Chapter 3
The man who appeared was dressed in an immaculate white suit, his features as striking as a masterpiece. His eyes, gentle as a whispering breeze, came to rest on Thalia.
It was her older brother, Callum. Behind him trailed his usual entourage, including Selene, draped in a flawless white gown, exuding an aura of freshness, grace, and charm that was both soft and endearing.
As Thalia took in the scene, she noticed Cassian–her ex–boyfriend–standing beside Selene. His expression was tender, his smile affectionate, as he leaned in to whisper something to Selene.
The sight left Thalia momentarily
speechless. Before she could react, Ophelia
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rushed up to Selene, tears streaming down her face, and hurled accusations, “Selene, your sister is so awful! I merely asked why she didn’t bring any jewelry to the banquet, and she hit me. She even called me the daughter of a mistress. Do I deserve to be hit just because of my mother’s choices?” Thalia’s instinct was to deny the allegations, but Selene broke in first, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Thalia, even if Ophelia misspoke, you shouldn’t have resorted to violence.”
Thalia’s gaze was as cold as ice as she looked at Ophelia. “If she hadn’t insulted my mother, I wouldn’t have touched her.” Cassian’s frown deepened, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Thalia, that’s Selene’s friend and the daughter of the Vale family. Regardless of her mistake, you shouldn’t have caused a scene.”
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Under the weight of innumerable curious, scrutinizing stares, Thalia’s heart constricted with solitude and chill. Just as she gathered her thoughts to speak, a figure stepped forward to shield her.
It was Callum, wearing his signature gentle expression overshadowed by an apologetic smile as he turned to Ophelia. “Thalia has been indulged since childhood; I apologize. on her behalf.”
Thalia’s face stiffened as she shot a glare at him. “Callum, I’m not in the wrong. It’s her vile words.”
Callum’s smile remained gentle, even as his eyes grew frigid. Thalia felt a sudden clarity, realizing her brother’s anger–but why?
He parted his lips with a practiced neutrality, speaking with chilling detachment, “Thalia,
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it makes no difference.” Thalia grit her teeth, her eyes glued to his serene yet aloof face, her heart clenching painfully.
At Callum’s words, Ophelia blushed and demurely looked down. “For your sake, I’ll overlook what this spiteful woman did.”
Selene’s face contorted with sorrow and grievance. “I know you’ve never liked me and resent my mother for her past. But, Thalia, my mom and dad couldn’t change what happened. We didn’t choose our births. If I could, I would have been the legitimate daughter, with a brother who cherishes me.”
With a sigh, she added, “Not everyone has your fortune, born into the Wynn Family as the beloved eldest daughter. I’m sorry!” Tears filled her eyes, and she couldn’t hold them back any longer, fleeing in distress.
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Cassian instinctively moved to follow but paused, his deep eyes lingering on Thalia with a mix of disappointment and displeasure. “Thalia, do you know how much Selene was looking forward to you being there today? Yet you utter such cruel things. I’ve allowed you too much latitude, and this is the result
He turned and left without another glance, leaving behind a crowd casting awkward looks. Thalia’s anger simmered.
It was Selene’s mother who had ensnared her father, yet she had the audacity to speak as if she wanted to usurp Thalia’s rightful placa
Fury surged within her, but when she locked eyes with Callum’s serene gaze, her emotions twisted into sorrowful absurdity. “Callum, do you blame me as well?”
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Callum’s expression softened, laden with helplessness. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, weariness evident, he looked at Thalia, his voice gentle. “We meant no harm, Thalia. We were merely selecting a gift for you, which delayed us.”
His tone felt dismissive, catching Thalia by surprise. She remembered how effortlessly her brother used to charm those around him, but now it felt as though she was the one he wished to dismiss.
Silent, Thalia merely observed him quietly.
Not so long ago, he hadn’t been this way. After their mother’s tragic car accident, he had been her fierce protector.
In their younger years, his prized possessions were off–limits to everyone but
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her. Anything she desired, he would give without reservation.
Even when he pursued his studies abroad, he would return every chance he got, always bringing gifts for her.
Yet everything shifted with Selene and her mother’s arrival into their lives.
