Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She had this gut feeling that her unborn child was supposed to be her lucky star, destined to bring her everything she ever wanted.

But now, for reasons she couldn't fathom, it felt like all those dreams were slipping through her fingers.

Determined not to give up without a fight, she dressed to the nines and headed to the Garcia residence. She thought if she could share bed with Rupert today, it wouldn't matter if their baby came a bit early. What she didn't expect was the bombshell news waiting for her.

As the realization set in, Bridget's hand dropped from her belly, a sharp pain spreading through her body.

It was clear now; she was going to lose the baby, and Rupert wouldn't come anywhere near her today.noveldrama

Then Sylvia's baby must be lost too, and Rupert would have no excuse to marry Sylvia against Tristan's wish.

With a resigned sigh, Bridget touched up her makeup and slipped her earrings into a small jewelry box she always carried with her.

Before Rupert could return to the living room, she made her entrance.

"Mr. Tristan, Mrs. Fiona, Mrs. Naomi," she greeted.

Tristan barely acknowledged her with a grunt, clearly unimpressed with her recent antics.

Fiona, ever the gracious host, smiled warmly. "Bridget, you're looking for Rupert? A servant accidentally spilled some soup on him; he's just changing his clothes. Why don't you sit down and wait?" Bridget didn't sit. Instead, she opened her jewelry box, making a show of it in front of Naomi.

"I actually came to see Sylvia. I feel terrible about not paying her enough attention at my birthday party. I bought these earrings to make it up to her."

Naomi's eyes lit up at the sight of the earrings, easily worth a small fortune. Her excitement barely contained, she pointed towards the backyard. "Sylvia's out there packing. Go ahead." "I'll do that, then," said Bridget, moving to leave.

Tristan paid no mind to the trivialities, letting Bridget go on her way.

Naomi, on the other hand, couldn't help but gloat internally, imagining how

look on her daughter.

ent

Stiful the earrings would

Only Fiona remained, sipping her tea, her gaze lingering on the path Bridget took.

...

Sylvia wanted nothing more than to leave the Garcia's behind. She was just about to drag her suitcaseout when Bridget appeared in front of her.

"Sylvia, can we talk?"

BUMS

"We hardly know each other. There's nothing to talk about," Sylvia said coldly, trying to leave. Bridget blocked her path. "If I scream right now, who do you think Tristan will believe? You or me?"

Despite Tristan's lukewarm feelings towards Bridget, especially after a recent dinner that soured his view of the Simpson family, he'd likely take Bridget's word over Sylvia's.

Wanting to avoid any last-minute drama, Sylvia reluctantly agreed to talk.

Bridget led her to a secluded spot by the garden's lake.

Smiling, she offered the earrings. "These are for you. I'm really sorry about my birthday party."

Sylvia eyed the earrings, aware of their value, but declined. "No, thank you."

As she spoke, she instinctively stepped back.

Despite Bridget's condition and rumors of a medical procedure, her complexion looked too radiant, too healthy.

Sensing danger, Sylvia's only thought was to keep her distance.

Bridget's frustration boiled over. Ignoring Sylvia's protests, she grabbed her hand, trying to force the earrings on her. "Take them! Don't be polite!"

"I said no, let go... Ah!"