Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Michael looked awkward. He didn’t think Elspeth would want to see Helena this soon. “I told you, your mother is in a bad state. If you see her right now, you might worsen her condition.”

It was a bad excuse, but Elspeth didn’t care. She said directly, “I’m a doctor as well. I can treat her. I promise I won’t worsen her condition. I know my way around medicine.”

Michael looked very upset. He had almost forgotten Elspeth was a doctor. “But every doctor’s treatment is different—”

Elspeth interjected, “You think I would harm my own mother?” Michael shut up.

“I’m going to be married in ten days, aren’t I? I have one condition. I must have the freedom to see my mother for the period before the wedding, or I will not marry no matter what.”

Elspeth’s determination backed Michael into a corner.

He asked tentatively, “Are you sure you want to marry?”

Elspeth came up with a little plan, and she put on an innocent smile. “Of course. Why won’t I marry someone better? Besides, Callum lost his memories, and he doesn’t love me anymore. Staying with him is only a waste of time. I should marry someone better.”

If she says so. Michael didn’t believe her fully, but he said, “Sure. You can see your mother, but you can’t take her away. You must stay in that yard.”

Elspeth’s eyes shone. “Of course. Take me to her.”

Michael asked his butler to take Elspeth to the secluded yard on the west side of the residence while he returned to the company.

her mother. I’d like to see how beautiful she is. I also need to check on her condition. She

the master said we must

then all bets are off.” She was threatening the butler, but Elspeth wouldn’t budge.

the butler sighed. “Fine. I shall ask the master now.” He and

entered the courtyard. The first thing she saw were those white Spanish daggers. She stepped forth and noticed that the path was no longer covered in dead leaves and branches. Instead, it was thoroughly swept. Just when she was about to

“What are you doing?”

guard down around this girl because Elspeth gave her the necklace. She thought

to ask what

gaze darted around.

necklaces to that person as I asked you

expect Elspeth to show up again. She panicked, but

her a sharp look. She forgot? “Take me to her, and give me my necklaces

“I thought you were going to get married. Why

a minute… “You… didn’t give them to her on purpose, did

shook her head violently. “No. I did

know

found. She didn’t mind,

before he died and a gift from her mother. Losing them hit