By admin The Discarded Wife Became the Empress Novel Ch 2
At the banquet following the coronation, Lord Everett spotted me across the crowd. His gaze flickered with unmistakable caution.
Lillian hadn’t expected to see me either. She rushed forward, grabbing my hand as if we were long–lost sisters.
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“Dearest Eleanor,” she said, voice trembling with false affection, “where have you been these past five years? I searched for you everywhere.”
“You have every right to be furious. I never meant to hurt you, but if I did… I’ll carry that guilt.”
I pulled my hand from hers with disgust and rolled my eyes.
Five years later, and she was still performing like a bad actress.
“She is now Lady Lillian. How dare you behave so rudely?” Lord Everett stepped in beside her, eyes cold with warning.
Our small scene had already caught the attention of several nobles nearby.
One well–dressed matron approached us, narrowing her eyes. “You’re unfamiliar to me. May I ask under whose invitation you’ve joined us this evening?”
Everett said flatly. “She’s the eldest daughter of the House Ravenshire who fled her arranged marriage. Disgraced her family, vanished for years, and now dares show her face again.”
That did it. The matron’s expression twisted into disdain.
“So this is the infamous daughter who brought shame upon the High Warden’s name? Imagine the nerve, returning after all these years.”
I frowned slightly.
So that was the story they’d spun in my absence. Five years gone, and they’d twisted the truth into something grotesque.
“Fascinating,” I said calmly. “I’d heard the storytellers in Ebonhold were talented, but I didn’t realize the nobility themselves were the best performers of all.”
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My blood simmered beneath my skin.
“Watch your mouth, girl. You’re speaking to the Chancellor’s wife, not one of your maidservants.”
“Oh? And being married to a chancellor puts you above basic decency?”
Before she could retort, Lillian jumped in, ever the picture of civility. “Please don’t be angry, madam. Eleanor didn’t mean any offense.”
She tugged gently on my hand again, even mustering up a teardrop at the corner of her eye.
“Eleanor, this is all my fault. Blame me if you must. But please, don’t let your temper get the best of you and cause a scene.”
She gave a soft, practiced sigh.
“If you truly have nowhere to go, I’m sure Everett could find some role for you at the estate. It’s not ideal, but surely better than living without name or title.”
With a patronizing smile, she lifted my wrist and showed off the bracelet I wore–a modest–looking piece, dulled by time.
She looked as if she were about to laugh.
What she didn’t know was that this bracelet had once been a token of affection–passed down by the former king himself. There was only one like it in all of Ebonhold.
She didn’t recognize its worth, which made her condescension all the more pathetic.
“No, thank you,” I said smoothly, pulling my hand back. “Where I come from, blood and title still
mean something.”
Lillian paled.
“Because I was a companion, I don’t deserve to live?” she choked out, clutching at her chest like a
martyr.
Everett turned sharply toward me, his jaw clenched. He never could bear to see her cry.
“You may be a noble lady, but that doesn’t make you worth respecting,” he spat. “Lillian is
gracious, loyal, and virtuous. You, on the other hand, are bitter, reckless, and cruel.”
“She’s willing to forgive you, and yet you continue to behave like a spoiled child. You don’t deserve
her kindness.”
Chapter 2
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The onlookers murmured in agreement.
“How disgraceful, flaunting her lineage like it still means something.”
“Please her father cast her out years ago. Stripped her of inheritance and all.”
“Everyone knows the Warden now calls Lillian his daughter. At least she hasn’t dragged the family name through the mud.”
I went rigid. Disinherited?
I had never received any such word in all these years. No letter. No messenger.
Why were they all so certain?
Unless… something had happened. Something I didn’t know.
I thought of my mother. She and my father had never been close. Could something have happened to her while I was away?
Lillian stepped forward again, her voice soft and syrupy.
“Everyone, please,” she said. “Eleanor didn’t know about any of this. You’re being too harsh.”
“She was pampered, that’s all–spoiled by privilege. But she’s not evil.”
She turned to me, eyes shining with practiced sorrow.
“You fled your wedding, Eleanor. There was no one else, I had to step in. I had no choice.”
“I understand if you resent me. I truly do. But please, don’t make a scene. Come home with me. I’ll ask Everett to treat you kindly.”
Even back when she served as my lady’s companion, Lillian knew how to play the helpless victim. She used it to earn sympathy–and rob me blind of affection and praise.
Now she wore my title, my place, and still she hadn’t changed.
Watching her now, with her careful tears and tilted head, I didn’t feel anger.
I felt like I was watching a street juggler perform.
Then Everett turned to me, his voice thick with condescension.
“Eleanor, if my wife is willing to extend you her charity, I’ll allow it.”
Chapter 2
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“But you’ll acknowledge your wrongs, make a proper apology, and show her the respect she’s due. Only then will you be permitted to stay.”