Chapter 13
Greg and Evan moved closer, guilt and emotion written all over their faces. Aiden stood quietly by Eliza’s side, his heart heavy with words he couldn’t quite find a way to say. He realized it was their fault she had endured so much, and he dreaded that being near her again might only bring her more pain.
Eliza furrowed her brows, puzzled by the sudden shift in their demeanor. With a frosty expression, she pushed them away, “You’ve got the wrong person. Take a good look. I’m Eliza, not your precious Margot.”
Hearing this felt like a punch to their hearts. Evan couldn’t keep it in any longer. He grabbed her hand and laid everything bare. He told her they’d finally uncovered Margot’s true nature over the years. They now understood the hardships Eliza had faced and realized that the one they should have cherished was Eliza, who had always cared for them.
Evan’s voice was thick with regret, his eyes reddened, but Eliza remained unfazed. She stared at them with indifference, and merely gave a chilly smile, “So, you’ve figured out Margot’s true colors and now you want me back? Isn’t it a bit too late for that?”
Thea burst into tears, stepping forward to reach for Eliza’s hand. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. You’re my daughter, and I need you.”
Eliza sidestepped Thea’s reach, shaking her head. “Things have changed. I have a new life here and new people I call family.”
Greg’s eyes widened in shock. “New family? Sweetheart, what do you mean?”
Eliza’s face remained calm as she explained, “A few days ago, I saved a couple and a man on the island’s shore. They’re a family, and in return, they asked me to be their goddaughter and sister. They’ve treated me like their own. They gave me the love and warmth I’ve never known.”
Aiden’s heart clenched. “Sweetheart, you don’t even know who they are. How can you trust them so easily? Please, come back with me. Our wedding is soon. I’m sorry for mistaking you for someone else. Can you forgive me?”
Eliza looked at Aiden, her gaze cool. “Aiden, do you really think an apology can fix everything? I used to crave your love, but all you gave me was hurt. Now, I don’t need it. The wedding is off, and I’m done with you.”
Thea rushed forward, tears flowing. “Sweetheart, I know I was wrong. I’ll make it up to you. Please, come home with us?”
Eliza gently shook her head. “You should leave. I’m happy here, and my new family has shown me real love.”
Greg frowned, regret etched on his face. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I was blinded by Margot and ignored you. Please, give me another chance.”
Eliza looked at Greg, her feelings a tangled mess. Once, she had longed to hear such words from her father, but now, it seemed too late. “Some wounds can’t be healed. I just want a quiet life now.”
Evan stepped forward too, “Eliza, I know I was wrong before. I shouldn’t have taken Margot’s side. Come back with us, and I’ll treat you right.”
Eliza shook her head again. “Let the past be. I’ve started fresh and don’t want to go back.”
Aiden was desperate not to lose Eliza, “I know I messed up. But I love you. That hasn’t changed. I’ll spend my life making it up to you if you just give me a chance.”
Eliza let out a bitter laugh. “Aiden, your love is too cheap. Your so–called love was just a facade for Margot. I’ve seen through it all now.”
The Newell family listened to Eliza’s words, shame evident in their lowered gazes. They knew earning her forgiveness would be no small feat.
