The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 24

Chapter 24 Loyalty Is A

Choice

Corrine shook her head faintly. "It's my fault."

Deep down, she knew that Nate's appearance wasn't the sole reason for her illness. Even without him, her body would have given out eventually.

After all, how many could endure a storm battering both body and soul without faltering?

She'd always believed the scars of her childhood had hardened her heart into an unyielding fortress. Yet, betrayal from the one she loved most had pierced that armor, leaving her to crumble under the weight of

heartache.

Evelyn watched Corrine's desolate expression, her eyes soft with understanding. Taking Corrine's hand in hers, she spoke slowly, her voice steady yet comforting. "People always reach for more than they have. Once they get it, they want something else, never truly satisfied. Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty that's a choice, a deliberate act." Her words lingered in the air. "What belongs to you will find its way back, even if you let it go. And what doesn't? It's better to release it sooner. The power to choose has always been yours."

Corrine's eyelashes fluttered as she absorbed Evelyn's insight. "Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty- that's a choice, a deliberate act." These words lingered in her mind.

Marriage, Corrine realized, was never meant to be a prison or an unyielding chain.

to part ways along the

her fingers gently brushing against Corrine's hollow cheek. "Good girl, remember, we live for ourselves-not for anyone else. Letting love trap you would

looked at her, startled by the clarity in Evelyn's words. Then, a warm smile broke across her

"Thank you for that."

heartily. "You came to keep me company, so

drifted on, and soon Evelyn

softened, guilt tinging her voice. "I've gone on too long, haven't I? You've just come

her leave, but Evelyn's hand shot

you sit down and talk with me," Evelyn said, her tone almost pleading. "Now that you're here, why not stay for dinner? Keep this

"I-"

know, I know. I'm just an old woman who must seem like a nuisance

Danced at

Corrine with a

forlorn expression before to

before lowering her gaze, her sigh heavy

years. I'm

you want to

guilt pricking her like needles. Her thoughts wandered to her grandfather, who used to voice the same laments about being left alone. She hadn't been there for him all these years. Had he also