Dylan de Beaumon, the adopted daughter of a Duke, recalls the memories of her past-life after hitting her head. Upon realizing she was a villainess character in a novel, she decides to use her intellectual giftedness to get a good career and run awa...
The woman's strawberry blonde hair shimmered in the afternoon light. She opened her parasol, frowning as she noticed that the sun was too bright and warm for a funeral.
"Lynette?" a soft voice called out to her.
"You are mistaken," the woman said. Slowly she turned toward the voice. "Lynette"—she choked on the mention of her daughter's name but carried on—"is dead. Do not speak so carelessly."
"Ah, my apologies, my lady." The girl stilled, her brown eyes growing sad. They were shining like honey under the scorching sun. Though they were softened by a very sad expression, they looked just like Lynette's.
"What is your name?" the woman asked, shaking her head as she swayed on her feet. "It's just that you look so much like my daughter. I can't seem to grasp it."
The girl didn't respond. Instead, she clasped both hands behind her back and chewed her bottom lip. The woman watched as a wary expression crossed over the girl's features, almost as if she feared what was coming next.
"I am not Lynette," she said, her voice filled with softness. "But if I was, I would say that not a day goes by that I am not with you here on earth. You can find me in the things I loved, and in the memories we shared. I'll always be with you."
The woman hated crying, especially in front of others, but she couldn't hold the silent tears back any longer. She had not been given the chance to say goodbye to her beloved daughter. But now life has given her a gift, something beautiful to cherish and hold.
"Who... who are you?" the woman asked in a trembling voice. "What makes you say such things?"
"I'm really sorry," the girl said sincerely. "I feel like I have so much to say to you, but I have no idea how to say it."
'I'm sorry. I'm sorry my mother stole your husband. I'm sorry I stole your daughter's life. I'm sorry.'
"You deserve happiness," the girl whispered. With a black-gloved hand she tucked an end of gold hair out of sight under her hat. "And a life full of love. I hope your heart heals."
And then she was gone.
***
"Are you leaving already?" Lucas asked, his voice thick with pain. He lifted a strand of her hair spilling out from underneath her hat. "I only just found you. I didn't recognize you at all."
Her hair was coiled beneath the hat, which she pinned securely in place. She had to hide it. It would've been troublesome if anyone recognized her.
"I can't be here, Lucas," she said softly. "She hated me, so why would you keep me here?"
"She didn't hate you," he whispered. He twirled the curl around his finger. "She hated that you reminded her of him."
"And I expect your family would feel the same."
"But she's still your family," he said. A tear slipped down his cheek, then another, but he did not try to stop them. "You're sure you won't stay for the funeral? I wish you'd at least stay long enough for my mother to meet you."
"Maybe one day I'll be able to look her in the eyes properly," she said. Dylan glanced at the woman with a parasol standing off in the distance. "But that day is not today, Lucas."
"I understand."
"I'm sorry, brother." Dylan reached out and wiped away his tears. She noticed her gloved hand trembling slightly. "I'm so very sorry."
"It's not your fault," he said. "Don't apologize."
'But it is.'
The guilt ate away at her. It burned in her chest. It clawed away at her heart. She didn't deserve to wipe away his tears—not when she was part of the reason why he was crying.
'I promise you that I will make things right.'
"I must go," she said, turning away from his eyes. She was afraid that he would be able to see the guilt weighing down on her. "When grandpapa feels better I'll return to school. Until then, please stay safe."
"Please, be careful—and come back soon."
She realized then that the moment will eventually come when she must say goodbye forever. Dylan settled back in her carriage seat, a frown marring her brow. She has to be able to walk away when the time comes. She would have to leave Lucas behind.
'Why does my chest feel so stuffy?'
"Cadence," she said. Dylan leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I hope you haven't been waiting long. I had something to do, but we can go back now."
I would wait forever for you, he thought. Waiting for half an hour in a carriage is nothing.
As the carriage rattled away, she cast one last look at the woman with the parasol beyond the window. She couldn't help but wonder if that's what Lynette would've looked like if her life hadn't been taken from her.
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Author's Note:
Your encouraging messages literally helped get me out of a bad slump. You guys give me so much support and inspiration. Although I don't reply to every message, I can assure you that I read them all and they all hold special places in my heart <3
Thank you for sticking with me. Let's have a great season two :) ILY ALL!
I just made an Instagram account. Should I share it with you guys? I want to connect more with my readers and talk to you all more.
