Chapter 6
The man stepped into the room, tall and straight like a pine tree, steady as bamboo in the wind.
Dressed in a deep navy robe, his every movement exuded poise, his face striking and elegant–this was Benedict, the eldest son of the Duke. Eliza’s eldest brother.
“Eliza, his voice was cold, cuning straight through the silence. “Do you even know what you’ve done wrong!”
Benedict’s eyes locked onto hers with an icy sharpness that made it hard to breathe, like the air itself had turned heavy.
ly overwhelming.
She used to think it was just because he was tall, his presence naturally
But then she saw him crouch down to Sophie’s level, listening gently to her complaints, really seeing her. That was when Eliza understood–in his eyes, she had always been lesser.
I’m sorry, Brother, I don’t follow. I really don’t know what I did wrong. Could you explain it to me?” Her tone was light, emotionless.
But she’d already noticed the gown clenched in his hand. She knew exactly why he was here:
But still.. just one word from him and I’m expected to confess? She narrowed her eyes, her gaze narning colder than his
Benedict’s brows knit together, his patience fraying. “When did you become so willful? So out of control? You’re being ridiculous”
“I just don’t know what I did” she said evenly. “And that alone’s enough to set you off? Calling me willful and absurd–honestly, I feel wronged.”
“You’re seriously still pretending you don’t know?” he snapped, his temper finally slipping.
He threw the gown to the floor at her feet. “Dylan said you cut this up yourself. I didn’t believe in
it at first. This used sering you now–your antude–it’s hard not to believe in
Fto be your
favorite gown.
“You’re right. Leut it” Her answer came fast, without a hint of regret. “It’s just an old gown no one wants anymore. If that’s my great crime, then go ahead–think what you want.”
“No one wants it!” Benedict’s voice rose, sharp with disbelief. “This gown was custom–made for you–me and your other three brothers had it made together. You said you loved ji, cherished it. Now it’s trash to you
“That’s right” Eliza turned to face him, eyes steady, voice firm. “No one wants it.”
She kept repeating the words to herself, “Stay calm, don’t lose it!
She knew there was no winging in a head–on fight with Benedict or the rest of the family. She had to endure. Just hang on. Until she could leave this place for good.
“What’s the matter!” Her smile widened, bright and almost defiant. “You angry bow? Thinking of punishing me? Gonna force an apology out of
It was like she’d split in two–one part of her whispering to hold back, the other screaming to finally let go.
In the end, she stopped fighting it and let it all spill out. If punishment was waiting for her, then so be it
What is one more kneeling? I’ve been forced to kneel before, she thought
She smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You like obedient little sisters, don’t you, Brother Fine. Just say the word. I’ll kneel–right here, in the hull, at the coming–of–age ceremony, anywhere you want
“I’ll do it in front of everyone if that’s what it takes. Or is that still not good enough for your
Each word she spat was sharp, cutting deeper w
with every taunt,
“Enough” Benedict’s voice cracked through the room like a whip. He stared at her, stunned. “Eliza.. have you gone mad?”
This wasn’t the sister he knew. The Eliza he remembered had been respectful, obedient, always seeking his approval.
Over time, yes, she’d grown distant, grown jealous, always wanting attention–but never like this. Never this bold, this defiant. Now, it was like she was someone else entirely.
Like she’d finally snapped.