Bella's POV
The Duke of Fairhaven—Richard Fairfax—strode through the doorway just then.
His piercing stare swept across the room, pausing on me before he turned toward Ursula with a respectful bow. "Mother."
Ursula waved him up quickly. "No need for that, get up."
Once he straightened, Jasper and Ivy greeted him warmly. "Father."
I remained composed and detached. "Duke of Fairhaven."
Those two words turned the air to ice.
Richard's brow furrowed, as though he couldn't believe what he'd heard. "What did you just call me?"
Anger flickered across his features.
I kept my eyes lowered and spoke quietly. "Duke of Fairhaven."
The crack of his palm against my cheek rang through the hall as my head whipped to one side.
"You ungrateful wretch. Years at that camp, and you still haven't learned an ounce of respect?" he bellowed.
His voice rose higher. "Calling me 'Duke of Fairhaven'—what, you want to sever ties with this family? If you still can't remember your place, then march back to that military camp and rot there! We don't want a disgrace like you under this roof!"
Genevieve darted forward, wrapping her arms around me protectively. "Stop! If you need to hit someone, hit me instead!"
Ursula struggled to her feet, shaking with rage, and raised her cane toward Richard.
Tears poured down her cheeks as she cried out, "Do you know what she's endured these past years? And you strike her right in front of me? You might as well strike me!"
She'd only just begun healing my wounded spirit. With one slap, he'd ripped it open again. He was supposed to be my father. My blood.
Ursula swung her cane to defend me—but it never connected. Servants rushed in immediately and restrained her. She couldn't even graze his clothing.
I stood to the side in silence, watching the madness unfold with a blank expression.
'So this is the family that swore never to harm me again. What a joke,' I thought.
Genevieve spun around frantically to check my face—but before she could, a sharp cry cut through the air. Ivy.
Everyone turned. A thin stream of blood trickled down her temple.
The room went dead quiet.
Richard's face contorted in panic as he shouted, "Get the physician! Now!"
Jasper's eyes reddened, his features twisted in anguish.
He looked as if he'd rather bear the wound himself. "Why did you throw yourself in like that? What if it leaves a scar? She can take it—she's accustomed to it. But you? You're fragile. You shouldn't suffer like this..."
Ivy's voice came out soft and shaky, tears clinging to her lashes. "I was just afraid Father might get injured... I didn't think. I just reacted."
Hearing Ivy speak made Richard's heart clench even tighter.
Everyone clustered around Ivy, fussing over her condition.
Meanwhile, I stood quietly aside, my cheek visibly swollen—completely ignored.
I said nothing. Cold amusement flickered through my eyes.
When Richard struck me, Genevieve barely reacted.
But the second Ivy got accidentally hurt, that same "mother" had panicked as if the world was ending.
Anyone watching would assume Ivy was her true daughter.
Richard, still consumed with worry, didn't forget to shoot me a withering look.
"If it weren't for you, none of this chaos would've happened. Honestly, we should never have brought you back years ago. Should've left you there."
Jasper gave me a disapproving glance too—but when he spotted the bruise on my face, he hesitated and swallowed whatever he'd planned to say.
"Enough. That's enough. All of you, get out," Ursula said, pressing her fingers to her temples.
"Yes," they replied, filing out.
Ursula gently took my hand and personally applied medicine to my swollen cheek.
"Bella, don't resent your father. He has a quick temper. But from now on, I won't allow anyone to hurt you again."
Looking into Ursula's loving, aged eyes, I couldn't voice the bitter words that sat on my tongue.
"Of course not," I answered, managing a quiet smile.
Ursula sighed. She seemed to want to say more, but exhaustion overtook her. She waved me away to rest. "We'll continue this later."
After helping Ursula settle down, I finally returned to my courtyard.
I'd barely taken a seat when a familiar voice called from outside. "Bella, are you sleeping?"
Annoyance crossed my face. I motioned for Phoebe to open the door.
Genevieve entered. Her eyes immediately found my swollen cheek. She approached, her tone gentle. "Does it still ache?"
I stared at her silently, as if posing an unspoken question.
Genevieve quickly realized how ridiculous her concern sounded. She rushed to continue, "Bella, I brought you some healing salve from Serenity Pharmacy. This particular one was crafted by a renowned physician—it's the finest available. The healer vanished years ago. His remedies are nearly impossible to obtain. Use it sparingly—it'll clear your bruises quickly."
She reached out, tucking a stray lock of my hair behind my ear. "Bella, I've failed you. I didn't shield you when it mattered. If you're furious, blame me. Just... don't direct it at others. From this point forward, I'll treat you properly. I swear it."
She pressed the medicine jar into my palm.
I opened it—and immediately saw it was half empty.
I knew this remedy well. I was the one who created it. I knew exactly how much belonged in a complete jar.
Naturally. It had already been used. Handed down to me only after someone else had no further need for it.
Genevieve noticed my silence and felt a pang of disappointment.
Genevieve's disappointment was palpable. I could almost see her thinking about how I used to be—how I'd beam at every gift and call her "Mother" with genuine sweetness. To her, I was now a distant, cold stranger.
'Ivy would never behave like this,' she thought. 'That girl is so considerate, so tender.'
"Well, I'll leave you to rest. I'll visit again tomorrow," Genevieve said.
I stood. "Take care, Lady Genevieve."
I made no effort to escort her out. Genevieve concealed her disappointment, turned, and departed with slow, heavy steps.
I watched her leave, a slight furrow forming between my brows.
'If not for Ursula's condition... I wouldn't spend another day in this house,' I thought.