Threads of Deceit
That afternoon, Clara found Eleanor sitting in the garden, staring at the wilting roses.
"You look tired," Clara said softly, sitting beside her.
Eleanor sighed. "I suppose I am. Everything has been… heavy."
They sat in silence for a moment before Clara spoke again. "I know about Marcus. About how he used you."
Eleanor's eyes filled with regret. "I never meant to hurt anyone. He told me he was doing it for the family. I believed him."
"I know," Clara said gently. "He deceived everyone."
Eleanor turned to her. "You're still kind to me, even after everything. Why?"
Clara smiled faintly. "Because you're family. And because I've been deceived too."
Eleanor blinked back tears. "You're stronger than I thought."
Before Clara could reply, Victoria's voice drifted toward them. "Strong? Or just manipulative?"
Clara turned, her patience thinning. "What do you want, Victoria?"
Victoria folded her arms. "To remind you that this isn't your home. You're here out of pity, not belonging."
Eleanor stood abruptly. "That's enough, Victoria."
Victoria ignored her. "Ethan deserves someone better. Someone like Isabella."
Clara's jaw tightened, but she didn't speak. She just stood and walked away, choosing silence over conflict.
As she disappeared around the corner, Isabella stepped out from behind the hedge, pretending surprise. "Oh, was she here?"
Victoria's lips curved into a smirk. "You just missed her. You should've seen her face."
Isabella smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I'll handle Clara in my own way."
---
That evening, Ethan found a letter on his desk — unsigned, written in delicate handwriting.
> "If you truly love her, you should know what she's hiding. Sometimes loyalty blinds us to the truth."
There was no name. No proof. But attached to it was a photo — of Clara meeting with Marcus weeks ago, at the café.
Ethan's breath caught. He remembered that day — she had said she was out buying something for Mandaline.
His chest tightened. He didn't want to believe it, but the image burned into his mind.
"Clara…" he whispered.