The large gate swung open, and our driver slid the car in front of my parents’ mansion. Grandpa Lino was still the one who drove me around.
I’m not sure if Randall has already arrived at work. His car was still there when I left the home, but I didn’t see his driver, so I’m not sure whether he was still there.
After Aunt Helena’s call, I didn’t even bother thinking about it.
Ava’s prediction came true. They would directly reveal the clues to our analyses. Aunt Helena called to ask if I needed the medicines she was going to give me. She asked if Randall was home and whether she could bring them to our house, but I told her I’d go to my parents’ mansion, where she was staying.
My distrust of Archer and her became stronger in every way, even the day I ran out of medicine, which she was aware of. She was simply unlucky because I discovered it earlier. I was going to quit using those medications.
When I walked in, a swarm of servants met me. I don’t remember them, but I know they were nice and trustworthy since they said they’d been here for a long time, even while my parents were still alive.
As a few strands of her white hair fell out, an elderly woman approached me, carrying a tiny stick and tying the rope in her hair. She bent to welcome me.
“I’m delighted you’ve returned, Ms. Winter.” She was most likely the maid’s headmaster here. She was dressed differently than the rest of them.
I was just here for a week or two after I lost my memories, then after, I got married to Randall.
As I went, I noticed nothing had changed around the house. Everything was still in the right place. Except for one thing. The portrait, which hung on the wall and you will notice it when entering the main door.
My parents’ portrait used to be placed in the hall but now it was gone. Instead, a photo of Aunt Helena and Archer was hung at the same place. In the photo, Archer was sitting and wearing a tuxedo while Helena was full-covered with fancy jewelry. Their cocky smile made me lose my patience.
I turned to the head maid.
“Where is the portrait of mommy and daddy?” My eyes blazed with anger, but I restrained myself. I don’t want them to see me look like that.
Before the old woman opened her lips to respond, she was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Aunt Helena rushed down the stairs as she recovered her breath. She questioned the maids with her eyes after looking at the painting I had viewed before.
She laughed awkwardly and was at a loss for words. I gritted my teeth in fury as I stared at her blankly. I displayed my dissatisfaction with the changes made to my parents’ mansion.
I didn’t have to pretend or fake in front of them because if ever I found they were engaged in the tragedy that occurred to me, and after my parents died, I didn’t know what I could do to them or whether I could forgive them.
Helena was anxious based on my demeanor. I didn’t want to think ill of them at first, but after what they did, I wasn’t sure what to believe.
“Winter this is…” She couldn’t finish what she was saying, but I made it clear that I was waiting for her reasons. With my icy stares, I terrify her. Someone spoke from behind me when I was certain I had trapped her and could get her answer.
“I ordered the replacement of the displayed portrait. I’m just concerned about you because I think back then that if you always see something that can remind your parents, your emotions will be triggered.” Archer said as he stopped behind me.
I don’t see the point why their face needs to be replaced there. Aren’t they still satisfied living and they are trampling on the mansion that my parents left me?
“We’ll return your daddy’s portrait and-”
But I didn’t let him finish.
“You should, of course. It’s my parents’ house, what makes you think your stupid face can occupy their position?” I raised an eyebrow at Archer because I was not satisfied with what I was seeing, and even if they tried to explain, I wouldn’t dismiss their reason.
They exchanged glances, as though they didn’t like what I said.
“Hey, it’s so rude! Don’t you think…” Archer’s jaw clenched, showing he was irritated. Aunt Helena stopped him in time.
“Winter, let’s go upstairs, and I’ll get you what you came for.” Aunt Helena turned around and walked straight up.
I looked at Archer and ordered the head maid before going up.
“Please change that and return my parents’ portrait.”
I took another look at Archer and decided to pass. I shall reclaim what is rightfully mine.
After turning around, I heard Archer give a hard punch on the wall.
Aunt Helena was waiting for me upstairs. We walked into a guest room. Aunt Helena handed some capsules towards me and gently said, as if nothing happened just now, “Sweetie, here is what you need.”
“Thanks, Aunt, but I don’t need it anymore,” I replied flatly.
“What happened?” She was surprised at my distant attitude. After the accident, I never said no to her. Now it was the first time that I turned her down.
Instead of answering her question, I threw mine towards her, “Every time you see me, do you even feel a little bit guilty?”
“What exactly do you mean? Oh, d-did you restore your memory?” She now stared at me, trying to force a smile but she can’t. I can feel her panic.
Now that I refused to take the capsules that she gave to me, it means she cannot control me anymore.
“You used to be the person I trust most. After my parents passed away, I do everything as you told me. I let you stay at my parents’ house, ran their business, and I even accept your arrangement to marry a guy I didn’t recognize at all. But what did you guys do?” My tone was filled with fury.
As I was speaking, I noticed her back straightening quickly and her hand stiffening. When I knew she would not respond, I kept talking.
“Why the hell did you marry me to Randall? I need you to tell me the truth. And don’t lie to me, I won’t buy it.” Even though my heart was already racing from anxiety, I didn’t reflect it in my voice.
I’m worried not because I’m afraid, but because I’m afraid of finding out the truth…
There was the slightest hope in my heart. How I wish her words were true. Randall married me because we engaged and we have been in a relationship for many years.
I was hoping mommy Amelia simply made up falsehood and was upset with me. Because I was not sure how I’d feel if Randall married me for the sake of the business.
If she told me so, I can forgive everything. Forgive the capsule thing, forgive them changing my parents’ portrait, forgive them lying to me…
To my disappointment, she remained silent for a long time. Because no one was speaking, I can almost hear the crickets. But it appeared that it would be better if I didn’t ask, or she didn’t talk or respond.
“Winter, it is for the business and company. And that’s the only reason why Randall married you.”
All the strength I had gained was steadily evaporating. My mind couldn’t make sense of what she said. My mind refused to accept that everything revolved only around arranged marriage. Everything was a ruse and a sham.
There was only one ache that completely occupied my heart during these moments, as I recalled Randall.
I feel as though I have forfeited my right to him.
I have the understanding that he is not mine.
It was time to end.