
I blinked, confused; what was Arabelle doing here?
"And what’s your reason for being here?"
The maid at Arabelle's side spoke up, "Miss Arabelle just returned from studying abroad. She’s highly skilled in medicine, so we invited her to treat our young master."
Jaxon nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know Arabelle’s abilities. It was her medicine that helped me recover back then."
I turned my gaze to Arabelle, who lifted her chin, a smug glint in her eyes as she met my stare.
Arabelle clung to Jaxon’s arm like a pampered child. "Jaxon, I’m worried Liora’s presence might interfere with my treatment."
"She’s just a housewife, she doesn’t know anything."
With a wave of his hand, two bodyguards at the door stepped forward, grabbing me roughly and dragging me out.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!"
"You’d better leave. Don’t get in Arabelle’s way."
The maid sneered. "Someone like her has no right to step foot in our Montgomery estate. She’s a disgrace!"
"Stop! Let go!"
But just then, Butler Dayne burst into the tea room, panting. "Stop immediately! She’s an honored guest!"
Arabelle smiled sweetly and stepped forward. "Butler Dayne, you’re here. Please, take us inside."
But to everyone’s surprise, Butler Dayne walked right past her and came directly to me.
"Let go. All of you, let her go!"
The bodyguards released me at once. Butler Dayne bowed respectfully.
"Miss Liora, please come with me. Mrs. Montgomery wishes to see you."
The entire room fell into stunned silence.
Jaxon quickly pulled Arabelle aside and questioned, "Are you sure you’re not mistaken? This is Arabelle."
The maid hurried to add, "Yes, yes! Butler Dayne, maybe you got the names confused?"
Butler Dayne cast her a cold glance. "You’re fired. You don’t even know who the true honored guest of the Montgomery family is." Without sparing them another look, he turned and led me away.
I felt dazed. It was the first time in this world someone had shown me such dignity.
"This, how could this be possible? She’s just a housewife…" Arabelle’s stunned murmur echoed behind me.
Right in front of Jaxon and Arabelle, I followed Butler Dayne and walked out first.
We passed through a quiet covered walkway, and at its end stood a redwood door. The moment it opened, a slender figure appeared behind a gauzy curtain.
My eyes widened as I froze in place. "It’s really you?"
She smiled softly. "Miss Liora, it’s been a long time."
She stepped forward and gently took my hand. Just as I was about to respond, she suddenly dropped to her knees with a heavy thud.
"Please save my son!"
Behind us, Jaxon and Arabelle stood frozen in shock, having followed and witnessed the entire scene.
