novelxo Chapter 5
Bridget, the fallen heiress with a golden spoon turned rusty.
Three years ago, Rupert dropped a bombshell by announcing his love for Bridget, defying Tristan's wishes and throwing an engagement party, which made Bridget the envy of every woman in town. To the outside world, she was the embodiment of beauty, kindness, and grace.
Only Sylvia knew the real Bridget. Forget about being a designer; she could have been a skillful actress!
Given Bridget's cunning, she must have understood Sylvia's accusations all too well.
Their wedding had been postponed for three years. Bridget was itching to become a Garcia through and through. And sure enough...
Bridget stepped forward, kneeling in Sylvia's place with a devotion that could melt hearts.
"Mr. Tristan Garcia, it was me! Sylvia and I share a similar build and features, which must have caused the confusion."
But as her voice trailed off, skepticism hung in the air.
"But what about the love diary about Sylvia's secret crush that surfaced online? It dates back five or six years, yet you and Mr. Rupert have only known each other for three."
Bridget was a master of emotional manipulation.
"I was the one secretly in love with Mr. Rupert. Those were my innermost thoughts, somehow leaked without my knowledge."
Her teary eyes, coupled with the pair of eyes that dripped with a deep affection, even her face blushed in a perfect manner; who wouldn't fall for it?
Sylvia knew she had lost to Bridget in every conceivable way either in her previous life or the current.
She spoke up indifferently, "Uncle and Bridget have been engaged for years. He got in distress, and it's only natural for Bridget to support him through thick and thin. The rumors must have been just the paparazzi's way of stirring up wealthy family drama to draw people's attention."
The crowd's interest waned at her words, some even finding the whole spectacle dull.
Sylvia finally realized how pointless her previous life's cautious struggles had been. To these people, she was just a source of entertainment in their spare time.
Every moment here felt like an eternity.
Stepping back, Sylvia said bitterly, "Now that the truth is out, I won't disturb your affairs any longer. Grandpa, and everyone, I'll take my leave."
As she turned, a profound gaze followed her. But it no longer mattered to her.
...
What happened in the hall remained unknown to Sylvia.
All she knew was that Naomi returned from the main house looking upset, likely sidelined by the other Garcias again.
Naomi's current husband, Edwin Garcia, lacked business acumen, and Tristan had written him off long ago, leaving the couple marginalized within the family.
Though they were addressed respectfully in public, behind their backs, those who ingratiated themself with the influential never took them seriously.
Naomi pinched Sylvia's arm lightly but firmly.
"Have you lost your mind? What an opportunity you've missed!"
"What opportunity?" Sylvia retorted.
"You came home all disheveled last night; do you think I'm blind? Just apologize. With the current media frenzy, Rupert would have to treat you well to secure his heir position. You're passing up a good life for Bridget? That girl reeks of insincerity," Naomi fumed. "Stealing someone's fiancé, drugging him, and ending up in bed with what's technically my uncle by marriage. Do you really think I'd have a happy future?"
Sylvia pulled away, wanting no part in this conversation.
Naomi wasn't entirely wrong as a mother. After Sylvia's father disappeared, Naomi didn't abandon her. Even when remarrying, her only condition was to bring Sylvia along.
But Naomi was so dependent on men. In the cutthroat Garcia family, relying on Edwin merely meant being neglected.
Naomi's voice choked, "It's still better than living at the mercy of others! The eldest son of Garcia family, Patrick, has passed away at an early age. Your stepfather is not as good as Rupert in business. The entire Garcia family will be Rupert's someday. If you could just..." "Mom, stop," Sylvia cut her off coldly.
"Sylvia, can't you just understand my position for once? Edwin is honest, and I can't bear children for him. I'm looked down upon by everyone in the Garcia family. I'm all you have for the future," Naomi reached to dab at her tears.