Chapter 3 The Substitute Bride
Cora’s eyes
widened. “The Ellsworth family?”
86
Finished
The Beaumont family might be wealthy, but compared to the Ellsworth family, they were leagues apart. That kind of old–money power was simply untouchable for people like them.
She could hardly believe Aurora’s luck—that she’d just happened to save someone on the street, and it turned out to be the heir of such a wealthy family.
And sure enough, the Ellsworth family called not long after, inviting Aurora to their estate in two days to personally express their gratitude.
Cora nearly trembled with excitement when she received the call.
Aurora’s heart raced with anticipation.
Between the two of them, Isla’s return had been shoved to the very back of their minds, forgotten as though it had never mattered.
Outside the Beaumont villa, a white sedan pulled up.
Logan stepped out and helped unload Isla’s suitcase. “Isla, this is as far as I go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” Isla nodded and took her luggage, her gaze lifting to the villa in the distance.
Years ago,
her father, Julian, had built his fortune in real estate, clawing his way into high society. With each step he rose, the Beaumont family grew more and more established.
She remembered a time when her parents had treated her with genuine warmth. But everything changed the moment Aurora came back.
Everything had become unrecognizable.
Isla never imagined she’d nearly die on her own doorstep–while her so–called family stood watching from afar, eyes cold and indifferent.
That was the day the last trace of familial love in her heart withered away.
All that remained now was hatred.
The moment Isla stepped inside, a sweet, girlish voice carried from the living room. “Mom, what do you think of this dress? I want to wear it when I visit the Ellsworth family.”
“It’s beautiful, darling. Aurora, you look like an angel–everything looks perfect on you.” Cora’s
1/4
8:48 Sun, Sep 21
Chapter 3 The Substitute Bride
tone was syrupy with affection.
86
Finished
Isla’s eyes flicked toward the scene. Aurora stood in front of a mirror, holding a new gown against her figure, her cheeks tinged with bashful color.
On the leather sofa, a poised woman in her forties sat in a silk dress.
Cora was elegant, well–kept, her face almost free of wrinkles.
“Mrs. Beaumont, Miss Isla Beaumont has returned,” the housemaid, Hedy, whispered in surprise.
She noticed the young woman by the door.
“She’s back? What’s the fuss?” Cora snapped coldly, silencing the maid instantly.
Most of the household knew bits and pieces of what had happened years ago.
But still–three years gone, and Cora’s disdain for Isla hadn’t faded one bit.
“Well? Don’t just stand there like an idiot. After three years away, you still haven’t learned any manners?” said Cora.
The warmth that dripped from Cora’s voice with Aurora turned into razor–sharp ice with Isla.
Once, Isla would’ve cried at such words.
But now, her face remained a mask of cold indifference, her beauty striking, untouchable.
Aurora’s lips pressed together when she caught sight of that face. Her fingers clenched tight around the dress.
Why hadn’t that car wreck destroyed Isla’s looks?
“Isla, you’re back. Come, sit with us,” Aurora said sweetly, stepping forward with practiced
grace.
Isla’s lips curved into a humorless smile. Three years, and she’s still wearing that mask. Amazing no one’s seen through her.
“Yes, I’m back.”
She moved closer, leaned in just enough for only Aurora to hear, and whispered, “Thanks for sparing my life that night.”
Aurora’s pupils shrank. Before she could reply, Isla was already heading upstairs with her
suitcase.
2/4
8:48 Sun, Sep 21
86
Chapter 3 The Substitute Bride
Finished
But when she reached her old bedroom, the maid rushed up. “Miss Isla Beaumont, your room is upstairs on the second floor.”
Isla tilted her head, narrowing her
gaze. “What do
you mean?”
The maid’s eyes flashed with disdain.
Chin lifted high, she spoke without the humility of a servant. “After you left, this room was converted into Miss Aurora’s dressing room. You’ll have to stay in a guest room on the second floor.”
Everyone knew the second floor was where the staff lived.
This was no accident; it was an insult, a deliberate slap in the face.
Isla only smiled, playing along. “Alright, lead the way.”
The maid sneered at her supposed lack of dignity and rolled her eyes. “Miss Isla Beaumont, come with me.” With that, she turned and headed downstairs first.
That evening, Julian returned home. When he heard about Aurora’s miraculous encounter, his delight was plain.
The family gathered around the dinner table in celebration before he suddenly remembered— almost as an afterthought–that Isla had come back.
Cora wasted no time, piling on details of Isla’s supposed insolence earlier in the day. Julian’s face darkened instantly, his palm slamming against the table. “Hedy, go call her down here.”
Aurora quickly interjected, voice full of practiced sweetness, “Isla’s finally home. What happened back then–I can explain everything. I really hope she’ll let bygones be bygones.”
The moment Isla came down the stairs, Aurora hurried toward her. But after just a few steps, she stumbled dramatically, nearly falling. The entire family shot up at once, rushing to her side in panic.
“Aurora, are you alright?”
“Did you hurt your foot?”
Her brothers were the first to reach her, steadying her protectively.
The Beaumont family had two sons–Jasper Beaumont, twenty–six, and Owen Beaumont, twenty–four–both now working in the family company.
They’d just come home from the office, still in suits, neat and handsome.
3/4
8:48 Sun, Sep 21
Chapter 3 The Substitute Bride
:
A
86
Finished
Aurora’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Jasper, Owen, I’m fine, really. Just twisted my ankle a little. I guess I got too excited seeing Isla.”
Her tone was soft, laced with just enough helplessness to tug at the heart.
“What’s there to get so worked up about? Let us take a look at your foot,” one of them said urgently.
The brothers doted on Aurora endlessly. To them, she was the poor sister who had suffered for years before being found and brought home–the one who deserved all their care.
The whole family knew their love for Aurora.
Aurora sighed faintly, shifting her foot, then let out a delicate cry, her voice lilting, impossible to ignore.
Owen crouched down at once to examine her ankle.
“I’m sorry, Owen. I didn’t think it would hurt this much. But it’s fine, really. Just a small thing— I’ll be better in no time,” she murmured, sounding both apologetic and brave.
“It’s swollen. I’ll call the doctor over,” Owen said grimly, reaching for his phone.
Jasper gently patted her head, his voice full of warmth. “You need to be more careful. If you hurt yourself, Mother will worry again.”
“I know. It’s just–I was too happy to see Isla back. I’ll be more careful next time,” she said with a coy little laugh, sneaking a glance at Isla.
Isla’s face remained calm, her eyes taking in the scene without a flicker of emotion.
From the moment she stepped downstairs, not a single member of the family had looked her
way,
Send Gifts
4/4
