To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 102

After several days in the hospital, she was brought back to the old estate by the butler.

Each day, she was pampered with nourishing delicacies—a rare comfort in a life that seldom offered any. For once, she allowed herself two days of quiet contentment.

With freedom drawing closer, her spirits lifted.

As dusk settled, the butler followed his usual routine and brewed her favorite hibiscus tea in the Westflower Hall.

Elara slipped into a simple, pale dress and, book in hand, curled up on the fainting couch.

She barely made it through a couple of pages before realizing the butler hadn't left.

"Mr. Prescott, is something the matter?" she asked.

John Prescott smiled politely. "Madam, your evening gown has arrived. Would you like to try it on?"

"I'm not interested. Just leave it."

"But tomorrow is your fourth wedding anniversary gala with Mr. Vincent. All of Kingston's elite will be there."

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

Unruffled, Elara turned another page.

John Prescott hesitated, then quietly withdrew.

Not long after, someone else entered the Westflower Hall and stood in silence for a long moment.

Elara sipped her hibiscus tea before glancing up, only to meet Brian's frosty gaze.

She set down her cup and returned her attention to the book.

"You've lost weight. Shouldn't you check if the gown still fits?" he remarked.

"I didn't lose it all overnight. Haven't you noticed before?"

Brian actually laughed at that.

He walked over and produced a small velvet box. Inside was a ring—an exact replica of their wedding band.

The second copy. How fitting, Elara thought, in a way that was almost cruel.

"So the original's already at the bottom of the sea. You think a perfect copy can just replace it?"

"There'll be a lot of guests tomorrow night."

"So I'm just supposed to play along and wear it?"

Brian's expression darkened.

"Elara, what's done is done—"

Then his phone rang. Yves Caldwell's name lit up the screen.

"Mr. Vincent, Miss Vincent has harmed herself. She's been restrained, but you need to come."

Brian clenched his jaw, tamping down the surge of frustration. He pressed a sudden kiss to Elara's cheek before letting her go.

"Wear the ring. Tomorrow night at the gala, I have a surprise for you—I'll put it on you myself."

With that, he hurried out.

Disgusted, Elara wiped her cheek and hurled her teacup toward the doors of Westflower Hall.

Was he planning to give her Lina's secondhand necklace next?

She wanted nothing to do with his cast-offs.

She grabbed her phone and fired off a message: "Has my luggage been delivered?"

Summer replied instantly: "The day you left Platinum Bay, I sent movers to get it. Your new place is all set up—just waiting for you."

Finally, Elara felt a flicker of happiness.

Brian, just wait. I have a surprise for you, too.