Chapter 29 Act In Front Of Them
Eileen watched as Eric left, clutching her racing heart. She hoped that he would not doubt. her anymore. She had hinted that after the college entrance examination, she intended to distance herself from the family and go to Lumiose, far away from Hulbury. After graduating from university, she planned to sign up for teaching in the frontier, a decision that would not. interfere with Eric’s revenge plan against the Swan family.
In Eileen’s mind, Eric could treat her as if she were already dead and simply erase her from his life. Once she left the family, she would never return.
Looking at the stains on the blanket, Eileen siglied. Eric was heartless, she just changed the blanket today. Eric wanted her to experience what it felt like to be without a blanket at night, so he had not prepared clean ones for her.
As she threw the blanket on the ground, she thought about washing it the next day. However, she was irritated by Eric’s vengeful nature, considering that the quilts in the cupboard hadn’t been cleaned or dried for over half a year. She knew she would end up at the hospitaf due to her dust allergy if she used those quilts.
How vengeful, you scumbag!
In frustration, Eileen found a thick coat to cover herself, turned off the light, and laid on the bed.
The following morning was bright and sunny. When Eileen woke up, she was relieved to find that she didn’t have a headache or stuffy nose. However, to her surprise, she noticed that she was now covered with a bedsheet with gray stripes, a color that only Eric had.
She was terrified and lifted the blanket, realizing that it was Eric’s doing. Her face turned pale, and her mind raced with anxiety and shock.
Oh my God, did Eric sneak in my room last night?
Eileen’s head felt like it was going to explode, and she was filled with a sense of fear and. confusion.
Lately, Eric had been coming to her room more frequently, which was becoming concerning. Eileen wondered if she had forgotten to lock the door. She felt irritated by the thought.
Just then, Sharon knocked on her door and entered. She told Eileen that their father was. back and waiting for dinner. Eileen was surprised. “Dad is back?”
Sharon nodded, “Yes, Mr. Swan has also brought a woman back, or…” She stopped herself. before completing her sentence and urged Eileen to get ready.
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1/4
Eileen quickly dressed up, washed her face, and went downstairs. She noticed that Elsie had taken her seat at the table, sitting beside Will. Eric was seated opposite Vera.
Feeling a bit out of place among them, Eileen hesitated for a moment before taking her seat beside Elsie. Sharon pulled the chair back for her, and she sat down.
Will’s voice sounded displeased, “Why did you wake up so late? What were you doing last night?”
Before Eileen could respond, Elsie spoke up in her defense, “Oh, Eileen is under a lot of pressure now. She probably stayed up late studying. It’s understandable for her to wake up late. Right, Eileen?”
Eileen forced a smile and replied, “I’m sorry, Dad. I won’t do it again.”
Sharon served a bowl of porridge and placed it in front of Eileen, urging her to eat, “Eat up”.
Elsie then inquired, “Do you need a tutor? I heard you want to attend teacher training in Lumiose. The teachers there have a good reputation. Are you sure about your decision? And Lumiose is quite far away. If you go alone, your father and I will worry.”
Eileen figured that Eric must have told Elsie about her plans.
She confidently responded, “I’ve looked at last year’s score requirements, and I’m confident I can make it.”
Will’s words cut through the air with a cold and commanding tone, “Either stay in Hulbury, or don’t go at all. What’s the use of going to university? You’ll have to get married sooner or later. There’s a banquet in a few days, and you’ll accompany us. Some men want to meet you.
Eileen was well aware that Will had a traditional view of women, seeing them primarily as tools for reproduction. However, she was determined to stand her ground and pursue her dreams.
“Dad, times have changed. I know some friends who have gone to study abroad. Wendy, for instance,
she’s preparing for the IELTS test and plans to settle abroad and change her nationality. Compared to going to Lumiose, that’s already a bigger step. At least I can come back during the holidays.”
“If someone asks about my education background one day, having only a high school education would be quite embarra*sing. I don’t mind being laughed at by others, but I can’t let you be embarra*sed because of me.”
Will was particularly concerned about his reputation and appearance. Despite his humble background, he achieved success through the exhibition business. Eileen’s words seemed to resonate with him, and frowned, “Do you really have to go to Lumiose?”
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24
Eileen nodded earnestly and replied, “Yes, Dad, I’ve thought it through. When I go to Lumiose, I’ll take care of Grandma. I promise I won’t cause you any trouble.”
Grandma was Eileen’s last resort. Although Will was a complicated figure, he had always been a dutiful son and tried to persuade Grandma to come live with them in Hulbury. However, Grandma insisted on staying in a small place in Lumiose.
Will was concerned about her so, he visited her every New Year.
Eileen added, “And what if I manage to persuade Grandma to come back?”
This made Will contemplate the possibility.
Elsie chimed in with a smile, “Eileen has a point. Education is important for girls nowadays, in addition to their appearance. Since she has her own dreams, why not support her? I graduated there and it can easily find good jobs.
Eileen nodded in agreement with Elsie’s perspective.
Finally, Will agreed to compromise, but with a condition, “If you don’t perform well in school and fail to graduate, you come back and marry someone right away.”
Eileen promised, “Don’t worry, Dad, I won’t let you down.”
She knew that by the time she graduated, the Swan family would likely be long gone.
Will’s eyes were filled with relief, so he said happily, “It’s rare to see that you are promising. You can clean up later and free up your room for Gin to live in.”
“Cough…” Eileen choked after taking a mouthful of porridge.
Elsie smiled and patted Eileen on the back, “It’s okay! Eileen won’t be able to accept it for a while.”
“No, no…” Eileen hurriedly denied, “I’m just so happy that Ms. Elsie can live here, so that I won’t be bored at home in the future. I can chat with Ms. Elsie when I have nothing to do.”
“If you don’t finish your homework, I’ll be strict.
“I promise to hand in homework on time.”
Eileen remembered that Elsie and Will’s relationship had not developed so fast yet.
Forget it…
Eileen did not bother to think about it.
3/4
She would be able to leave in five or six months.
Eileen lowered her head, pretending not to see the wonderful scene under the table.
Elsie’s slender and straight long legs in black silk, took off her high heels, and stretched out her legs to rub against Eric’s calf, which was as exciting as it could be.
She could not imagine if Elsie lived in her room…
Eileen no longer had an appetite.
She made up an excuse to leave and leave them there.
After pouring a gla*s of water, she returned to her room, and she still needed to take. medicine.
The most difficult thing was not to deal with Elsie but to act in front of them
every
day.
