The sun rose, spilling golden light across Eleanor's room and brightening it instantly. She groaned softly in her sleep and pulled the blanket over her head. Looks like she'd forgotten to close the curtains again.
It was already 9 a.m. when Alessia finished making breakfast and walked to Eleanor's room. If she didn't wake her now, they'd both be late.
"Wake up and get fresh, okay?" Alessia said as she sat beside her and gently tugged the blanket away.
"Just five minutes," Eleanor mumbled sleepily, trying to pull it back over her head.
Alessia sighed, shaking her head. "It's already nine in the morning, Ellie. Wake up now. What will you do after marriage?" she teased while folding the blanket.
Eleanor sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes with a groan. "What do you mean?"
Alessia chuckled, "Do you think your husband will let you sleep this long?"
"Who cares? And who even wants a husband?" Eleanor grumbled as her feet hit the cold floor. She slipped into her slippers and dragged herself to the washroom, ignoring the playful grin on Alessia's face.
After breakfast, both girls got ready. Alessia slipped into a light yellow off-shoulder dress, soft and delicate — just like her. Eleanor, on the other hand, wore a black lace corset-style top paired with high-waisted black flared pants.
Alessia laughed the moment she saw her. "We're going to my family's house, not a boardroom."
Eleanor smirked, fastening her heels. "It's not any less than that."
She circled Alessia with an exaggerated thoughtful expression, her hand on her chin, pretending to study her outfit like an art piece.
"What are you doing?" Alessia laughed.
"Well, you look like an angel," Eleanor said with mock seriousness. "So I'll have to be the devil, right?"
Alessia chuckled, shaking her head. That was just like Eleanor — always bold, always unapologetic. Alessia liked her light colors and gentle words; Eleanor lived in black and spoke her mind. They were complete opposites — yet perfectly balanced.
Both laughed as they headed down to the parking lot. Alessia's white Bentley gleamed in the morning light. Eleanor leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes during the drive while Alessia quietly played soft music, lost in thought.
She knew what was waiting for her today. Her father. Her stepmother. Her brother. And her secret — one she could no longer hide.
Her grip on the steering wheel tightened. A flicker of guilt flashed in her eyes when she glanced at Eleanor, who sat beside her calmly. Alessia quickly looked away and focused on the road ahead, taking a deep breath as they neared the Verden mansion.
The iron gates opened automatically, and the guards bowed as their car passed through. Who wouldn't recognize the Verden family's young miss?
She gently nudged Eleanor. "We're here."
Eleanor looked out the window at the sprawling mansion.
"Are you ready?" she asked quietly.
Alessia smiled nervously, nodding. "Eleanor…"
"Hm?"
Alessia's voice came out barely above a whisper. "You'll stay by my side, right?"
Eleanor reached over and squeezed her trembling hand. "Of course. I promise."
She could feel the fear behind Alessia's calm expression. It wasn't easy to face a father like Charles Verden. Eleanor understood. Their families were the same — all prestige and power, but no warmth. To the world, they had everything. But behind those golden gates, they were just puppets performing for reputation's sake.
Inside, the servants greeted them with bows before continuing their duties. The house was spotless yet strangely lifeless — too big for just a few people.
In the Verden mansion, only Charles Verden and his second wife, Eva, lived there permanently. His eldest son, Adrian, and his youngest daughter, Alessia, lived separately but visited for special occasions — like today. It was the 20th death anniversary of Alessia's mother.
Eleanor and Alessia sat in the living room, sipping juice while waiting. The air was thick with quiet tension until the sound of slow footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Both girls stood as Charles Verden appeared, his tall figure exuding authority. Beside him walked Eva, elegant and poised — much younger than her husband, probably in her early forties, while Charles was nearing fifty-five.
"Hello, Dad. Mom," Alessia greeted politely, her voice steady.
"Good morning, Uncle, Aunt," Eleanor added with a polite smile.
Charles's sharp gaze lingered on Alessia before shifting to Eleanor. Then, he asked Eleanor, "Have you spoken to your father recently?"
"It's been a while," Eleanor replied, unsure why he asked.
Charles studied her quietly for a moment, then said flatly, "You should. There's been… something going on back there."
Eleanor frowned, confused, but Charles didn't elaborate. He simply turned and left for his car, Eva following gracefully behind.
The family gathered for the memorial, their expressions solemn as they placed flowers before the late Mrs. Verden's grave. Alessia knelt down, whispering softly to her mother while Eleanor stood quietly behind her, giving her space.
Afterward, they attended the charity event hosted by the Verdens, staying there until evening. By the time they returned home, the mansion was lit with soft golden light, but the atmosphere felt heavier than before. Adrian hadn't come back — as usual, he claimed to be busy with work.
Eva suggested they all stay for dinner.
Dinner at the Verden mansion was always quiet. No one dared to speak while eating — a rule set long ago by Charles. The clinking of cutlery was the only sound that filled the room.
Eleanor watched Alessia from across the table. She could see her friend's shoulders tense with every second, her mind clearly spinning with unspoken thoughts.
Once the plates were cleared, Charles finally set down his napkin and looked at his daughter.
"Alessia," he said, his tone calm but commanding, "come to my study after dinner."
Alessia froze for half a second, her heart thudding in her chest. "Yes, Father," she replied quietly.
Their eyes met across the table — Eleanor's gaze steady, Alessia's anxious. A silent understanding passed between them.
It's time.
Eleanor gave her a reassuring nod.
Alessia took a deep breath and tried to smile, though her hands were trembling under the table.
She didn't know what would happen next — but she knew one thing for sure.
Whatever storm awaited her behind those heavy study doors… Eleanor would be right there beside her.