The morning light cascaded like the gentle touch of a childs hand, brushing over the backs of every passerby and instilling in them the promise of a new day. The sign of the Heartwarming Orphanage gleamed under the sun, its golden letters reflecting the brilliance of a fresh start. The small slides and paddling pool outside appeared clean and inviting, their surfaces shimmering with the potential for joy.
However, the faint rust at the edges of the sign, under the harsh sunlight, resembled dried blood, and upon closer inspection, it evoked a sense of dread and unease.
Several luxurious business cars pulled up at the entrance of the Heartwarming Orphanage. The director had been waiting at the door, and now he hurriedly ushered the children, who had been cleaned and groomed, to the gate. They stood like docile, anxious livestock, their eyes filled with a mix of anticipation, fear, and the universal panic that came with being an orphan.
A shiny high-heeled shoe stepped out of one of the cars, the click of its heel causing the children to tremble, their minds associating the sound with the fears embedded in their memories.
Margaret Hale emerged from the vehicle, her fox fur collar basking in the sunlight and displaying her high social status. The childrens eyes widened at the sight, their envy and stupor making her smile colder. Her gaze then fell on a particular little girl.
This girl had lustrous black hair tied in a small braid over her shoulder, and her snow-white face was framed by large, dark eyes. Her curled eyelashes set her apart from the other children, who suffered from malnutrition, making her stand out like a pearl in a sea of sand.
What a doll-like beauty!
Especially the deep longing in her eyes and the careful smile on her lips would melt any heart that still held a trace of maternal love...
In the classroom at that moment, Eliza sat by the window, her smile serene and gentle, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that seemed to slow the passage of time. Students in their physical education class outside couldnt help but pause, and even the teacher on duty softened his voice.
Eliza blinked, her thoughts drifting to the Heartwarming Orphanage. In her past life, her mother, disappointed by her own daughters rebellion and defiance, had decided to adopt an obedient orphan to serve as a role model for Eliza. Little had she known, she had brought home a venomous snake in the guise of an innocent.
This time, with Elizas transformation into a compliant and graceful young lady, would history repeat itself?
Elizas eyelashes fluttered, her smile becoming even softer as she rested her forehead on her hand, lost in contemplation.
As the sun set, casting the academy in a warm orange hue, Elizas radiant smile filled the car, and Charles Bingley, observing her from the drivers seat, felt his mood lift.
"Miss, is there something delightful that has occurred today?" he inquired, noting that while she always seemed cheerful, today she seemed particularly uplifted.
"Yes, indeed, I am looking forward to it," Eliza replied, her words enigmatic.
Charles didnt press for more details but found his own spirits rising in response.
Upon arriving at the Doolittle residence, Eliza practically bounded out of the car, her eagerness to see her new sister palpable. However, as she entered the house, she was greeted by the butler, Walter White, who informed her that Mrs. Hale had not yet returned.
"Very well, I shall retire to my room then," Eliza said, her smile never fading, indicating her willingness to wait a bit longer.
As she ascended the stairs, the maids couldnt help but comment on her beauty and grace.
"Miss Eliza is so beautiful; its as if shes glowing every time we see her."
"Yes, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Shes like an angel," another maid agreed.
Walter watched them, unable to maintain his usual stern demeanor, and found himself smiling along with them.
Indeed, this was the Doolittle familys Miss,, a girl so perfect and flawless. Perhaps they hadnt noticed her beauty before because she had been living with the patriarch and only visited occasionally. But after the accident, she had convinced the old man to let her live at the main house, and they had all come to realize just how wonderful their小姐was.
The sound of a car engine approaching signaled the arrival of Margaret. Walter straightened up, ready to greet her, but his back stiffened as he saw who accompanied her.
Standing at the stairway, Eliza took a deep breath, her smile blooming with a sinister sweetness that was as intoxicating as the mandrake, filling the air with an unusual sweetness. But it lasted only a moment. The next second, her smile was as beautiful and gentle as ever.
"Mrs. Hale, welcome home," Walter began, but his words were cut short as he noticed the girl standing behind Margaret.
"This is Isabelle," Margaret introduced, "She grew up in the orphanage and I thought she was quite pitiful, so Ive brought her home."
Isabelle clung to Margaret, her eyes downcast, hiding her resentment and jealousy. The real young mistress was dazzlingly bright.
It didnt matter, Isabelle told herself. Soon enough, the grand house, the title of Miss Doolittle, everything... it would all be hers. She had been raised to be a very useful tool and would not fail against this naive young lady.
As Isabelle raised her head, tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at Eliza with a gaze that was both frightened and panicked, as if the approaching figure was not the Doolittle familys daughter but some kind of demon or ghost. Her display of vulnerability and helplessness was designed to invoke sympathy.
Eliza observed the girls exquisite acting skills. Yes, in her previous life, she had been moved by such a gaze and had not questioned her mothers decision to bring her home. She had sincerely treated Isabelle as her own sister, not realizing that Isabelle was probably sneering inwardly at the time.