I tried to steady myself. Then it hit me—I still had my wedding jewelry made of gold. Maybe that could help me get back on track.
I decided to go with the flow with Rupert and Morwenna for the time being. I told them I was feeling overwhelmed and just needed a moment to clear my head.
I explained that I'd been under a lot of pressure, but after thinking it through, it made sense what they were saying.
We went back and forth for a while, but eventually, my expression seemed to win them over. Honestly, being an orphan, it felt like I had no choice but to lean on them for now.
I sat on my bed, staring around the room, hoping for a chance. Sure enough, Rupert was heading out later that afternoon.
The moment he stepped out, I knew it was my only chance. My heart was pounding, but I moved quickly and quietly as I searched the room.
Just as I grabbed the gold wedding jewelry, I saw Morwenna standing in the doorway, her eyes full of suspicion.
"What are you doing in here?" Her words cut through me like a blade to the heart.
My brain started racing. I quickly tossed the jewelry into the trash can, then grabbed the bag, trying to stay calm.
"Oh, nothing," I said. "I saw the trash was full, so I thought I'd take it out. Didn't you say Rupe's been handling everything at home? Since I'm still feeling fine, I figured I'd lend a hand. After all... I'll need the family's money for my treatment."
Morwenna stared at me, clearly skeptical, but with no real proof, she turned and walked off.
I seized the moment to slip out of the room. All I could think about was turning those pieces of jewelry into cash. At least that might give me a chance to survive.
I walked into the jewelry store, feeling hopeful, and handed the pieces to the salesperson for a quick check.
But then, the news hit me like a ton of bricks. They weren't even real gold—just 'gold-plated silver'. The jewelry was a thin layer of gold over cheap silver.
My heart sank. All my hopes deflated in an instant. I'd picked out those pieces myself for my wedding. How was this even happening? The gold plating looked so real that I never even doubted it!
Just as I stood there, completely shocked, Morwenna and Rupert walked in with smug grins.
"I knew you were up to no good," Morwenna said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Good thing we stayed sharp and had Rupert swap them out."
Rupert looked totally pleased with himself. He stepped forward and grabbed my arm, his voice laced with danger. "Luckily, I thought ahead. Otherwise, we'd be screwed. I've already given the real pieces to Lillian as an investment. She'll help us turn them into even more cash.
"As for these gold-plated pieces of junk, think of them as your burial gifts. Consider it our last 'favor' to you. Don't worry, babe. Once you're out of the way, I'll make sure to bury them with you."
His words sliced through me, over and over, like a knife.
Furious, I fought back, trying to break free, but suddenly, my body felt like it was shutting down from all the rage. Everything started to blur, and their mocking laughter rang in my ears.
No, I couldn't just collapse here!
I tried to clench my fists, to pull myself together, but out of nowhere, a wave of pure hatred crashed over me, and everything went black.
When I opened my eyes again, everything around me felt both familiar and strange. I blinked as if I were stuck in a long dream, struggling to tell what was real and what wasn't.
