The carriage slowed to a stop.
A butler in a black coat stepped forward, opening the door with practiced precision. His expression didn't change as he offered his gloved hand to Ella's mother.
"Welcome back, Madam Eleanor," the butler intoned.
"Thank you, Rowan," Eleanor replied, her tone formal, different from the soft warmth Ella always heard at home.
"Mama," Ella called out timidly, but her mother ignored her.
Ella hesitated at the carriage door, clutching the folds of her dress. Her heart thudded like hooves against the ground.
"Ella," Eleanor turned, eyes gentle. "Come in haste."
Ella gulped, staring at Rowan's emotionless face. She forced herself to take the butler's hand, and the moment her shoes touched the ground, the air felt heavier.
'This is scary,' Ella thought to herself. She glanced up to the mansion's tall windows, wondering which one belonged to her father, and whether he was watching them arrive.
A group of servants lined up neatly at the top of the steps, bowing in unison.
At the center of it all stood a man, a tall figure dressed in deep navy, his posture straight as a blade. His hair, streaked faintly with silver, was tied neatly at the nape of his neck. His expression was unreadable.
Eleanor exhaled softly. "That's your father."
Ella's eyes widened before she looked down immediately. Afraid to look into his father's eyes, she already felt the cold gaze staring at her figure. Her steps even faltered a little.
He descended the stairs slowly, each stride measured. When he reached the bottom, his sharp gaze swept over Eleanor, lingering enough to weigh and to judge.
"Eleanor," he greeted curtly.
"Richard," Eleanor replied, nodding her head.
The atmosphere between them was tense; however, there was softness to it.
Richard's eyes turned to Ella, who straightened instinctively when she remembered her mother's words. Then, Ella bowed her head lightly, though her hands fidgeted behind her skirt.
"So," Richard said at last, voice smooth, but cold. "This is the daughter you've raised."
Ella's throat tightened nervously. Forcing a smile, she said. "H-Hello, Father."
For a heartbeat, silence stretched between them like a taut string. Then, almost imperceptibly, Richard's jaw relaxed.
"Welcome," Richard said. His words were kind, but the tone held no warmth.
Richard turned slightly, gesturing toward the two girls who had been standing quietly a few steps behind him.
"These are your sisters," Richard said. "Cindy, Anna… this is Ella."
The elder of the two, Cindy, was the same age as Ella. Her hair was decorated with gold flowers that matched her blonde hair, similar to Richard's, and her chin was held high with poise. She gave a slight, polite curtsy.
"Welcome," Cindy said, though her word sounded more like an obligation than a greeting.
Beside her stood Anna, younger, her brown curls bouncing as she tilted her head curiously at Ella. "Wow, your hair is so… dark!" She said honestly, earning a sharp glance from Cindy.
Ella blinked, unsure of how to respond. "Th-thank you," she stammered softly, offering a faint smile.
Looking at the three sisters, they had different hair colors and textures. However, one thing they shared was their bright blue eyes, which came from their father's genes. Indicating they were indeed blood-related.
Richard's eyes flickered between them, although he said nothing, his gaze seemed to take in every detail.
Eleanor clasped her hands before her, bowing her head slightly. "It's good to see your daughters are well, Richard."
"They are," Richard replied shortly. "They've been raised under the care of the household. Their brother is away, studying in the capital."
Eleanor's lips twitched. She knew how Richard indirectly indicated that she was raising Ella away from nobility.
"He won't be returning for some time," Richard continued, already turning toward the grand doors.
Eleanor smiled forcefully, grabbing Ella's hand for comfort. "Ah, I see. It's good to see them thriving," she said softly.
Richard stopped mid-stride, his back to them. A faint flicker of irritation crossed his face before he turned sharply, his boots clicking against the marbled floor.
"They are thriving because they were raised properly," Richard replied. His words were smooth, but carried a sharp meaning, enough to cut.
Eleanor stiffened, her fingers tightening around Ella's hand. "Richard—"
Richard raised a hand, silencing Eleanor.
"Enough pleasantries. We have more pressing matters," Richard's gaze darted to Rowan, the butler, who gave a curt nod and gestured toward the servants to begin moving.
Eleanor frowned, not liking how Richard treated her as if she were nothing in his sight. She knew he was still bitter when she left the manor, but it was all for Ella's safety.
One of the heavy doors in the manor opened wider, revealing the garden beyond.
The scent of fresh roses and lilies wafted through the air as the garden came into view, lanterns hanging from the pergolas, white ribbons tied to the iron railings, and a small crowd of household staff bustling about, arranging the seats and flower petals.
At the far end of the stone path stood a priest, solemn and still, holding a small book in his hands.
Eleanor froze. "Richard… what is this?"
Richard's eyes didn't waver. "Preparations," he said simply. "For our wedding."
Eleanor stared at him, unable to process the words. "Our—what?"
"Wedding," Richard repeated coldly. "You will become my wife, Eleanor. Immediately. I have no patience for delays."
Ella's eyes widened as she could sense the tension between them. "Mama?" She whispered, frightened.
However, Eleanor barely heard what Ella had stated. Her attention was on Richard, who showed her no romantic emotions. "Richard, you can't be serious. You didn't even—"
"I am always serious," Richard interrupted, his tone sharp and void of warmth. "My late wife passed six months ago. The household requires order, and my children—" he cast a brief glance at Cindy and Anna "— require a mother's presence. It is only fitting that you take her place…. And I thought you always wanted this."
Eleanor's lips parted, disbelief and fury mingling in her eyes. "You… need a replacement?"