Chapter 4 Breaks the Heart
Back in her room, Claire reflected on her hospital visit the previous morning and decided to rest. As she washed up, she noticed the wound on her forehead and retrieved the first-aid kit to bandage it. Honestly, whether she bandaged it or not didn't really matter to her. During her four years in prison, falling asleep with wounds all over her body had become routine, especially for something as small as this. But she was worried Elizabeth might see it and become concerned.
The next day, when Elizabeth saw the wound on her forehead, she bombarded Claire with questions, asking if she had been bullied at home. It took a lot of explaining for Claire to calm her down. Thankfully, Elizabeth’s surgery went smoothly, and Claire finally breathed a sigh of relief.
That evening, when Elizabeth was wheeled out of the operating room, the doctor advised that, given her age of over seventy, she needed careful post-op care. They had to keep Elizabeth in a good mood, ensuring she ate, drank, and slept well. Since she had a heart stent placed years ago, it was crucial not to upset her.
As soon as the doctor finished speaking, Robert, Margaret, and Harrison all turned to look at Claire. “I promise to behave and never upset Grandma,” she quickly raised three fingers, pledging earnestly.
For the next month, Claire stayed at the hospital day and night, caring for Elizabeth with complete dedication. Fortunately, Elizabeth’s recovery went well, and a month later, she was discharged and returned to the Prescott Manor. That day happened to be winter, and Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, said she had waited four long years to finally have a family dinner.
In front of Elizabeth, Claire, after being released from prison, finally called out to her brother, mother, and father after a month of hesitation. “Claire, you just got out, and after what happened four years ago, they need time to adjust,” Elizabeth said gently, touching Claire’s gaunt hand with concern. Suddenly, she became worried. “Hey, where’s the sapphire bracelet I gave you? It wasn’t taken by those people in prison, was it? That bracelet is our family heirloom. If those people took it, I won’t let them off!”
Elizabeth was clearly agitated, so Claire quickly poured her some water. “No, the bracelet… I left it at the Halfmoon Manor before I went to prison.” Claire suddenly remembered that she had left the bracelet there four years ago while renovating Frederick’s villa.
“Claire, I know you like the Hawthorne family’s son. But now, you should call off the engagement… My dear, I just want you to find someone who loves you, someone who will cherish you for the rest of your life,” Elizabeth said, her voice filled with concern as she mentioned Frederick. “Alright, Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll talk to Frederick,” Claire nodded.
Back in her room, memories of her time with Frederick played in her mind like a movie. She finally fell asleep, only to dream a heartbreaking, beautiful dream. She dreamed she was back four years before everything happened, still the cherished heiress of the Prescott family. She woke in the middle of the night and stared out at the starry sky through the window, tears streaming down her face. In just four short years, a thousand days and nights, everything had changed.
Now, she didn’t want anything more. She just wished for Elizabeth to live a long life so she could take care of her. As for herself, she felt that simply being alive was enough. She thought, “As for Frederick, he had nearly strangled me just for mentioning Anna’s name. How could our engagement continue? It is time to end it. The bracelet is still at the villa, and I should retrieve it too.”
The next day, Claire went to the Halfmoon Manor. Standing at the entrance, she looked at the familiar surroundings, feeling like a lifetime had passed. “Frederick, do you like the way I decorated the villa? Even if you don’t, it doesn’t matter. I’m about to become Mrs. Hawthorne, so I’ll have the final say here.” She thought about the bright, happy version of herself who had stood there, smiling so radiantly. But everything had changed, leaving no trace of the past. She thought, “He hated me so much. There was no way he would have kept anything I had touched.” Nose stinging with emotion, Claire offered a bitter smile, wiped away her tears, and walked into the Halfmoon Manor.
“Stop. What are you doing here?” A cold voice suddenly rang out from above. Claire instinctively explained, “Mr. Hawthorne, I know you’re not happy to see me, but I left something here. I just came to get it, and I’ll leave right after… Also, let’s cancel our engagement.” She kept her head down, cautiously moving forward. She thought that after this, she and Frederick would never cross paths again.
But Frederick sneered. “Claire, when did I say I wanted to cancel the engagement?” Claire was startled and quickly looked up at Frederick. For a brief moment, she had the illusion that perhaps there was still a chance for them. But that fleeting hope was crushed in the next second, torn to shreds, and thrown into the abyss.
“Claire, do you think four years in prison can make up for Anna’s life?” Frederick pressed closer, forcing her back against the wall, his hand gripping her chin so tightly it felt like it might break. She leaned against the wall, stood on her tiptoes, and pleaded desperately, “Frederick, I have nothing left. Please, let me go. What do I have to do for you to let me go?”
From his lofty stance, his eyes cold, Frederick demanded, “I want you to marry me.” “What?” Claire gasped, almost unable to believe her ears.