She was wondering if it was for her sake. Impossible. Surely, it was because the fans’ actions would reflect poorly on Ophelia, that he wanted her to drop the charges.
“If you’re here to speak on Ophelia’s behalf, save it. Those girls are going too far, they should be held accountable for what they’ve done,” Her voice was calm and unemotional and Adrienne felt a sense of strangeness.
“I’m not here to defend Ophelia,” Adrienne said after a short pause.
She replied with hum, as if she had nothing more to say to him.
They had barely arrived home, suitcases still untouched, when Ophelia appeared. Her hair was cut short, her cheek bandaged from what looked like a burn and she wore a patient’s gown, looking fragile and weak as she entered.
Elaine helped her inside with some difficulty and Adrienne rushed over—ignoring Lizzie’s presence to assist.
“Why did you come here dressed like this?”
Ophelia clasped Adrienne’s hand tightly, her voice faint. Ophelia clasped Adrienne’s hand tightly, her voice faint. “I want to apologize to your wife. I feel responsible for what they did. I should’ve managed my fans better. I can’t believe they were capable of this kind of violence.”
Ophelia turned to Lizzie with watery eyes. “Mrs. Lennox, I’m really sorry. I want to apologize on their behalf.”
Before Lizzie could respond, Adrienne interjected. “This isn’t your fault. There’s no need for you to apologize. Lizzie won’t hold this against you.”
Ophelia shook her head slightly. “Whether Mrs. Lennox forgives them or not is up to her. But I still have to apologize.”
Lizzie’s gaze shifted coldly from Ophelia to Adrienne, finally settling on their interlocked hands. Adrienne, noticing Lizzie’s stare, felt a rush of discomfort. His hand felt hot and he was torn between letting it go and holding it on.
“Miss Bullock, you are you and your fans are your fans. I don’t need an apology from you, but I won’t drop the charges. They acted recklessly and they will face the consequences.”
“Mrs. Lennox, they’re just kids. Kids make mistakes. Please, cut them some slack.”
“Why are you so insistent on letting them off the hook? Are you their parent?” Lizzie narrowed her eyes, taking a deep breath before speaking firmly. “Or… is it because you sent them?”
Her words left Ophelia pale and trembling and Elaine quickly jumped to Ophelia’s defense.
“Mrs. Lennox, you’re right. Miss Bullock is Miss Bullock and her fans are her fans. But we really just want to apologize. Please don’t throw baseless accusations at my client.”
Adrienne frowned, stepping to Ophelia’s side. “Lizzie, Ophelia would never do that.”
Without another word, Lizzie turned and headed upstairs, ignoring them entirely. Adrienne personally escorted Ophelia back next door.
Feeling hunger creeping into her stomach, Lizzie asked the housekeeper to prepare a bowl of beef stew. Though she was hungry, her appetite felt muted. After finishing her meal, Adrienne was still nowhere to be found.
Lizzie made her way to Adrienne’s study to retrieve the house deeds. As she moved past his bookshelf, she accidentally knocked over a small bear figurine. It hit the floor, the head popping off and scattering a pile of heart-shaped notes.
Curiosity got the best of her and she picked one up, reading it.
“Day 101 since the breakup and my wedding partner isn’t Ophelia. It could be anyone and it wouldn’t make a difference.”
She opened another note.
“At Mark’s wedding, I caught the bouquet and turned to see Lizzie’s bright eyes. On impulse, I confessed, knowing she’d say yes. Even when she later pretended to be indifferent, I could tell she loved me. I played along, indulging her pride.”
