Last Chance [Extra #2]

Part 26

While Celosia and Cassian enjoyed their taste of honeymoon, Edgar despaired over the second loss of his sister. He truly hoped that Celosia would become part of his family, yet his parents didn't seem to share his sentiment.

He stood frozen in the hall in front of the Count's study and listened in pure horror as his mother continued to degrade Celosia for not being Elena and stealing her rightful place. It was absurd. Had it not been for Celosia, none of them would even know what happened to Elena, so to blame her for Elena's death and accusing her of stealing her place was ridiculous. It wasn't her fault she ended up in Elena's corpse or that she was forced to live as her.

It was the Count and the Countess's fault. They placed the burden on Celosia's shoulders, expecting her to be their child, and when she failed to act like Elena, they realized they'd lost their daughter. Celosia was nothing like the airheaded Elena, who knew only how to play and act cute. She had over a thousand years of life experience, she wasn't an immature young lady that knew nothing of the world. Elena knew no hardship and was sheltered her whole life, while Celosia experienced death hundreds of times.

The difference between them was staggering.

Edgar felt like an idiot as he realized he had actually had the same expectations as his parents. He wanted a cute little sister to spoil and love, and Celosia was nothing like that. He couldn't help but scoff at his own stupidity.

However, now was not the time to grieve. He needed to find Celosia. She was clearly upset when she heard herself being called an impostor and a fake, so it was important to get her back and explain everything. It was dangerous for a young lady to go anywhere alone, especially since it was about to rain. Gods knew what could happen to her out there.

Edgar ordered the butler to gather the knights and go to search for their Miss, then went to his father's study to speak to his parents. What his mother said was uncalled for. She should know what her careless words had just caused.

Not bothering with etiquette, Edgar stormed into the study, earning a shocked gasp from the startled Countess and a disapproving glare from the Count.

"Edgar, what is this rudeness?" the Count glowered at his son, unaware of the mess outside.

Edgar only stared at his father then turned to his mother and coldly asked, "How could you?"

"What are you talking about?" the Countess was lost. She didn't understand her son's sudden change in behavior.

"Why did you say that about Ellie? She's not a fake! Can you even imagine how hard it must have been for her this whole time? She didn't steal anyone's place. Entering Elena's body was not her choice!"

"Son, why are you speaking of this?" the Count frowned when he saw how upset Edgar was. Something was definitely wrong with him, but he didn't know what.

"Why? Why?!" Edgar laughed mockingly then glared at his parents. "Because she heard you. As did I. She heard you talk about using her to get back the position you lost, she heard you call her a fake and how she doesn't deserve to enjoy her life here because everything should belong to Elena. And do you know what she did when she heard that? She left!"

"What?" the Count faltered. 'She can't leave. Not now that I can get everything back', he thought, unconcerned about Celosia's safety or her feelings. She was old enough to take care of herself, and with her abilities, it would be ridiculous to worry about her.

"You heard me, father. She left. Celosia's gone. Thanks to you, even the last part of Elena is no longer here," with that, Edgar stomped out of the room and went to the stables to get his horse. The rain was getting worse every minute, so he wanted to find Ellie before something happened to her.