Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Callum is too smart. Emma held back her sorrow. Tearfully, she said, “I’ll make you fall for me again!” After saying that, she ran away, keeping her envy hidden deep in her heart.

Callum’s eyes glinted. He didn’t care what Emma told him. All he could think of was Elspeth. What’s Elspeth doing in Blaydal? And that man… They’re alone together. What are they going to do? Upset for some reason, he made a call. “Get me today’s ticket to Blaydal.”

…

It was a dark night, and Elspeth infiltrated the Joneson Residence once more. Gilbert, as promised, came as well. They stood atop the wall and observed the residence’s layout, and what they saw surprised them.

“The traps feel different tonight.”

Elspeth rolled her eyes. “Duh. After what we did last night, they would obviously change their defenses, or they aren’t the Jonesons.”

“But…” It’s quiet. Too quiet. Like they’re waiting for us.

“No buts. I know it’s a trap, and I’m walking into it willingly.” Elspeth must find her mother. She could escape if she was alone, but Gilbert being here worried her. She thought he was an aloof, intelligent man, but she never thought that he had no sense of direction at all. “You should go home and wait for me.”

Upset, Gilbert said, “No. I’m coming.”

you have to stay close to

to that place. Gilbert followed behind her closely. They leaped and jumped and finally got to the courtyard. There were no guards around. Even the girl they saw the night before was gone. Elspeth thought she

and he looked a lot gaunter than he used to be.

sneered, “You’re obsessed,

have stayed away from this mess, and yet here you are, miss,” the

knew it

would come to this place in the dead of the night.” Elspeth was reminded

bodyguards showed up and attempted to catch her. “Do not resist, miss. I do not want them to

to you by blood. She has the freedom to do whatever she wants. She’s not getting locked up like a prisoner. Speaking of which, I don’t remember the

with a hint of annoyance in his eyes. “You lack decorum, Mr. Payne.

still stand proud even if they’re destroyed. Would you kill yourself if the Jonesons were to be ruined right now?

but he wouldn’t let his anger slip. He smirked. “I’ll let that slide. You, take

up?” Furious, Gilbert glared at their captors, a dark

take the miss away, the master wants you to be

eyes went wide. “But I thought Jordan had canceled the marriage. What is the

mysteriously. “The master wants you to go through the ceremony this time, miss. Just in case you were to run away again. However, I can’t tell you who will be marrying you. Don’t worry. The master hand-picked