Chapter 32

Eleanor often wondered why. Why did her family treat her this way? The question haunted her ever since she was reunited with them as a teenager.

Back then, she had tried everything to win their affection, mimicking every sweet gesture Isabella used to charm their parents. But what did it get her? Nothing but cold indifference.

The truth hit her one day when she made a cup of coffee for Margaret. Her mother thanked her, only to pour it into a flowerpot the moment Eleanor turned her back.

That night, she overheard a conversation between her parents. Margaret was considering taking Eleanor for an HIV test. At the time, Eleanor was too young to understand what that meant. It wasn’t until years later that she realized it was a test for AIDS.

All because her adoptive father had almost assaulted her. To her parents, that incident was an indelible stain on her name. Even though nothing had actually happened, in their eyes, she was no longer pure. She had lost the right to be their daughter.

At the thought, Eleanor clenched her eyes shut. When she opened them again, her gaze was calm, almost detached. "It doesn’t matter anymore," she said quietly. "I don’t need your approval."

"What are you saying?" Margaret’s voice trembled, a mix of anger and disbelief.

Eleanor smiled faintly. "I thought you regretted bringing me back. Well, you won’t have to feel that way anymore. I’ll leave. From now on, Isabella can be your only daughter—the one you love and are proud of."

"Eleanor, do you even hear yourself?" Margaret’s voice shook, but Eleanor didn’t care.

"Of course, I do," Eleanor replied, her tone steady. "To be honest, I regret it too. Maybe I should’ve just stayed in that village. At least then, I could’ve kept the illusion that my parents loved me."

Margaret fell silent, but her trembling hands betrayed her emotions.

Eleanor turned her gaze to Edward. "I’ve said what I needed to say. Take care. Goodbye."

She turned to leave, her steps firm and resolute.

"Wait!" Edward finally spoke, stepping in front of her. "You’re being ridiculous. You’re a Harrison. You share our blood. Do you really think you can just walk away like this?"

"What do you want me to do?" Eleanor asked, her voice cold. "Sell my soul to you? My body?"

Edward was speechless, his mouth opening and closing without a sound.

"That’s what I thought," Eleanor said, turning away again. This time, her steps didn’t falter.

Behind her, Margaret’s voice rose in protest, but Eleanor didn’t look back. She walked out of the Harrison mansion and headed straight to Nivis Villa.

Once inside, she began packing her things. This place had been her home for the past two years, ever since she married Nathaniel. She had attended countless business parties as his plus-one, and Victoria had gifted her countless expensive gowns and jewelry. But Eleanor left it all behind.

She only took what she had brought with her. In the end, everything fit into a single suitcase and a backpack.

Grace, the housekeeper, watched in shock. "Mrs. Carter, what’s going on?"

Eleanor didn’t answer. She simply grabbed her belongings and walked out the door.