Forsaken to Treasured: A Short Story

1. Discharged

Arabella De Vere lingered at the gates of Wallace College, the bustling flow of passersby in stark contrast to her stalled presence. The once-familiar halls now stood as an impenetrable fortress, denying her entry without mercy.

A fortnight earlier, Arabella had been a luminary in Northvale's social circles. Her brilliance was matched only by her academic prowess at Wallace College. Yet, her world crumbled when the eldest scion of the time-honored Cavendish family publicly dissolved their engagement.

No crime stained her hands; she simply failed to captivate his favor. But this rejection was the prelude to a series of tormenting tribulations, an upheaval that swept her life like a storm.

Invitations to soirées and banquets ceased the noble daughters of Northvale shunning any association with her. Even her Uncle Louis, her mother's older brother, recoiled from her presence in public, as though the name 'Arabella De Vere' was a blemish upon the family's honor.

Even the Girl's Club, which had always taken pride in Arabella De Vere, erased her name.

The principal's voice rang with icy detachment, standing upon the steps, "A tarnished reputation befits no place within these hallowed walls. Those who sever their engagements shall not reclaim sanctuary here. Miss De Vere, I implore you to depart."

Academic pursuits were cherished in this bastion of female education, but reputation held the throne. Students and the school achieved together, and one got kicked out for breaking a marriage engagement.

Arabella De Vere was the first.

Amidst the echoing laughter and murmured discussions, callous words laced the air:

"If I were to be discharged, I would rather swallow a sleeping pill than show up again."

A passing girl cast a glance, her disdain flashing briefly. Elsewhere, hushed conversations turned into sneers, eyes fixated on Arabella, their expressions dripping with contempt.

"Why would the Cavendish family discard her without cause? She must have erred, and they found out."

Suspicions openly floated, tarnishing Arabella's past triumphs. Mockery took root, insinuating her achievements were a facade. "Perhaps everything she accomplished was a sham, a charade."

These words cut like shards, leaving Arabella standing amidst an invisible storm, fragile, as if a gust could whisk her away at any moment.

In the distance, the sky was veiled in dark clouds, as if the world was narrating her tragic plight.

The principal mandated the return of Arabella's possessions from the college yet barred her from the academic sanctuary.

As a chilling gust swept through, people came and went at the gates of Wallace College, yet Arabella was barred from entry.

It was when the violin case was handed to Arabella. The case, holding her cherished instrument, seemed heavier than the violin itself, bearing the weight of her entire world.

Fingers quivering, she reached out, a realization dawning like an abrupt awakening from a dream. She was entirely severed from everything tethered to the college.

Her lips tightened into a thin line as she whispered, "Miss Lee, what have I done wrong?"

Miss Lee, who stood beside her, had been her literature mentor, always praising Arabella for her talent and diligence.

Miss Lee held Arabella's gaze in silent contemplation. A quiver danced across her stern countenance, a profound remorse evident in her eyes.

After a thoughtful pause, she whispered, "Your actions hold no fault. The world's cruelty toward women is its ancient narrative."

Arabella couldn't hold back her tears.

Since she was a child, she'd known she was meant to marry the oldest son of the Cavendish family.

This engagement was her safety net after losing her parents, a way to belong despite her uncle and aunt's harsh treatment. They wouldn't dare oppose her because of the Cavendish family's reputation.

The Cavendish family is a prestigious one, with someone from each generation serving as a prominent member of the government for nearly a hundred years and several family members married to the royal family. The only son of the family patriarch and the eldest, Samuel, was a standout. He was a leader among the heirs because of his handsome features and athletic prowess.

Becoming a part of the Cavendish household was a huge deal for Arabella. It took tons of effort. She excelled at Wallace College, learned all the proper manners, and never slipped up.

The countess of the Cavendish family personally came to meet Arabella and agreed to the match. However, Arabella never anticipated that Samuel had never intended to marry her from the beginning.

He was so apathetic that he almost didn't bother to feign regret, "Miss De Vere, I don't want to marry someone like every other woman in my family."

To him, Arabella was just another typical noblewoman, not exceptional.

Arabella dreamed of being part of the Cavendish family, becoming their lady. She thought she was the perfect fit. But she realized Samuel only wanted someone he truly loved.

Apparently, it never occurred to her that the man she would marry was not going to love her.

All her efforts had been in vain. Despite everything she did, she was on the wrong path. Her feelings for Samuel turned to nothing but disappointment.

She wanted to ask Samuel about his feelings for her over the years. But when the annulment letter arrived, it shattered her dreams.

With no chance to talk to Samuel and no engagement, Arabella knew her future was bleak.

Nobody would dare marry someone the Cavendish family rejected.