Capítulo 13: 13. White Lotus

Duke Ashford gazed upon the girl before him, his face displaying empathy. She was of the same age as Eleanor, and naturally, he could empathize with her.

Her father was an alcoholic who often abused her and her mother, eventually leading to her mother's death. It was fortunate she managed to escape from her father.

He sympathized with her for making the journey to the capital seeking his help.

"It must have been hard for you, losing your mother at such a young age. I understand the feeling because my own daughter lost her mother when she was just a baby."

Eleanor's mother died two days after giving birth to her due to excessive blood loss.

That's why Ethan, Duke Ashford's son, wasn't particularly close to Eleanor. He blamed Eleanor for his mother's death.

"Yes, My Lord. It was difficult for me, but... everything has passed. Now, I am trying to start anew. I have expertise in herbalism, and I could work here as a healer or botanist."

"I would lose face in the hereafter later when facing my Trainer and his wife if I were to employ their granddaughter in her current condition." Duke Ashford paused for a moment, tapping his fingers on the table as he contemplated.

His gaze turned to the girl before him, and he asked, "Would you like me to sponsor you? You can learn more about herbalism here. I also have a healer who can teach you. Once you have enough knowledge, you can carve your own path."

"Is that not inconvenient for you, My Lord? If so, I–"

Creak.

The door to Duke Ashford's office suddenly swung open wide, and a girl casually walked in.

"Oh, Father has a guest? Forgive my impoliteness, I wasn't aware of it."

The girl sitting in front of Duke Ashford looked up and glanced at Eleanor. When their eyes met, she immediately lowered her gaze, appearing uneasy.

A woman with pink hair and green eyes, and an incredibly beautiful face, Ellie couldn't help but feel uneasy. It was as if hands were creeping into her heart.

As expected, Duke Ashford spoke, "It's alright, Ellie. Please, sit. Let me introduce you, this is Ava Sinclaire, the granddaughter of someone I consider a dear friend, and her mother was also a friend of mine."

"Ah... I see."

Ever since Sera informed her about a girl meeting with her father, Ellie had felt uneasy. Therefore, she wanted to know who this girl was and intruded despite knowing it was impolite.

For some reason, fate was cruel to her.

No matter how much she tried to avoid the characters who played significant roles in the novel, they always forced their way into her life.

Every time she took a step forward, destiny pulled her back.

There were already two people who forcefully entered Ellie's life.

First, it was Cassius, and now Ava.

'You must be kidding!' she thought, her expression sour.

"Good afternoon, My Lady. My name is Ava Sinclaire." Ava stood up and curtsied to Eleanor.

"Eleanor Ashford," Ellie replied coldly.

The three individuals in the room were surprised.

Ellie was surprised because she didn't intend to respond so coldly, but for some reason, she felt extremely uncomfortable being in the same room with her.

Duke Ashford was surprised because it was unlike Eleanor to act cold toward strangers. Normally, she would be indifferent when facing someone new.

And Ava was surprised by Eleanor's cold response. She wondered if Eleanor knew that she was the woman brought by Crown Prince Lucas to live in the mansion.

'No, no one knows my identity, name, or face. They only know that Luke brought a woman. That's all. But why is this girl acting coldly towards me?' Ava pondered while maintaining her smile.

"If I'm interrupting, I'll leave, Father. I apologize," Ellie said, attempting to control her tone.

"Oh, you're not disturbing. You came at the right moment, my dear. Besides, I will inform you later."

"What is it, Father?"

"Miss Ava is skilled in the field of herbalism. So, I decided to sponsor her, and she can learn much more about herbs to obtain a certification."

"What!?" Eleanor's voice unintentionally rose.

Seeing Eleanor's reaction, the smile on Ava's face began to fade. She stood, with teary eyes.

"My Lord, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, I just hoped to get a job here. I will take my leave, My Lord."

"No, no, Miss Ava, you're not bothering at all. Can I speak with my daughter? Please wait in the Parlor, Miss Ava."

Ava glanced at Duke Ashford, then at Eleanor. She nodded and left.

When Ava left the room, Duke Ashford turned to face Eleanor.

"What's the matter with you, Ellie? You're not behaving like yourself, being rude to a stranger, especially someone in need."

Then, Duke Ashford began to tell Eleanor about Ava's background, hoping that his daughter would understand. After Duke Ashford finished telling the story, Eleanor fell silent.

"Father, I know. Forgive my unreasonable behavior. I'm just feeling a bit off. I didn't mean to be like that."

Deep down in her heart, Ellie sympathized with Ava after hearing her story. However, there was a sense of inexplicable hatred gnawing at her heart, for unknown reasons.

The feelings she experienced were irrational considering Ellie didn't love Lucas. It would be foolish for her to care if Lucas wanted to be with another woman or even a monkey.

What she felt wasn't jealousy, but a fierce and intense hatred. If she were influenced by Eleanor's true feelings towards Ava, then she should also love Lucas just like Eleanor.

But she didn't.

'Maybe I'm just too tired lately,' Ellie thought, feeling confused.

"It's okay, Ellie, but I hope you treat Ava well. She's a girl who's had a tough life. It would hurt me if what she's been through happens to you."

"Yes, Father. So, when will she start moving here?"

"We haven't discussed that yet. I'm worried about a young girl like her roaming around the capital without a place to stay. I also don't know where she's currently residing."

'Hah! Roaming around without a place to stay? Nonsense!' Ellie snorted in her mind

"She didn't tell you where she is staying right now?"

"No."

"Alright, Father. May I go now?"

Her father looked at Eleanor, hoping that she would improve her attitude.

After leaving the room and heading towards her own chamber, in the corridor near her room, Ellie encountered Ava.

'What is she doing wandering around here? Shouldn't she be in the parlor?'

When Ava saw Eleanor, she immediately looked down and trembled.

'Look at this. If someone sees this scene, they will think I am the villain.'

"Miss Ava, what are you doing here?"

"Lady Eleanor, I... I was looking for the bathroom, and... I-I got lost. Please forgive me... sobs."

Ava spoke with a trembling body, trying to hold back her tears.

'Why is this woman crying? I haven't even touched her!'

"Why are you crying?"

"Because I feel like I've disturbed Lady Eleanor... and my presence here is unwanted. Please forgive me, My Lady..."

"The bathroom is not in this corridor. Follow me."

Then Ellie walked past Ava.

Once they arrived in Ellie's room, Ava was confused.

"My Lady?"

"Use the bathroom in my room. It's too far to go to another bathroom from here."

"Alright, My Lady. E-excuse me, then."

While Ava was using the bathroom, Ellie pondered.

'Clearly, there's nothing wrong with her. She's a sweet girl, just as described in the novel. But I still feel uncomfortable around her. Especially when I look into her eyes.'

Ellie contemplated deeply about the feelings she currently had towards Ava.

Ellie pulled the bell next to her bed, and Sera and Lyra entered.

"You called for us, My Lady?"

"Bring tea and pastries for my guest."

They nodded and started to leave.

As Ava came out of the bathroom, she thanked Eleanor and was about to leave.

But Eleanor stopped her and asked, "Would you like to have tea with me for a moment?"

"Sure, My Lady." Ava then sat in front of Eleanor.

"So... how long have you been in the capital?"

"N-not long, My Lady."

'Her answer is ambiguous.' Ellie raised an eyebrow.

"Where have you been staying all this time?"

When Eleanor asked, Ava felt that this was not just a conversation but more like an interrogation. She had to be careful with her answer.

"I've been staying at the house of an acquaintance I met on my journey to the capital, My Lady. By the way, why do you cover your face inside the house? Lady Eleanor's eyes are beautiful; why hide such beauty?" Ava asked innocently, her eyes shining, and a gentle smile on her face.

If Ellie were the original Eleanor, she would have thrown her teacup at that smile. And it seemed unlikely that Ava didn't know the rumors about Eleanor in the capital.

'Always an ambiguous response. I'm not mistaken; she's trying to change the topic, isn't she? There's only one reason for her to do that. She knows I was Lucas' former fiancée. And if she knows that, she must also know the rumors about my face. Is she trying to provoke me?' Ellie smiled and not answering Ava's question.

'It seems our main character isn't really that good. She's more like a white lotus,' Ellie thought, squinting her eyes as she observed Ava's innocent face.

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