Chapter 1
Gwendolyn Quigley sat in the opulent living room of a lavish mansion, her faded floral dress a stark contrast to the luxury surrounding her.
Her estranged mother, Gemma, adorned in a chic designer outfit, held her hand and wept. “Gwen, you’ve toiled away in the countryside, but marrying into the Chadwick family will bring you wealth and prestige.”
A sharp pang of pain shot through Gwendolyn as she realized any hope for maternal love was In vain.
She looked at Gemma with a stony expression and said, “I’m your flesh and blood, and your want me to marry Vivien Sawyer’s fiancé. That man was in a coma after a car accident, practically in a vegetative state!”
The Sawyers wanted to secure the Chadwick family’s fortune without subjecting Vivien to hardship.
Gwendolyn was the sacrificial lamb, taken from her rural life for this very purpose.
Gemma’s tears flowed as she knelt before Gwendolyn, “I had no choice as a stepmother! It may look like I live in luxury, but there’s unseen suffering. After all, I brought you into this world. Help me, please! Marry in place of Vivien!”
Gwendolyn took a deep breath, her eyes reddening slightly.
Gemma had abandoned Gwendolyn as an infant to marry into the Sawyer family. She doted on her stepdaughter, Vivien, while ignoring her own daughter in the country for twenty years.
Gemma had not reached out to Gwendolyn out of newfound conscience, but to exploit her one last time.
“Fine, I’ll marry him.”
“This is me giving back for the life Gemma gave me.” thought Gwendolyn.
Gemma turned to joy as she quickly helped Gwendolyn to her feet, “The Chadwick family has prepared a bridal gown. Hurry and get dressed.”
She was intent on her goals, bustling about happily.
Gwendolyn shrugged off her hand, her pretty face cold, “This is the last time. After this, we are through.”
Gemma paused, then nonchalantly ordered the maids to dress Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn stood still as they dressed her in the bridal gown, her natural beauty enhanced by the ornate attire.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a graceful figure on the staircase.
1/2
14:13
Vivien stood there with a smirk of triumph on her lips, silently mocking poor Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn clutched the medicine chest she had brought from the country.
A maid announced, “Madam, the Chadwick family’s car is waiting outside.”
“Don’t keep the Chadwick family waiting, Gwen, Leave your stuff behind. You don’t want to be a laughingstock,” Gemma said, pushing Gwendolyn toward the door, trying to take the medicine chest from her.
Gwendolyn dodged, causing Gemma to stumble.
“This is my personal possession and you have no right to It.”
Gwendolyn was cold, her eyes distant.
The medicine chest was her previous treasure. She had used it to heal and help others,
Behind her, Vivien helped Gemma up, her tone scornful. “Gemma, it seems Gwendolyn is reluctant. Is it fair to force your dear daughter into this marriage?”
Gemma, eager to please, replied, “It’s her good fortune. Even in his current state, Howard Chadwick is out of her league. She could never have such a good life back in the country.”
At her words, Gwendolyn’s last sliver of hope died.
Slam!
She shut the car door, silencing their vile voices.
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