Chapter 2 - The Key to the Past
Sebastian looked at the carved initials. Evie.
Elena Veil.
Arabella’s eyes flicked toward the cameras.
Bring everyone inside. We are making a spectacle. No, Sebastian said.
You made the spectacle when you threw her into the street. He turned toward the staff. Move the engagement dinner onto the terrace.
Arabella stared at him. In this weather? If Ruth is not welcome inside, neither is our celebration.
Workers carried tables, flowers, candles, and silverware beneath the covered terrace. Guests whispered as Kira helped her mother into a chair beside Sebastian.
Arabella remained standing. You are humiliating me for a former servant.
I am correcting what you did to my family. Ruth opened the wooden box.
Inside lay a baby bracelet, an old cassette, and a sealed envelope addressed to Sebastian in Elena Veil’s handwriting.
He reached for it. Arabella knocked over a candle.
Flame caught the tablecloth. Kira smothered it before it spread. When she looked up, the envelope was gone.
Arabella’s right hand was hidden behind her gown.
You took it, Kira said. Sebastian held out his hand.
“Give it back.
It could be forged.”
“Then we will test it.”
Arabella tore the envelope in half. Ruth gasped.
Kira caught the falling pieces. A brass key slipped from between them. Arabella lunged.
Kira reached it first. The key was engraved with one word.
Nursery. Sebastian went still.
“The nursery was sealed after my mother died.”
Ruth looked at him.
“She did not die in that room.”
Arabella slapped the key from Kira’s hand.
“You confused old woman.”
Ruth rose despite her injured knee.
“I was there when Elena gave birth.
I heard the second baby cry.”
Sebastian’s face emptied.
“Second baby?
You had a twin sister.
” The guests stopped whispering.
Arabella dug her nails into Kira’s arm.
“Your mother is lying.”
Ruth pointed toward the west wing.
“Elena hid the key because someone planned to sell the baby before sunrise.”
Sebastian turned toward the mansion.
“The nursery is still locked.”
May you like
“Not anymore,” Kira said, holding up the key.
They crossed the foyer together. Arabella followed, ordering security to stop them, but no one moved.
