Beyond the Family's Shadow

The punishment didn't last.

At the crucial moment, Serena suddenly "fainted" right on cue.

The whole family's attention instantly shifted. Doctors, nurses – it was chaos.

Elara, enduring the sharp pain, retreated to her room.

She pulled out her phone. There was an unread message from an encrypted number, a set of coordinates.

"Three days from now, midnight. The last boat at Pier 24. Bring your people, the rest is on me. – J"

Three more days.

Three days, and she'd be free.

The next day, Dante arrived.

He held a gold-embossed invitation.

"Elara, good news."

He sat by the bed, reaching out to touch her hair. She turned her head, avoiding his hand.

He awkwardly withdrew his hand, holding up the card.

"The All-American Young Painters' Gold Award. The committee just notified you."

It was the highest honor in the art world, a dream for countless young artists.

In her past life, Elara had been locked up at home, "sick," missing the award ceremony. Dante had pulled strings, and the award had been passed to Serena, bringing her fame and fortune.

This time, he was telling her?

Elara’s eyes widened in disbelief as she took the invitation.

"I know you've always wanted this recognition," Dante's tone softened, like coaxing a spoiled child. "This is your chance to finally get the recognition you deserve, but you'll need to be smart about it. Just accept the award obediently, and then publicly thank Serena for her constant inspiration. Say she gave you the motivation to create. If you do that, I can guarantee you'll be safe from Uncle's anger, and I'll make sure this whole mess gets dropped. This will be our fresh start."

So that's it.

She was still meant to be a stepping stone. Just this time, from behind the scenes to the front, a public stepping stone, to gild Serena's name.

"Fine," Elara said softly, her gaze fixed on the window, her voice flat.

Dante breathed a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile spreading across his face, thinking she'd caved.

"I knew you were sensible. Darling, I love you." He stood up, straightening his suit. "After the award ceremony, we'll get married, okay? I've already picked out the date, next month."

Elara didn't reply. She turned her head, gazing at the clear blue sky outside, watching seagulls soar.

"Dante."

"Yeah?"

"Do you know what color the sea is?"

"Blue, why? What's this about?"

'No,' Elara thought.

It's the color of freedom. And she would never marry him.

"It's nothing," she closed her eyes. "I need to rest now. Please leave."