Chapter 2: The Woman Behind the Curtains
The next morning, Ethan arrived at the Ashcroft Mansion like always.
But this time...
The iron gates did not open.
A security guard stepped forward and said coldly,
"Mr. Ashcroft said your visits are no longer needed."
Ethan froze.
Behind the upstairs window, Lily watched in silence, her small hands pressed against the glass.
She tried to scream his name.
But no sound came out.
Because standing behind her...
Was her aunt, Margaret Ashcroft.
The woman who had waited years to inherit everything.
And the moment she saw Ethan kneel for Lily...
She knew he was dangerous.
Not because he was poor.
But because he was good.
Margaret leaned close to Lily’s ear and whispered,
"People like him don’t love girls like you."
"They love what your family can give them."
Lily shook her head, tears filling her eyes.
"No..."
Margaret smiled.
"Then why did your father send him away?"
Downstairs, Ethan stood outside the locked gate, confused and heartbroken.
He didn’t know Victor had never ordered security to stop him.
He didn’t know Margaret had forged the message.
And he definitely didn’t know that Lily had hidden something inside the little flower he gave her yesterday.
A tiny note.
Written with trembling hands:
"If I disappear, don’t trust Aunt Margaret."
That night...
The Ashcroft Mansion went dark.
Lily’s bedroom was empty.
Her wheelchair was left beside the window.
And on her pillow lay the same wildflower...
May you like
Crushed in half.
To Be Continued...
