Genevieve's world turned upside down overnight.
Since childhood, she lived under the constant oppression of her stepfather.
The mother, too busy avoiding his next wrath, preferred not to notice how he kicked her daughter.
Genevieve was more of a servant than a child: exhausting housework, and before the wounds had time to heal, new ones appeared. It was like hell. The most real one.
One day, while hiding in the garden, punishment for disobeying, Genevieve met a stranger.
He immediately seemed like an important person: expensive clothes, neatly styled hair, sharp facial features from which it was impossible to look away.
But for all his external attractiveness... fear flared inside her.
The man’s face was serenely indifferent, and his sapphire-colored eyes were cold and empty.]
[Even her stepfather, in his cruelties, at least occasionally showed a shadow of emotion, either anger or pity.
[Ah, this man was like a marble statue.]
Genevieve was not so naive as to feel sympathy for him.
[He was clearly going to take her somewhere, showing neither interest nor compassion.]
And yet... as soon as he appeared, the stepfather trembled and shouted: “Do what you want with her!” and ran away.
Then the memories stop.
The people, it seems, the servants of that same man, washed her and dressed her in soft clothes, the kind Genevieve had never worn.
And then he suddenly took her to the Imperial Palace... and declared her the new Saint.
Genevieve herself was most surprised.
[I? Sorry...me?] - she muttered in confusion.
[Everything inside screamed: no, this is a mistake.]
But she did not dare to object.
After all, deep down, I was most afraid of one thing: going back.
To where every day was torture.
Genevieve just wanted to...live.
[Like a person.]
[Don't freeze by washing clothes in ice water. Don’t be afraid of a glance, don’t expect a kick at any moment.]
And even if she did not believe that she could be a Saint, she remained silent.
The man who brought her was called Shane Blanchard - the heir to the ducal family.
[A person so powerful that it seemed he could make anyone a Saint, even her, an ordinary girl.]
[And Genevieve remained in the palace.]
[Life seemed magical at first.]
[Luxury, comfort, care.]
[But it quickly became clear: everything is not so wonderful.]
My heart is heavy.
She felt like a fraud. And those who saw right through her began to hate her.
First, a whisper behind your back. Then - poisonous, hidden mockery that only she noticed.
And at that moment someone new appeared.
[This is my fiancée, Adaline. She asked me to introduce her.] Shane said.
[Nice to meet you, Genevieve. Can I call you that?] - the girl asked with a smile.
Even then, Genevieve did not feel warm towards Shane. [He saved her, yes. But he was scary.]
[The Crown Prince was much nicer: he would sometimes come, ask a few questions out of politeness, and leave.]
[At least he wasn't scary.]
[Contact me at your convenience. And you don’t need to talk to me too formally.] Genevieve said softly.
[That's for sure? You are a Saint...]
[I'm quite young after all.]
[I think we are almost the same age.] - Shane noted.
[She's not officially recognized as a Saint yet, Adaline. You can speak freely.] - he added.
[Y-yes, I’m not quite yet...] Genevieve muttered, looking at the floor the whole time.
Finally she looked up.
In front of her stood a girl with luxurious platinum light hair, almost like her own, only with a golden tint. [Warm green eyes shone with joy, and an open, sincere smile lit up her face.]
Adaline confidently walked closer and took Genevieve's hand.
[Is it true? Then consider yourself to be my little sister now. Let's be friends, okay?]
[Me? Uh...yes, okay?]
[It must be difficult with Shane and Prince Edwin. They are always doing something wrong, they don’t care. I’m sure it’s not easy for you, and you didn’t even have anyone to talk to. But now I'm here. If something happens, be sure to tell me, okay?]
[I...actually, it's not that hard...] Genevieve muttered, casting a quick glance at Shane.
He looked gloomier than a cloud from the very beginning, and when Adaline took Genevieve’s hand, he completely frowned.
For a moment, a stupid thought flashed through her mind: [what if he’s about to cut off my hand?]
[Maybe I should live in the palace too. Mom has a room here, but...]
[Use mine.] - Shane said calmly.
[What? Are you out of your mind? What if rumors start circulating?]
[We're engaged. What's strange about this?]
[Uh...]
Adalyn was embarrassed and looked away. And then, as if nothing had happened, she turned back to Genevieve, who was still blinking in confusion.
[Or come to my house. I have so many things that will suit you. I will give everything to you, they will suit you.]