The Discarded Wife Became the Empress Novel Ch 1
On the night of my wedding, I watched as my lady’s companion–once sworn to me–slipped into a dress nearly identical to mine and disappeared into my betrothed’s private chambers.
I didn’t stop her.
In my past life, Lillian had used the same tricks to seduce Lord Everett before our marriage was formalized. Back then, he’d wanted to elevate her from a companion to something more–a titled lady in his household. Equal to me in every way.
I refused.
The scandal shattered every semblance of decency. The city buzzed with whispers. My reputation remained intact, but hers was ruined. Lillian, unable to bear the disgrace, locked herself in the old watchtower and leapt from its highest ledge before anyone could stop her.
Everett never forgave me.
After we wed, he turned cold. Then cruel.
Within a year, my body bore the marks of his hatred–bruises layered over older scars. At home, I was forbidden from receiving visitors. In public, he fed the entire city rumors about my supposed wickedness–accused me of jealousy, madness, even treason. My family, once respected stewards
of the Crown, were forced to retreat to their country estate in shame.
As I grew weaker, clinging to what little life I had left, he brought Lillian’s likeness into the family chapel–her portrait hung beside those of his noble ancestors.
He commanded me to kneel before it each morning, reciting prayers for her soul.
On my final day, I shattered the painting with a candelabra.
Enraged, Everett ordered the guards to drag me to the pyre.
He had me bound and burned like a heretic.
Flames licked at my skin. My screams tore through the chapel like judgment.
“She was nothing but a servant!” I cried out.
“She was mine,” he growled. “She was the only one I ever loved. You ruined that.”
“You deserve this pain. Even death won’t cleanse you. Burn, and beg forgiveness.”
Chapter 1
11.11%
Undergarments for Women
Shop bras, bra sets & nighties online in Pakistan. Secure & discreet packaging, Lamaisah Pink
Shop Now >
This time around, I won’t fight for what’s not worth keeping. If they were truly in love from the
start, then let them rot together.
But the torment they gave me I’ll return every wound, slow and exact.
“She slipped out under the pretense of fetching wine,” Bree gasped, her cheeks flushed from
running. “But I followed her. Just like you asked. She changed her gown and went straight into Lord Everett’s quarters.”
Today was supposed to be my wedding day.
I said nothing as I lifted the lace veil from my head and set it aside.
I didn’t confront them. I simply walked out of the keep.
When Mother learned what had happened, she was livid. She nearly stormed the castle to drag
Lillian out herself.
But I stopped her. “There’s no need, Mother. Princess Elizabeth once said if I couldn’t find a match
worthy of my station, I’d always have a place with her at Wintermere Abbey.”
Princess Elizabeth–her dearest friend in youth–had extended that offer before leaving Ebonhold for the abbey years ago.
Mother could tell I meant it this time.
Though it pained her, she gave me her blessing.
At dawn, I left with Bree, unnoticed.
The betrothal between Everett and me had been arranged since we were babes–a strategic match between two ancient houses, forged to secure loyalty and land.
Lillian had once been assigned as my companion, just like Bree. Both daughters of lesser knights,
taken in and raised alongside me to serve the household.
I treated them as sisters.
But Lillian, it turned out, was far more ambitious than I’d ever imagined.
On my wedding day, while I waited in the reception chamber, she vanished–only to reappear clad in scarlet, slipping into Everett’s quarters.
Chapter 1
11.11%
Undergarments for Women
Shop Now >
Shop bras, bra sets & nighties online in Pakistan. Secure & discreet packaging. Lamaisah Pink
I was confused at first. Why hadn’t Everett come to receive me?
By the time I pieced it together, it was too late.
They’d already shared a bed. And Everett? He felt no shame. He simply announced that Lillian
would be recognized as his lady, seated beside me in equal status.
I caused a scene the entire Ebonhold would remember.
The rumors swelled like a storm tide. Lillian couldn’t bear the shame. One night, she locked herself in the old watchtower and leapt from its highest ledge before anyone could stop her.
Everett couldn’t undo what was done. So he made me pay.
He turned the manor into a private gallows.
I was locked away, denied sunlight. When he did visit, it was to torment. A slap. A threat. A hot poker near the hearth. Nothing that would kill me–just enough to remind me I was nothing.
When I was too broken to fight, he had Lillian’s portrait commissioned, dressed her in noble colors,
and hung her image beside his ancestors. Each morning, he ordered me to bow and beg for her
forgiveness.
One morning, I shattered that painting.
Everett looked upon the splintered canvas, and his grief twisted into fury.
He tied me to the stake himself.
The fire was slow. Deliberate.
Through the agony, I hissed, “She was never your equal. She was a girl from the servant’s wing.”
“She was everything you weren’t,” he sneered. “She was mine–before you ruined us.”
“You’ll burn, Eleanor. And you’ll remember this moment even in death.”
And I did.
But now, I’m back.
I won’t play the fool again. If they were bound from youth, then let them have each other.
But five years later, when the King lay dying with no sons to name, he appointed his sister’s only
Chapter 1
11.11%
Undergarments for Women
Shop Now
Shop bras, bra sets & nighties online in Pakistan. Secure & discreet packaging. Lamaisah Pink
child as heir to the throne.
And so, I returned to Ebonhold with Princess Elizabeth for the coronation.
Let the games begin.