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Chapter 161
Soon as Amanda disappeared through the door, she dropped into the coach, laid her head on her crossed arms, and burst into sobs.
"Darling, are you alright?"
Lady Byrne's voice startled her and she looked up to see the lady regarding her with concerned frown. The lady gasped at her tearful face.
"You poor thing! Come here my dear."
Sitting beside her, the lady hugged her and stroked her hair consolingly.
"I heard everything. That's complete nonsense. Don't listen to that slut Amanda. Nothing comes out of her mouth but lies."
"But how-" Ava gasped, then faltered.
"I was just about to come in when I saw her talking to you."
"Mrs. Puck?" Ava's anxious gaze swept around the room, worried that another person might have heard the shameful conversation.
"I can't find her. Perhaps she has returned home without me. Anyway, you shouldn't listen to that dirty whor
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The day began as usual in the Bailey's large countryhouse. Shortly after daybreak, the kitchen was already filled with the delicious aroma of smoked bacon and eggs with freshly baked toast, for the family would start the morning, as any other, with a hearty yet humble breakfast.With a dissatisfied frown on her face, Amanda stared down at the messy scrambled egg and overcooked browned potatoes in her worn tin plate. Her mother, a plump, middle-aged woman with hair the same shade as hers, walked around the table with a plate of sautéed bacon. She took a seat next to her husband, who was stuffing a huge piece of toast into his mouth."You want to eat that food before it gets cold."Mr. Bailey motioned at the untouched food in her daughter's plate. Shaking her head with narrowing eyes, Amanda let out a desperate sigh."I've lost my appetite even before I taste it. This food l
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"Oh my..." Ava gasped as the words sent a chill into her heart. Ashton paused, as if struck by his own words, but the next second he resumed in the same chilly voice."You can collect all your worldly belongings now or they will be sent to you later. You are free to reside in any other Vermont property, except this one, and you won't be deprived of your birthrights and your allowance, but you are not to show your face in this house ever again.""You're saying that I'm banned from this house?"A look of shocked disbelief registered on Magnus' face, a moment later his expression turned hard."Of course. I have no wish to stay longer in this accursed house. You can have all this godforsaken place to yourself for all I care."He turned to Ava, a determined look painted on his face."But you can't keep her if she choose to leave with me.""Goddamn you!!!"Ashton launched forward, and halted when Ava darte
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He lifted a hand to cup her face, sifting her hair through his fingers."Darling, you don't need to say that. Even if you have, it wouldn't change what I feel for you.""No, you must know the truth. I never let anyone else touch me like you do. Never."Her voice trailed away, her gaze traveled downward for a brief moment, only to raise back to his."Do you really think I would let him kiss me if you didn't come?""It doesn't matter now. All I care about is you stay with me, because I can't bear to lose you."She grasped his hand, stopping it from stroking her hair, and jerked it away."Wait, that means you really think I would just let him, like you said. You're doubting my faithfulness. I can't believe it. After all this time, do you not know me at all? It hurts to know that you think so low of me."She drew away, but he quickly grabbed her by the arms,"No, it's n
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"Nothing."He softened his voice. Inside the drawer was the fake scar stuffs. One look and it might well be the end of him. Before she could ask another question, he put gentle hands on her arms and pulled her to her feet."I think we still have some time to have breakfast together before the lawyer arrives. Why don't you get dressed now?"She returned to her chamber with a question in mind. What is inside the drawer? Is he still keeping a few mementos of Amanda in there? But she immediately dismissed the thoughts. It was no use looking back to yesterday and dwelling on jealousy. She should move on and leave Amanda in the past where she belonged. Starting from this day, she was all set to scrap the old chapter of her life and begin anew.*****For the next few days, again time rolled by in peace and seclusion. They had the entire time and place to themselves, indulging in leisure pursuits and interests. Ash
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