46
Adeline West
I played with the kids in the garden, their laughter a fleeting balm to my nerves. Tristan and Bridget’s joy was a sweet distraction from the pressure of the situation. Their happiness felt like a temporary pause from the anxiety gnawing at me- a brief moment of normalcy before the inevitable meeting with the elders. I still remember what Laurel said to me at the hospital, and her words kept ringing in my ears.
“Adeline,” Abigail called out, her voice warn yet urgent. “Samuel asked to see you”
My heart skipped a beat. I remembered what he said earlier, and I quickly rushed to the study. I knocked on the door and waited for his response.
“Come in,” he said.
I pushed the door open and walked in
“Adeline,” he said, turning to me. “We are going to hold the meeting soon; be ready, dear.” He informed me.
“I will,” I said.
“Please remember this: no matter what the decision may be, try not to argue; if you do, you may look bad and leave a negative impression. Laurel will try to provoke you, stay calm and don’t let her words get to you.” He said. “Okay dear.”
“Okay” I nodded.
“And also, no matter what the decision may be, I will always be with you, Adeline,” he said, his tone filled with sincerity. “I know you, and my support will always be with you” He said.
“It means a lot to me. Samuel,” I said, with a smile on my lips.
“Be ready.” He said.
“I will.” I replied and walked out
Later that day, Abigail informed the elders, calling me for the meeting, and Samuel was waiting for me. The reminder of the looming confrontation brought a fresh wave of nervousness. I glanced at Sebastian, who had been my rock through this entire trial. He gave me a reassuring smile and took my hand, his grip firm and comforting.
“Everything will be alright,” he said, his tone steady. “You’re strong, Adeline. We’ll get through this.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath, as we walked together to Samuel’s office. The familiar path felt different today, heavier with the weight of anticipation and dread. Samuel’s office was a sanctuary of calm amid the storm. I greeted him with a polite nod, trying to mask the tremor in my voice.
Is
“Good morning, Samuel,” I said, attempting to sound more confident than I felt.
Samuel’s eyes were sharp but kind. “Adeline, the elders are about to convene” He said, “Remember what I said.”
“Okay, Samuel,” I replied, managing a smile despite the nerves prickling my skin.
Sebastian squeezed my hand gently. “We’ll be right there with you,” he assured me. “Don’t worry.”
We walked together to the meeting hall. The tension in the air was palpable as we approached. Killian and Laurel were already present, standing side by side. Killian’s gaze met mine with a cold intensity that made my stomach churn. His cold eyes moved between me and Sebastian, then down to his hand holding mine. I could see the anger sinimering just beneath the surface, like a storm ready to break
Chapter 46
There was hatred in them when they met mine. I wasn’t surprised.
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The meeting began with one of the elders–I remember his name was Marcus. “Hello everyone! We have gathered to let all know about the verdict of the accusations Adeline West made against Laurel Parker, claiming that she was behind the attack on her family. We have seen all the evidence they have provided backing her claims,” he began. Everyone was quietly listening to him.
“We also listened to Laurel Parker and saw the proof she provided, saying she didn’t have a hand in the attack. He continued, “We have conducted a thorough investigation into the recent attack and examined all possible suspects. Laurel has a strong alibi. Witnesses confirm she was at home the entire day of the incident, with no indication of her involvement
My heart pounded. I could barely contain the frustration bubbling within me. I remembered our private conversation where Laurel taunted me, a cruel smile playing on her lips as she dared me to prove her guilt. The fact that she was now hiding behind a well–crafted alibi only fueled my anger.
I fought to keep my composure as the elder continued. “The evidence we have reviewed suggests that Laurel was not involved in the attack. As such, we must consider the matter closed, pending any new evidence.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, my knuckles whitening. I wanted to say lash out or say something but Sebastian held my hand, stopping me. I glanced at Samuel, remembering his words, and calmed down.
How could they ignore the truth?
Laurel’s duplicity was glaring, and yet here we were, with her fake innocence winning out. I could feel Killian’s eyes on me; his silent judgment gave me a sharp sting.
Sebastian’s presence was a steady anchor. He squeezed my hand again, a silent gesture of support. “We need to stay calin,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. This isn’t over. We’ll find a way
I nodded, trying to draw strength from his words. I wanted to shout and demand that the elders see through Laurel’s deceit, but I knew that wouldn’t help. I needed to keep my head clear and find a way to prove Laurel’s guilt.
The meeting continued with discussions about other matters, but my focus was on Laurel. Like she said, she escaped. 1 should have known. Laurel’s smug expression was a constant reminder of the battle ahead. I knew that, despite what happened today, I couldn’t afford to give up. The fight to prove that Laurel is behind the attack and to show her real face to the world is far from over
As the meeting drew to a close, Samuel approached me. “I understand this is frustrating, Adeline. But you must remember that we are bound by evidence and procedure. If you have more information, please bring it forward. We will do our best to actress it,”
I appreciated his words, though they did little to soothe my anger “Thank you, Samuel. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, we left the meeting hall I felt drained, both emotionally and physically. The confrontation with Laurel and the elders had taken a toll and the path ahead seemed more daunting than ever.
As we walked back to the mansion, Sebastian remained by my side, his quiet presence a source of comfort. We didn’t speak much, each of us was lost in our thoughts. The tension of the day hung heavily between us, and I knew that the battle for truth was for from over.
The evening air was cool as we reached the mansion, a welcome change from the heated atmosphere of the meeting. I took a moment to collect my thoughts before heading inside, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. Despite all this, I was determined to see this through. My children needed me, and I would fight for their safety no matter what, I will have to protect my family from the evil laurel I know for a fact that she will try to do something again, and I will be ready to face her. This time with all my might..