“You need to stop whining Juliet, we're only in this mess because you chose to walk out of your marriage!” Elaine yelled after her.

“And I'm back here because you chose to drag me back!” Juliet retorted, turning to Elaine.

She didn't want to be back here and how her Aunt had found her, she had no idea. The truth was, her marriage to Ethan was one of convenience, not love. It was convenient for her guardians, the Winston; they got to live on Ethan's property for free. It was convenient for Ethan; he loved Juliet. It was convenient for everybody else but Juliet herself and she was the one who had to make the sacrifices! It was she who had to pretend to be happy, to be madly in love with Ethan, and to long for his body as much as he longed for hers.

Three years went by before Juliet decided she couldn't continue with the marriage. She couldn't continue to pretend she was in love when she felt next to nothing for Ethan. She couldn't pretend to be happy attending those social gatherings that were anything but welcoming to a woman of her class. And worst of all, she couldn't pretend to be interested in their love life anymore! Everything was such a bore that she took her bags and some money one night and simply disappeared, leaving London behind.

For a few weeks, she thought she was free—free to travel and live life— until she discovered she was pregnant! The child was the result of a loveless marriage and she felt the same way for the child as she did for the child's father; nothing.

“A few more weeks, Juliet and everything will fall into place.” Elaine placed a comforting hand on Juliet's arm. “I can assure you that when everything works out, you will be back to doing what it was you were doing, your Uncle and I will get the manor back and this child will be out of our lives.”

Juliet knew she shouldn't trust her aunt and she also knew she couldn't continue with the wailing child for much longer, but she was willing to wait a little longer if it would bring the result her aunt promised.

“Fine,” she heaved a tired breath, turning to the baby who had gotten tired and finally fallen asleep.

“Good,” Elaine smiled. “Right now, I need to see to a few things.” Elaine reached for the doorknob and pulled the door open. “Promise me you won't go anywhere when I'm gone.” She stared at Juliet skeptically.

She shrugged. “Fine!”

“Good,” Elaine pulled her close and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I'll be back soon.”

She waited for Elaine to disappear through the door before walking back into the room and planting herself on the bed beside the baby who slept with tears staining her face.

“Trust me, I cannot wait to be rid of you again.” She murmured, closing her eyelids.

A knock on the door jolted her awake. Rising to her feet, she walked over to the door and pulled it open, fully expecting Elaine to be standing there —how wrong she had been!