Chapter 6 Lana is family
**Rachel's POV**
I groaned awake, shifting on the huge, incredibly comfortable bed. My body protested against leaving it, but my eyes finally fluttered open after a few restless turns.
Everything that had happened yesterday came rushing back, flashing through my mind like a reel on repeat. I sighed heavily, dragging myself out of bed to take a proper look at the room I hadn’t had the chance to inspect before.
It was enormous—beautiful and drenched in varying shades of blue. The décor was tasteful, calming, and almost surreal in its luxury.
A sudden *ding* from my phone shattered the peace.
I picked up my battered, cracked-screen cellphone and checked the notification.
“Why!” I suddenly screamed, startling even myself.
The door burst open with a loud *bang*, and Ethan strode in, his expression alarmed.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” he asked, standing close to me.
My chest rose and fell as I tried to steady my breathing. Shaking my head, I managed a weak reply.
“It’s nothing.”
Ethan’s expression said otherwise. Without a word, he reached for my phone. I didn’t resist as he gently took it from my hand and scanned the message.
He read it aloud, his tone dripping with disdain.
“‘Come to the house right now!’” He snorted, then turned back to me.
“You’re not going, are you?” he asked, his tone firm.
Could I not go? The message was from my grandfather. If I ignored it, he’d undoubtedly find a way to drag me there, one way or another.
I exhaled shakily and came to a resolution.
“I’m going.”
Ethan didn’t push further. He simply nodded before leaving the room without another word.
*God, why is he so nice to me?*
There wasn’t time to dwell on that thought. I had to prepare myself for the inevitable lecture I’d get about divorcing David. With that grim reality in mind, I headed to the bathroom, which was situated on the far side of the room.
When I returned, fresh and wrapped in a loose towel, I saw two boxes sitting on the bed. One was big, the other smaller.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to inspect them. A note sat neatly atop the larger box.
**Wear this.**
A smile crept onto my lips before I could stop it. I held the note in one hand while clutching the towel tightly with the other.
Placing the note aside, I carefully opened the large box. My jaw dropped as I gasped in disbelief. Inside was a stunning gown—the latest *Jermini* silk creation.
The gown was nearly impossible to get right now. Designed by the renowned Arthur, it was a coveted piece with a waitlist stretching miles long. Yet, here it was, in front of me. How on earth had Ethan managed to get his hands on it?
Though baffled, I couldn’t resist. Gently lifting the gown from the box, I slipped it on.
The dress fit me like a second skin, hugging my curves perfectly. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, momentarily stunned. The woman staring back at me wasn’t the broken, heart-shattered Rachel from yesterday. This woman looked like someone capable of taking on the world—a stone-cold bitch ready to make everyone who wronged her pay.
I smirked at my reflection, a spark of determination flickering to life.
In the smaller box, I found a pair of equally exquisite designer shoes. At this point, I wasn’t even fazed by the luxury brand—just curious.
*How rich is goggle-glasses Ethan?*
Not that I could call him that anymore.
I made my way downstairs, where an older woman greeted me with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Ms. Rachel. I’m Victoria, the house manager.”
“Er...” How did she know my name?
“Good morning to you, too,” I said awkwardly, returning her smile.
Victoria didn’t seem offended by my hesitation. If she was, she hid it well.
“Breakfast is ready,” she said, gesturing toward the dining area.
I followed her and sat at a massive dining table overflowing with mouthwatering dishes. It was a feast fit for royalty.
“Where’s Ethan—I mean, Mr. Wright?”
The words sounded strange coming from my mouth, and my awkwardness must have shown.
Victoria smiled kindly. “Sir Wright left a few minutes ago. But he wanted me to tell you that John is waiting by the car and will take you wherever you need to go.”
“John?” I murmured, but I didn’t press further. The food was too enticing to ignore.
I spent the next half-hour savoring the delicious meal, realizing just how hungry I was after barely eating the day before.
Once I was done, I turned to Victoria. “Thank you,” I muttered quietly.
Normally, I wouldn’t bother saying thanks—that’s how much of a bitch I used to be. But Victoria was so genuinely kind, I couldn’t help it.
Stepping outside, I was greeted by a man who introduced himself.
“Good morning, ma’am. I’m John, and I’ll be your driver today.”
“Good,” I replied simply, letting him open the car door for me.
---
Half an hour later, we arrived at my family’s estate. My parents were already outside, waiting for me with stern expressions.
*Time to meet the monsters.*
Taking a deep breath, I clenched my hands into fists and stepped out of the car.
“Rachel!” My father’s voice boomed like thunder.
“Dad. Mum,” I greeted stiffly, giving each of them a small bow.
“Rachel, honey, what’s going on?” My mother approached me, cupping my face in her hands.
They didn’t tell her. It was written all over her worried eyes. My father and grandfather must have kept her in the dark, likely to avoid worsening her health.
I forced a smile. “Nothing, Mum.”
She didn’t look convinced, but thankfully, she didn’t press further.
“Let’s go inside. Grandfather is waiting,” my father said, holding the door open for me.
As soon as I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me. The room was filled with my extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles. Their judgmental stares bore into me, silently criticizing before a single word was spoken.
Whispers started almost immediately.
“How did she get Arthur’s latest design?” one aunt murmured. “Did she already find a richer man?”
I ignored them and focused on the man at the center of the room—my grandfather. His glare was icy and unrelenting.
But it wasn’t just him. Beside him sat someone who shouldn’t have been there.
“What is *she* doing here?!” I glared at the intruder—my once-best friend, Lana.
“Oh, her?” My grandfather gestured toward her dismissively, but his tone softened as he spoke. “Lana is family.”
“*Family?*” I hissed, my anger bubbling to the surface.
What the hell was going on?