They Did Not Believe Her

On the New Year's Day, everyone in the house was playing fireworks in the garden downstairs. The butler, Susan, and Harold all surrounded Emily happily and said blessings to her. Maury rubbed Emily's head and handed her a red envelope. Emily smiled and thanked him. Then, Maury gave the envelopes to the others one by one. The atmosphere was lit up in the garden. Elsie stood on the balcony on the second floor and watched, tears flowing down her cheeks silently.

The New Year began, but Elsie had changed. She lived quietly in the house just for food and clothes. She did not dare to look at Emily, nor did she dare to meet Harold. She was even afraid to see Maury now.

Even at night, she would be worried that someone would show up and drive her out of the house.

Eliot finally called her after more than ten days, but Elsie refused in fear. She didn't dare to call him back until she returned to her room and hid under the blanket.