Chapter 2The Guardian's Secret

The coughing returned. I swallowed a pill with warm water and drifted into sleep as the medicine kicked in.

As dawn broke, I was woken by rustling sounds.

"Sarah, long time no see."

The woman in front of me was wearing Julian's shirt, busy setting the table with plates.

Her pale shoulder was exposed, covered in red marks.

I was stunned, instinctively clenching my sleeves.

It was Elena, the woman Julian held in his heart years ago.

Seven years ago, she left without a word when Julian was in trouble. Why was she back now?

My gaze shifted, and my breath hitched. I saw the necklace on her neck.

It was the birthday gift Julian gave me yesterday.

I pointed at the necklace.

"That's mine."

Meeting my confused gaze, Elena looked at me mockingly.

Without surprise, she yanked the necklace hard.

"Ah!"

A scream pierced the air. She lunged towards me, whispering in my ear with a laugh:

"Sarah, you haven't improved at all in all these years."

Before I could react, she fell heavily to the ground.

The necklace was flung far away.

"Sarah, I didn't mean to wear your necklace."

I narrowed my eyes, walked over to pick up the necklace, and dusted it off.

I suddenly remembered that seven years ago, I had fallen for her tricks often, causing many fights with Julian.

I walked up to her, my tone cold.

"It's been seven years. Why do you still like framing people? There's no one else here. Who are you acting for?"

The next second, I was shoved aside.

Julian bypassed me and helped the tearful Elena up.

"Sarah, where are your manners?"

I froze. "She did it herself..."

My words were cut off by Elena. She looked up stubbornly, her eyes red, looking like she was about to shatter.

"I know you blame me for leaving your uncle seven years ago without saying goodbye, for abandoning him when he needed support the most."

"But back then, I had my reasons."

She cried breathlessly, leaning into Julian's embrace as if I were about to eat her alive, a hint of triumph in her eyes.

I stood there, unable to react for a moment.

Since living with Julian, I had never been treated like this. I couldn't help but sneer:

"Miss Elena, save the acting for the stage. Do you think this soap opera routine will frame me?"

The air was terrifyingly quiet, save for Elena's sobbing.

Julian looked up, his gaze sweeping sharply over Elena.

His expression was unreadable.

I stood there, watching their gazes meet, and silently clenched the necklace in my hand.