As the days passed, Edward could no longer hide what he felt for Margaret. Yet breaking things off with Tyra proved more difficult than he expected.
"You look deep in thought, son," Lord Martin said as he approached the wide terrace where Edward stood, lost in the morning breeze.
"Good morning, Dad," Edward replied, visibly uneasy.
"What's on your mind? Don't tell me it's business again… or is it that woman, Tyra?" the old man asked.
"Nothing, Dad. I was just thinking how lucky you are to have Margaret as your personal nurse and assistant. She takes care of you so well," Edward said.
"She's brilliant, beautiful, and wise—everything I'd want in the future queen of this mansion when I'm gone. You'd be lucky to marry her," Lord Martin declared.
"Don't talk like that, Dad. You'll live long enough to meet your grandchild from Tyra," Edward replied.
"What?!" Lord Martin's eyes widened. "Edward, do you hear yourself?"
"Why not, Dad?" Edward asked, cutting in.
"Son, you've seen how she treats everyone here—except us. And that's not even counting her extravagance. How many times must I tell you? She's using your feelings for her—especially that story about saving your life," Lord Martin said sternly.
Edward fell silent, his mind drifting to a memory.
Five Years Ago
"Girls, Edward and I look good together, don't we?" Tyra bragged to her friends.
"Dream on. I heard he's picky with women," one replied.
"You don't believe me? Fine. Let's make a bet. When he becomes my boyfriend, just wait and see," Tyra said smugly.
Tyra and another friend staged a fake drowning to lure Edward into rescuing Tyra as the drowning victim. But to everyone's surprise, Edward dove in himself—despite barely knowing how to swim.
After saving the girl, he found himself in danger and began to sink. Out of fear, Tyra jumped in and pulled him to safety.
The next day, Edward woke up in a hospital, with Tyra watching over him. From that moment, he slowly fell for her—unaware that he had been the subject of a bet.
Their relationship started well. But after the engagement party, Edward began to notice changes in Tyra—traits far from what he had imagined. And with those changes came a new realization: his heart now belonged to Margaret.
The Next Day, at a Restaurant
"Tyra, I think we shouldn't see each other anymore. I'm sorry."
"What? Are you breaking up with me?" Tyra asked, stunned.
"I'm serious, Tyra. I'm sorry," Edward said quietly.
"Who is she?" Tyra snapped, trying to hold back her emotions.
"No one. There's no one else. It's not you—it's me. I don't want to hurt you by pretending. Maybe this just isn't our time."
"Never!" Tyra shouted, standing up and storming out.
A Month Later
Rumors spread through the mansion about Edward and Margaret growing closer except for Vincent who always ordered by Edward to lead other transactions to hide the truth that he wanted Margaret. One evening, during a dinner date:
"I love you, Margaret. This is real. You've changed how I see the world," Edward confessed.
"I love you too, Edward. These past two years together…" Margaret replied.
"But what about Tyra?" she asked, hesitant.
"She didn't accept the breakup. But my view of her has changed—especially as someone I once thought I'd marry," Edward explained.
"That's a small thing, Edward. Maybe you two can still fix it."
"No. I've made my decision, and it's final," he said firmly.
From that moment, their relationship became official.
"Edward, I'm entrusting my sister to you. Please keep your promise to take care of her. We love Margaret," Marilyn said.
"Y-yes, Marilyn," Edward replied, slightly stammering.
"Don't worry. Like I told Lord Martin, my sister isn't after your money. You're her first boyfriend and the first man he love" Marilyn added.
One Morning at the Mansion
While Lord Martin and Margaret practiced walking together, Tyra stormed in—furious after hearing she'd been replaced by a private nurse.
"You're such a good actress, Margaret! Besides being a flirt, are you also a liar? Planning to seduce both father and son?" Tyra shouted, trying to humiliate her.
"Miss Tyra, I don't want trouble. Please leave," Margaret pleaded.
"You heard her, didn't you? Leave," Lord Martin added.
As Margaret pushed the wheelchair, Tyra suddenly yanked her hair. Margaret lost her grip, and the wheelchair rolled into a tree. Lord Martin lost consciousness.
"Lord Martin!" Margaret screamed.
Inside the house, a maid rushed to Frances and Marilyn. They ran outside and found Don Martin unconscious.
"Call Dr. Gates! Hurry!" Frances shouted.
"Stay away from my sister!" Marilyn yelled at Tyra.
As guards carried Lord Martin back into the mansion, Tyra still wouldn't back down. Marilyn kicked her.
"I told you—leave my sister alone!"
Tyra fell but stood again. "Look at this—two flirts in tandem! One seductress and one meddler!"
"Marilyn, stop…" Margaret pleaded, rushing to check on the old man.
"Hey, flirt! We're not done!" Tyra screamed.
She grabbed Margaret's hair again. Their eyes locked.
"Your sister's a flirt! Maybe your mother is too! Like mother, like daughter!" Tyra spat.
Marilyn didn't respond. She slapped Tyra.
"I've held back long enough. You keep hurting my sister. And don't you dare insult my mother—she's not part of this."
"You bitch!" Tyra screamed, pulling out a knife.
"Are you sure?" Nelia said calmly, holding a wooden club she'd brought earlier.
"Jude, bring out the three rottweilers. Let them feast on this woman—they haven't had breakfast yet, let those dogs feast her " Marilyn ordered as Jude appeared.
Tyra remembered the puppies she used to kick. Terrified, she fled as the staff laughed behind her.
That Night
Edward rushed home after hearing what happened. He found his father in bed, with Marilyn temporarily caring for him.
"Dad, I'm so sorry. If I'd been here, this wouldn't have happened."
"Don't worry, Edward. We got our revenge—thanks to Marilyn," Lord Martin said with a smile.
"Where's Tyra? I need to speak with her," Edward asked angrily.
"Ed, please don't. Your father and I are okay now," Margaret said as she entered the room.
"O Margaret, you're so much like my mother. And your sister—like my aunt. It's as if fate has brought back the spirit of the twins," Lord Martin said admiringly.
In the Sisters' Room
"Margaret, how many times must I tell you—you need to learn to fight back when someone hurts you," Marilyn said as she tucked her sister into bed.
"Marilyn, you know I avoid conflict," Margaret replied softly.
"What if I hadn't been there? What if I hadn't arrived in time?" Marilyn asked firmly.
Margaret remained silent.
"Luisa, remember—words weigh less than actions. Bullies like Tyra won't stop until you show her you can fight and defend yourself."