Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 171: What Now?

Sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the mansion, bathing Delphinia’s room in a warm, golden glow. The air smelled faintly of lavender from the diffuser on her nightstand, but despite the calm surroundings, her mind refused to rest. She stood by her vanity, arranging bottles of perfume and scattered jewelry, but her hands moved without thought, her mind trapped in the memory of the previous day.

The brush in her hand stilled as she replayed the sharp words and cold eyes of Helena. Delphinia’s jaw clenched involuntarily. She had only intended to use the restroom during lunch, but instead, she’d overheard her stepmother, Helena, talking behind closed doors, her voice laced with venom even when muffled. And though Helena hadn’t mentioned Delphinia’s name directly, "Harrington to Walton" was more than enough for Delphinia to know she was the subject of the conversation.

Her chest tightened with frustration. What does she want now? Helena had always been a thorn in her side, turning even the simplest moments into knots of tension. Delphinia set the brush down with a soft thud, rubbing her temple as she sank into the chair by the vanity. Her reflection stared back at her—tired eyes, tight lips, and a storm of thoughts swirling in her head.

"Nothing good," she muttered to herself. "It’s never anything good with her."

Her gaze drifted to the window, where the garden stretched out in perfectly trimmed hedges and colorful blooms. Her day went pretty much like usual, with the exception of Lydia. Another surprise, but not one that had twisted her stomach in knots the way Helena’s appearance had. Delphinia didn’t know what Lydia’s plan next to get close to Ashton, but at least she wasn’t her stepmother.

A bitter scoff escaped Delphinia as old memories resurfaced, uninvited.

Helena had been ruining her life for as long as she could remember.

The clearest example—the one that still left a sour taste in her mouth—was how she had been sent away to boarding school. On the surface, it had seemed like her father’s decision, but Delphinia had always known better.

Helena had wanted her gone.

She hadn’t even tried to hide it. That woman despised her so much that the very idea of living under the same roof disgusted her. So, she’d done what she did best—manipulate. She convinced her father that Delphinia would be better off away from home, that a strict and prestigious school would shape her into someone acceptable. That it would build her character, make her more disciplined, and give her opportunities she wouldn’t have otherwise.

It had been a convincing argument, at least to her father.

But Delphinia knew the truth.

Helena hadn’t wanted her to grow or succeed. She had wanted her out of the picture entirely.

Even when holidays came around and the other students packed their bags, excited to return to their families, Delphinia stayed behind. Every time, there was an excuse.

"There’s a renovation happening at the house. It’s best you stay there for the break."

"Your father is very busy with work, and we don’t want to disrupt his schedule."

"It’s only a few more months, and you’re doing so well at school. You wouldn’t want to fall behind, would you?"

Lies. All of it.

Delphinia had tried not to let it hurt her, but deep down, it had. She had watched other girls run into the arms of their waiting parents while she sat alone in an empty dormitory, wondering why she wasn’t wanted.

But she never blamed her father alone. No, she knew Helena had played a hand in every decision that pushed her further and further away.

And that was only one example.

She stood, brushing invisible dust off her skirt, and returned to tidying her vanity. The metallic clang of bracelets colliding filled the air as she tried to shake off the heavy thoughts. But just as she placed a pearl necklace into its velvet box, a soft knock echoed from the door.

"Come in," she called, turning toward it.

The door creaked open, and one of the maids stepped inside, her uniform neat and her hands clasped in front of her. She looked hesitant, her eyes flicking between Delphinia’s face and the floor.

"Mrs. Walton," the maid began softly, "I apologize for disturbing you."

Delphinia’s features softened as she offered a small smile. "It’s alright. What is it?"

The maid hesitated before continuing, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her apron. "There’s... a guest looking for you."

Delphinia tilted her head, confusion knitting her brow. "A guest? Who?"

Delphinia blinked, her mind immediately running through possibilities. A guest? She didn’t remember making plans to meet with anyone today.

Her arms folded loosely as she glanced toward the entrance of the hall. Who could it be? No one had mentioned a visitor beforehand, and she certainly hadn’t extended any invitations. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Then a thought struck her. Could it be Maya?

Her lips parted slightly at the possibility. It had been a while since they last spoke.

A small smile tugged at Delphinia’s lips at the thought. It would be nice if it’s Maya.

If it was her, then today might not be so bad after all. They could catch up, maybe grab a coffee, and just talk about anything other than the usual stress weighing on her shoulders.

She could use the distraction. Spending time with Maya would be a breath of fresh air—something simple, something normal.

The maid swallowed, clearly uneasy. "She said... she’s your sister."

The words hit Delphinia like a cold splash of water. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her skirt as her heart skipped a beat, a mix of confusion and dread settling into her chest.

"Name?" Delphinia asked, her voice low, already fearing the answer.

But the maid only shook her head. "She didn’t say."

Delphinia’s pulse quickened. She had a terrible feeling she already knew. Her mind raced through possibilities, but only one name echoed the loudest.

"Tell her I’ll be down shortly," Delphinia finally replied, her voice even despite the growing tension inside her.

The maid nodded and slipped out, leaving Delphinia standing alone, a whirlwind of emotions churning within her. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she whispered under her breath, "What now?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever was waiting downstairs. Because with her family, surprises were rarely ever good.