Chapter 4 Do You Even Have a Conscience

From the second floor, Rosalie listened in silence, her lips curling into a bitter smile. A younger sister? After seven years of being Lucian's wife, she was nothing more than a sister in his eyes. She had already made the decision to let go, yet her heart still clenched with pain. Downstairs, the living room was steeped in a suffocating silence. Abigail stared at Lucian in disbelief before shifting her gaze to Camelia, standing beside him. Camelia bit her lip, torn between guilt and helplessness. Abigail's chest rose and fell sharply as she pointed a finger at Lucian. "Lucian! When did this begin between you two? What exactly do you think my daughter is to you? "Do you honestly believe you can marry on a whim and then call it off just as quickly? How dare you try to marry Camelia now!" Abigail jabbed a finger toward Camelia, her entire body trembling with fury. "Camelia! In the six months since you came back, has our family ever wronged you? Is this really how you repay us? "Do you have no shame? Rosalie treated you as her own sister and introduced you to numerous opportunities and friends. How could you turn on her? "Where's your decency? Did all those years of education teach you nothing about basic morality?" Rosalie frowned. She had never seen Abigail so shaken and unrestrained. In Rosalie's eyes, Abigail had always been the epitome of grace and sophistication. She was unfailingly polite and considerate in all her interactions. She was never one to argue, let alone speak so harshly. It was clear that Abigail's fury was fueled by heartbreak. Rosalie whispered to Bernice behind her, "Take me downstairs." In the living room, Camelia's eyes welled with tears. Struggling to hold back her sobs, she looked at Abigail. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Ashford… I never wanted to ruin Rosalie's marriage. But feelings… They're something I can't control." Without hesitation, Lucian stepped protectively in front of her. "This isn't Camelia's fault, Mrs. Ashford. I was the one who fell first. None of this is her doing." Abigail let out a harsh, incredulous laugh. She turned toward William, who had been silent the entire time. "William, say something! You're the head of this household. How do you plan to handle this?" William gave an awkward yet polite smile. His face betrayed no hint of anger. Clearing his throat, he replied calmly, "Abigail, there's no need to lose your temper. Let's handle this with reason." With that, he glanced at Lucian, a flicker of admiration gleaming in his eyes. "Lucian, this situation… came as a surprise. But when it comes to the heart, nothing is ever straightforward. "Each generation tells its own story. You can't force a square peg into a round hole. It doesn't matter that you and Rosalie weren't meant to be. Now that you and Camelia are aligned, maybe that's simply how fate chooses to unfold. Haha." Abigail could barely believe what she was hearing. She glared at William, her eyes blazing with both disappointment and anger. "William! Do you even hear yourself? "Rosalie just lost the love of her life! As her father, why are you going on about fate instead of defending her? Do you even have a conscience?" Abigail's reprimand broke William's composure. "Abigail! Watch what you say! What kind of example are you setting?" Putting on a calm front, he continued, "These are matters for the young ones. Let them sort it out. What business do we have getting involved? "Is tearing apart two lovers and leaving a trail of disgrace really what you want? Is that what will satisfy you?" Turning to Lucian and Camelia, his tone softened considerably. "Don't let this pressure you too much. When it comes to love, mutual affection is what matters. I understand both of you." Abigail pointed at William. She struggled to find the words, her rage bubbling to the surface. Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Rosalie emerged in her wheelchair, Bernice pushing her forward.