Chapter 9
After Iselle was taken to the hospital, Caelen wasn’t allowed in to see her.
A striking woman sat at her bedside.
“You must be Iselle, right?
“Don’t be afraid, I’m Asher’s mother.”
Iselle was a bit surprised.
Elyse Durrell looked young, but her hair was streaked with gray. The puffiness around her eyes made it clear she’d been crying for days.
She took Iselle’s hand in hers. “The wedding–honestly, it’s all an act for Asher’s grandfather.
“Dominic’s getting old, a little confused. He can’t accept what happened to Asher. He’s been trying everything he can think of, and then someone told him that marrying Asher to a girl would bring good luck and drive away the misfortune.
“Once the ceremony is over, I can send you abroad. You’re still so young -do you want to keep studying?”
Iselle gently shook her head and squeezed Elyse’s hand in return.
“Don’t give up so soon. Maybe there’s still something I can do for Asher’s injuries.”
She didn’t fully understand the elder woman’s words at the time, but she remembered them. The elder woman would help her save Asher, just as she once saved Caelen.
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When Iselle was finally discharged and returned home, she found the living room overflowing with gifts.
Delphine beamed. “Iselle, all these are from Don Morven. He’s already proposed to me.
“As soon as that useless Durrell boy dies, I’ll marry into the Morven family. You’ll have to come toast at my wedding.”
She sighed dramatically.
“What can I say? We’re all human, but the difference between us is huge.
“The Durrell and the Morven families are both fighting over me, each more generous than the last. Meanwhile, you’re stuck with a live–in husband, and your family even has to support you. How pitiful.”
Iselle couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity.
“You’re always clinging to Caelen, running to him whenever something happens. I thought you two were inseparable.
“Aren’t you mad that he wants to marry me?”
Delphine just shrugged, unconcerned.
“He’s just some broke scholarship student. If I wanted another, I could find dozens at any college.
“He’s nothing compared to Don Morven. Money alone can’t buy what the Morven family has.”
Iselle almost laughed, she couldn’t wait to see Caelen’s reaction when he heard all this–because she’d recorded every word Delphine said.
Later, Iselle visited the orphanage director who’d raised her. The kindly old man greeted her with a broad smile. “Iselle, I heard you’re getting
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Chapter 9
married. I don’t have much to give you but take this good luck charm. I hope you’ll always be safe and happy.
“Oh, and how’s your fiancé? Is he good to you?”
Iselle’s nose stung, but she gave a genuine smile.
“I haven’t met him yet, but he’s a good man—a soldier willing to give his life for his country.
“Even if he doesn’t love me, I know he’d never treat me badly.”
“Doesn’t love you?” Caelen’s voice came from behind.
He studied Iselle’s face, then handed the fruit basket to the director.
“Don’t worry, sir. I’m Iselle’s fiancé, and I promise I’ll take good care of her after we’re married.”
The director looked a bit confused. “But Iselle said…” He trailed off when
he caught sight of Iselle’s numb expression. In the end, he just sighed and said nothing more.
Caelen and Iselle left the orphanage together. He handed her a small bottle of pills
“You said your stomach’s been hurting. I had a friend write a prescription for you.
“Take two before bed.”
Iselle gripped the bottle tightly. The label said it was just a common antacid.
But she knew–this was Caelen’s way of getting her ready to be sent off to the Durrell family.
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