Matthew was furious, sending me to a girls' academy for three years. When I returned, I was obedient, excelling in all skills.
I was no longer capricious.
Matthew was proud and praised the academy.
Marlene treated me exceptionally well, gaining praise as the best stepmother in the capital.
But then, it was revealed I wasn't the true daughter of the Stanley family, just a swapped child.
The midwife wanted her daughter to live a noble life, and that was me, who actually came from lowly origins.
...
When they took me away, Silas took off his coat and draped it over me. He walked quickly, his face cold, and didn't speak to anyone.
That's just how he was—tight-lipped and reserved.
People on the street pointed at me.
"See? They have raised a thankless wretch. Heartless, she killed them all just because Matthew brought his real daughter back today."
"Yeah, I saw Marlene taking her to buy sweets and the latest clothes this morning. She doted on Cecilia."
"Alas, Matthew was such a kind-hearted man."
I walked down the long street. The townspeople threw rotten vegetables and eggs at me. They called me a murderer, demanding my immediate execution.
I never defended myself, not even once.