Chapter 3
His eyes were razor-sharp, like he was trying to pierce through my soul.
"You're really not yourself today," he said.
Yeah, I was acting out of character.
A woman who had loved Gabriel for ten years, who had put up with everything for him, suddenly turned cold and resolute.
Anyone would have their doubts.
But I couldn't tell him.
I couldn't tell him that I'd died once.
I couldn't tell him that the Adolph family would join forces with Robin Dulles from Northvale to plot a rebellion.
And the Bernard family would be the first sacrifice, used to set an example.
If I said any of that out loud, people would just think I was crazy.
I lowered my gaze, hiding the hatred in my eyes.
I said, "I've just come to my senses.
"A man who would abandon me for another woman even before the wedding isn't worth marrying.
"I don't want to gamble the Bernard family's hundred-year reputation on a man who doesn't love me, just hoping he'll one day grow a conscience."
That sounded reasonable enough.
But it still didn't quite explain why I was so resolute today.
My brother nodded beside me.
"Dad, Shirley's right! That cold-blooded jerk isn't worth marrying; she's better off without him anyway," he said.
"If the Adolph family dares to insult my sister, I'll go wreck their General's Mansion myself tomorrow!"
My father shot him a glare.
"Don't be ridiculous!" he snapped.
"Do you think this is some kind of joke?"
He looked at me again, his tone serious.
"Shirley, do you realize what your actions today will mean for the Bernard family?
"If the Emperor comes down on us, we won't survive it."
I looked up and stared right at him.
"Dad, I know," I said.
"But I also know that taking a step back means falling straight into the abyss."
My words made my father's eyes narrow suddenly.
He picked up on something unusual in my tone.
This wasn't just about family drama anymore; it was a serious warning.
"What... what do you mean by that?" he asked.
I shook my head.
The time wasn't right. I couldn't lay it all out yet.
I had to guide them in a way they could understand.
"Dad, why do you think Gabriel dared to treat me and our family this way in front of everyone today?" I asked.
My father frowned. "He's arrogant because the Emperor favors him, and he's got all those military achievements to his name..."
"That's not all," I cut him off.
"He's convinced we won't stand up to him.
"He's also certain that, for the so-called 'greater good,' you'll force me to swallow this humiliation.
"How could the Bernard family, a household of civil officials, ever compete with the Adolph family, who hold military power? That's his real confidence."
My brother was fuming beside me.
"How dare he!" he snapped.
But my father fell into deep thought.
My words hit a nerve.
The rivalry between the civil and military factions had been simmering for generations.
My father was the leader of the civil faction, while Gabriel was the new powerhouse among the military.
This marriage was always just the Emperor's way of maintaining the balance of power.
But now, that balance had been shattered.
I said, "Dad, what I did today might look reckless, but it's actually forcing us into a desperate situation so we can fight our way out.
"If we just endure this, the Adolph family will see us as weak and step all over us.
"But if we refuse to back down and make a scene before the Emperor, there might be a sliver of hope for us,.
"At the very least, everyone will know it was Gabriel who betrayed the Bernard family first."
My father stared at me in shock, as if he was meeting a whole new person.
It was like he was seeing a stranger in his own daughter.
The Shirley he used to know only cared about daydreams and love stories; she'd never shown this kind of scheming or sharpness.
"What... what are you going to do?" he finally asked.
My heart finally calmed down.
I knew I'd gotten through to him, at least a little.
I said, "First step, Dad, you need to write a letter of apology and head to the palace to face the Emperor.
"Don't try to explain or defend yourself; just admit fault. Keep your head down and make sure your explanation is solid.
"Say I couldn't handle the humiliation and acted out of impulse, and that you didn't teach me well, so you're willing to accept any punishment.
"Shoulder all the blame onto the Bernard family."
George was baffled. "Why? It's obviously their fault!"
I glanced at him.
"George, to the royal family, there's no right or wrong, only their honor matters," I said.
"We need to show proper respect first, so the Emperor can't fault us.
"As for the Adolph family..."
A cold glint flashed in my eyes.
I added, "Right now, they're definitely just waiting to see the Bernard family become a laughingstock.
"They might've already sent someone to the palace, trying to be the first to accuse us and play the victim."
My father's expression grew even more grave.
"Shirley, you seem to know something..." he said.
I shook my head, not giving a direct answer.
Instead, I tossed out a question that was sure to haunt him through the night.
"Dad, I'm just curious.
"Has the Adolph family been getting unusually close to Prince Robin from Northvale lately?"