On her way home from school, Clarissa felt a dull headache starting to form. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was a call from her mother.

  "Hello, Mom? What’s up?" Clarissa answered, her voice a little distracted.

  Ophelia’s voice was light, but there was an undertone of concern. "I miss you."

  Clarissa smiled, sensing the subtle tension in her mother's words. "Mom, if you need something, just tell me directly."

  There was a brief silence on the other end before Ophelia spoke again, her tone softer. "Clarissa… I know you've liked Dorian for a long time. But his heart isn’t with you. Forced feelings can never be right. I just want you to be okay, honey."

  Clarissa paused for a moment, then responded with calm certainty. "Mom, you don’t need to say more. I understand. Since he doesn’t love me, I won’t chase after someone who doesn’t care for me. There’s nothing left between me and Dorian."

  Ophelia let out a small sigh, a touch of relief mixed with sadness. "I’m so glad you can see it this way. There are many great men in this world, and Dorian isn’t the only one. I’ll make sure you find someone better…"

  Clarissa’s lips curled into a faint smile, though there was no real joy behind it. "Yeah, I know. I’m fine, Mom."

  With that, Ophelia hung up, though her heart was heavy. Just as she set the phone down, she looked up to see Lyra descending the stairs, dressed in a white dress.

  "Mom, who were you talking to?" Lyra asked, walking over and sitting beside her.

  Ophelia gave a small smile. "I was talking to your sister."

  Lyra sat down next to Ophelia, taking her hand gently. "Mom, is she still angry with me?" There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice as she spoke.

  Ophelia gave a tired but understanding sigh. "No. Your sister said that from now on, she and Dorian will have nothing to do with each other."

  Lyra blinked in surprise, her expression flickering with a trace of guilt. She lowered her eyes slightly, a twinge of self-blame crossing her face. "Mom, I know I’ve hurt Clarissa. I shouldn’t have fallen for Dorian, and I should be the one to step aside..."

  Ophelia’s eyes softened as she placed a hand on Lyra’s. "Silly child. Dorian said that the one he loves is you. Love isn’t something that can be explained so easily."

  Clarissa had loved Dorian for years. Every time he visited, it made her heart lighter. This was a blow to her—no doubt. But Lyra was her daughter, too, and Ophelia felt torn.

  Ophelia looked at Lyra with a gentle but serious expression. "Lyra, if you marry Dorian, the Harrington family will make sure you’re well taken care of. We’ve decided to give two-thirds of the Lancaster family fortune to Clarissa, and the rest will be your dowry. What do you think?"

  Lyra smiled softly, her expression genuine. "Of course, Mom. I didn’t meet you for your money. If it’s okay with my sister, I don’t mind if all of it goes to her."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Ophelia patted Lyra’s hand in relief. "I’m glad you’re thinking like this. You and Clarissa are both so sensible. I’m proud of you."

  Lyra’s voice took on a more serious tone. "Mom, can you invite Clarissa to my engagement party with Dorian?"

  Ophelia hesitated, looking at her daughter with a mix of confusion and concern. "Are you sure, Lyra? After everything that’s happened, I’m not sure how your sister will take it."

  Lyra took a deep breath, her face firm. "Mom, this situation is my fault. I stole her fiancé. I can’t marry Dorian without her blessing. I want to apologize to her personally. Only then can I feel at peace with myself."

  Ophelia’s eyes widened. "Lyra, you… you don’t have to go that far."

  Lyra shook her head, her expression resolute. "I’ve made up my mind. Please, let me do this. I owe her that much."

  Ophelia looked at her daughter in silence for a moment, before sighing softly. "It’s rare that you’re so thoughtful. But your sister’s temper… I’m afraid when the time comes…"

  Lyra smiled gently, though her eyes held a touch of sadness. "It doesn’t matter. I’ll be patient. No matter how she treats me, I’ll accept it. I owe her."

  That night, Clarissa had just finished taking a shower when her phone rang. It was her mother. She glanced at the screen, wondering what had prompted the call this late. "Hello?" Clarissa answered, a little curious.

  "Clarissa, are you free? Lyra and Dorian are having their engagement party soon. I’d like you to come." Ophelia’s voice sounded hesitant, almost apologetic.

  Clarissa blinked in confusion. "You want me to attend Lyra’s engagement party?" She wasn’t sure if she had heard that right.

  "Yes. Lyra said she hopes to get your blessing before she goes forward with the marriage. Otherwise, she won’t marry Dorian. She wants to apologize to you in person. The Lancaster family needs both of you, and there’s no reason for lingering animosity. Clarissa, please, for me…"

  Clarissa’s head throbbed a little. Lyra wanted her blessing? She scoffed inwardly. "Mom, I’ll go," she replied, her tone a little sharper than intended. "I’ll accept her apology… But I just hope she won’t regret this when the time comes."

  "How could she? She’ll be happy you agreed to come." Ophelia’s voice was hopeful.

  After hanging up, Clarissa sank into the sofa, feeling a rush of frustration and angry. Why couldn’t they just leave her alone? She had done everything she could to distance herself from Lyra and her people, but it seemed like they were always pulling her back in. First, it was the Lancaster family, then Lyra, and now this engagement party. It was like they had no intention of letting her live in peace.

  As she laid back, rubbing her temples, she heard the door creak open. Clarissa glanced up to see Atticus stepping into the room.

  He paused when he saw her, then replied in a soft voice, "I was out buying something for Aunt Clementine."

  At that moment, Clementine appeared from the kitchen, holding a small bottle. "I ran out of sauce," she explained, giving Atticus a grateful smile. "I asked him to grab some for me."

  Clarissa smiled faintly, the sight of them getting along bringing some comfort to her. It was the first time in a long while that her mood lightened even a little.

  She glanced over at Clementine as she moved around the room, her mind made up about something.

  Later that night, as the stars twinkled outside, Atticus stood by the window, his gaze distant and focused. There was something about the way the night sky seemed to mirror the intensity of his dark eyes—a quiet storm contained within him.

  Just then, Clarissa knocked softly at the door. "Atticus, are you resting?"

  "Not yet," came his calm reply.

  "Then I’m coming in," she said gently as she opened the door.

  Atticus was seated at his desk, his posture straight, focused on something in front of him. Clarissa walked over and sat down opposite him.

  "How have you been settling in?" she asked, her voice casual.

  "Very good." Better than any time before.

  Clarissa smiled. "I’m glad. If you need anything, just let me know. And this weekend, I’ll take you to pick out a phone."

  "A phone?" Atticus raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

  "Yes, it'll be easier for us to stay in touch," Clarissa explained. "I’ll send your pocket money to your phone too."

  She wasn’t worried about him being distracted by it—Atticus was smart enough to keep his priorities straight, and she was sure that he would make good use of it.

  Atticus nodded thoughtfully, "Okay."