The sleek black luxury car rolled into the narrow alley of Willowbrook Village, drawing every eye.
"Whose car is that?"
"Look at her—like a movie star!"
"Isn't that Seraphina? The Bellamys' real daughter? She really hit the jackpot!"
Seraphina Bellamy stepped out, heels clicking against the pavement, every movement deliberate as she soaked in the envy and whispers.
In Mercer Cottage's courtyard, Liana Mercer rolled up her sleeves and dumped a bucket of pig slop into a stone trough. Dressed in simple cotton, hair loose, sweat beading at her temples, she looked grounded and unbothered. Nearby, Dahlia froze mid-laundry, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Seraphina? What brings you back?"
Seraphina ignored her, gaze locked on Liana. She lifted a scented handkerchief and sneered. "Well, well. Miss Eighteen-Years-of-Luxury herself—back to feeding pigs? That slop suits you."
"Seraphina! That's enough!" Dahlia cried, her face paling.
Liana set the bucket down calmly, her sharp gaze unwavering. The look made Seraphina flinch, fury flaring instantly. "Don't recognize me? I'm the real Bellamy heiress! Look at yourself—reeking of pig filth. This is where you belong!" Her eyes flicked to the bucket. Without thinking, she hurled it.
"Liana!" Dahlia screamed.
Liana sidestepped smoothly and grabbed another bucket. Splash. The heavier load hit Seraphina squarely, soaking her designer clothes, streaking her hair, smearing her diamonds. Time froze.
"AAAAHHH!" Seraphina shrieked. "Liana! Do you know who I am? I'm the real Bellamy daughter—the heiress!"
Liana set down the ladle, wiped her hands, and said coldly, "No matter how fancy you dress, trash is still trash. Calling yourself a Bellamy young lady? Even 'screaming fishmonger' would be generous."
Seraphina trembled with rage. "What are you so smug about? Think you've got a future?"
Liana's lips curved slightly. "Let me tell you something—the Mercers were so broke they sold you off to the Carlisle family."
The words struck hard. Liana turned to Dahlia. "Mom. Is that true?"
Dahlia lowered her head. "Yes. When your father fell ill, we were desperate. The Carlisle family offered money. I'm sorry, Liana. If you don't want this, I'll beg them to cancel it. I won't let you suffer."
Liana's anger cooled, hardening into clarity. Poor—poorer than she had imagined. Married off to a disabled stranger. Yet Seraphina's smug satisfaction only strengthened her resolve. She squeezed Dahlia's hand. "It's fine. Good or bad, I'll decide after I meet him."
"What?!" Seraphina stared. "You actually want to see that cripple?"
Even Dahlia froze.
Liana nodded calmly. "The Carlisle family helped when Dad was at his worst. That matters. Whether the engagement stands or not, I'll meet him first."
Seraphina scoffed. "Pathetic. Enjoy rotting in this dump. I'm off to live my real life." She stormed away, satisfied with the chaos she left behind. Liana didn't look back. Truth mattered now.
Dahlia wiped her tears. "The Carlisle family approached us years ago. At first, they wanted Seraphina, but when we learned of his condition, we refused. Later, your father worsened. We needed the money, so we agreed. I regret it every day. Now that Seraphina's gone, the engagement falls to you. Once you turn eighteen, the wedding is supposed to happen. Your birthday is coming soon…"
Liana exhaled slowly. The plot ran deeper than she'd thought. When the time came, she would meet this fiancé herself.