Chapter 4
400words
"Verify it with the hospital if you doubt me. This situation is indeed my responsibility.
If they want my hands as payment, they're welcome to them!"
Eleanor's expression shifted instantly as she placed herself between me and the debt collectors.
"Money is merely a trifle, easily resolved. There's no need for such dramatics."
"Sister-in-law! But you just said—"
A sharp slap silenced the woman mid-sentence.
I seized the moment and dropped to my knees.
"Auntie, forgive me—you should never have been troubled with this.
I can't repay now, but I could use Vic's personal accounts without touching Sinclair assets.
I'll never marry another—Vic was my everything. I miss him so terribly..."
I collapsed in theatrical sobs, my performance flawless.
"Poor dear, no more tears. Go rest in your room..."
Eleanor signaled a servant to assist me, and I allowed myself to be led away, shoulders shaking with fabricated grief.
Back in my room, I applied anti-inflammatory drops to my deliberately irritated eyes.
The Sinclairs weren't easily deceived—I needed to be thorough.
For the next several days, I remained locked in my room, refusing all visitors.
When the Sinclairs knocked, I answered only with weak, tear-choked responses.
"I'm fine... please don't worry about me..."
When they finally broke down the door, they found me collapsed on the floor, strategically positioned for maximum dramatic effect.
"Child! How could you neglect yourself this way!"
Nathaniel, standing nearby, added with perfect timing:
"My brother's spirit will never rest if his beloved wastes away from grief."
I caught the subtle shift in the elder Sinclairs' expressions.
They genuinely loved their son—or at least the idea of him.
Eleanor summoned a servant who presented me with an ornate key.
"Take it—the key to Victor's private suite. Everything inside is now yours.
We're too old to interfere in young people's matters."
I reached for it, but Eleanor suddenly withdrew her hand.
My heart stuttered—had they discovered something? Had my performance faltered?
I forced a tremulous smile.
"Have I displeased you somehow, Auntie?"
Eleanor smiled enigmatically, then pressed both the key and an elegant invitation into my palm.
"Iris, I've arranged for the family elders to formally enter your name in the Sinclair registry. You'll be our daughter-in-law in this life and the next—forever bound to our Victor."
