Chapter 5 Even if I Turn to Ash, What Does It Matter to You

"Mom." Abigail's eyes filled with tears as she glanced at Rosalie. Rosalie's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Mom, there's no need to get upset. People like them aren't worth compromising your health over. It's a poor trade." As Rosalie sat there in her wheelchair, Lucian suddenly remembered something. His voice grew tight with concern. "Is your leg okay?" Rosalie looked at him, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Even if I turned to ash, what would it matter to you, Mr. Fenwick?" Rosalie had always known his heart was with Camelia. He'd even forgotten how she had hurt her foot in the first place. Lucian's brow furrowed. "I'm sorry, I know this hurts you. But my feelings for Camelia are real. I hope you'll find a way to understand and forgive my decision." Whether it was the choice made last night by the fire or the one he was making now, the outcome remained unchanged. Rosalie's heart broke all over again. However, the pain had reached a point where it no longer hurt. It had simply numbed her. She let out a bitter laugh. "A man who can back out of a wedding at the last minute is no decent man. Lucian, let's be clear. Even if you dropped to your knees and begged me to marry you now, I wouldn't even care." Lucian's frown deepened, his sharp gaze settling on Rosalie. Her reaction caught him completely off guard. He had expected her to cry, shout, demand answers, or even lash out in anger. That was how 20-year-old Rosalie should've been—proud, fiery, and unrestrained. He had even rehearsed how he would respond. But rather than lose her temper, she kept her composure. She was unsettlingly calm, like someone watching from a distance. Her silence stirred a gnawing unease in Lucian's chest. Could she have been granted a second chance at life as well? Lucian's dark eyes narrowed sharply. As he turned to Rosalie, a shadow of turmoil crossed his face. Noticing the charged tension between them, Camelia quickly stepped forward, subtly blocking his view. Her face was clouded with guilt. "I'm sorry, Rosalie. I never meant to hurt you. But last night, Mr. Fenwick stayed by my side. Even in his sleep, he kept calling my name. I didn't have the heart to turn him away… "You'll forgive me, right? Can't we just go back to how things were?" Rosalie rolled her eyes, not bothering to say a word. Camelia stiffened, an awkward flush crossing her face. She bit her lip, appearing even more vulnerable and wronged. William's gaze hardened as he observed Rosalie's cold attitude toward Camelia. "Rosalie! Our guests have waited patiently all this time. Why have you only just come downstairs? Where are your manners?" he asked sharply. Abigail's simmering fury reignited. "Rosalie inhaled all that smoke! Her ankle is sprained! You're her father, for heaven's sake. Since the moment she returned, have you ever once asked how she's feeling? "It's one thing if you don't care about her, but what right do you have to stand there and scold her for being ill-mannered?" "Ms. Flay!" she called out. Bernice quickly approached. "Yes, Mrs. Ashford?" Abigail's gaze hardened as it bore into Camelia. "Since Ms. Becker never meant to settle here and has moved on so soon, we have no choice but to take action. Our humble abode is no place for someone like her. "Clear everything from her room immediately! Not a single item is to remain!" For the past six months, Abigail had treated Camelia with nothing but kindness. She showered her with Celeste outfits, Vandre bags, Lumiere perfumes, and the latest jewelry. Whenever Abigail thought something would suit Camelia, she sent it to her without hesitation. She had even hoped that after Rosalie and Lucian's marriage, she could help Camelia find a good match of her own. Looking back now, it all seemed like a cruel joke. Bernice responded promptly and made her way upstairs to Camelia's room. William stepped forward, trying to quell the rising tension. "Abigail! Haven't you made enough of a scene? Once a gift is given, how can you just throw it away like that?" But Abigail didn't look at him. Her eyes remained fixed on Bernice, her voice steady and unwavering. "Ms. Flay, gather the other maids. Let's see who dares to defy me today."