Chapter 12
Fidelia never could have imagined that Genevieve would embarrass her so blatantly in front of Xavier.”
Fuming inside, she had no choice but to swallow her indignation and force herself to change the subject, mindful of her own position.” “I’m here to see Xavier. What’s it got to do with you, anyway?“}
Genevieve’s reply was ice–cold. “In that case, why don’t you both just get out!”
The open hostility in Genevieve’s voice made the butler, who’d been trailing behind, flinch. He hurriedly stepped forward, gesturing politely but firmly for Fidelia to leave.}]
To Fidelia, that gesture felt like a slap in the face.
She stomped her foot in frustration, then stormed over to Xavier, putting on her most aggrieved expression.
“Xavier, I haven’t done anything to your sister. Why is she always picking on me?“}
Xavier’s face–pale and gaunt–lifted toward her. The light that once danced in his eyes was gone.
“You should go home, Fidelia.“}
The defense she’d expected never came. Fidelia froze, stunned.
She stared up at Genevieve, who stood at the top of the stairs, imperious as a queen, her own face a mask of disbelief.}
“You’re telling me to leave? Xavier, think carefully. If I walk out that door today, I swear–even if you come begging, I’ll never set foot in this house again!“}]
Xavier could barely process her ultimatum. His head felt ready to explode. Running a hand through his hair in anguish, he teetered on the verge of collapse, his voice edged with desperation.}
“Please, just stop. I need a moment to think, okay?”
It was the tremor in his voice that clued Fidelia in–something was wrong.
She was about to press him, but Genevieve had lost all patience.
“We don’t want your kind here. Are you deaf, or just slow?“}
The butler, who’d hoped to stay out of the drarna, realized his employer’s daughter was truly furious. He hurried to summon a couple of maids, intent on removing Fidelia by force.
Fidelia fought back, refusing to go quietly. In the struggle, she knocked over the coffee table.
Glass shattered across the hardwood floor, fragments skittering everywhere.}
A heavy silence crashed over the living room.}]
Genevieve’s anger boiled over. She started down the stairs, ready to confront Fidelia herself–but then stopped short when she spotted movement at the front door.
Her rage faltered. “Mom? Dad? Why are you home?“}
In an instant, every head turned toward the entryway.”
Xavier’s parents, fresh off a red–eye flight from Europe, took in the scene–their son, frail and exhausted; the chaos in their immaculate home. Their initial concern quickly curdled into displeasure.}
“What on earth is going on here?” Xavier’s father demanded.”
The one responsible for all this could only shiver under his stern gaze.
Fidelia hastily wiped the defiance from her face, replacing it with a look of dutiful innocence.}
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley…”
Genevieve scoffed at Fidelia’s quick change of mask and cut her off without mercy.
“My dear brother brought home some woman with no manners, and she’s trying her best to tear the family apart.”
“That’s not true–it’s all a misunderstanding! Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley, if you’ll let me explain-”
But Xavier’s parents weren’t interested in explanations. They glared at Fidelia until she fell silent.
‘So you’re Fidelia?” Xavier’s mother asked, her tone unreadable.”
Fidelia, assuming Xavier had spoken highly of her, rushed to confirm. “Yes, that’s me.“%
At that, Xavier’s father’s face darkened. He didn’t hesitate for a second.%
“Show her out And listen well she is not to cross this threshold again!‘s
Chapter 12
With the order given, the servants wasted no time. They dragged Fidelia away, ignoring her protests.
Xavier, silent all this time, staggered to his feet as Fidelia was forced out.
“Fidelia, wait-”
He got no further. The crack of his father’s palm echoed through the hall.}
Xavier’s father looked at him with crushing disappointment.
“I heard all about what happened yesterday. You risked your life for a woman–Xavier, have you lost your mind? Did you ever stop to think what would happen to your sister if you didn’t make it out? What about your mother? What about the Kingsley family?“}
He paused, voice cold and final.
“Let me make something clear: your mother and I will never allow that woman to marry into our family. Never. If you insist on this, then you’re no son of mine. You can leave the Kingsleys–or you can end it with her.”
