She Mourns in Autumn, I Buried My Husband in Winter novel
He always said, Sarah, shes pitiful. Dont worry, Ill be back soon.
I got used to him disappearing for three months every year until a business trip to Eldravia, where I saw a five-year-old girl with him.
Daddy, why do you only stay with Mommy and me for three months each year? I want you with us longer.
My husband hugged her and held his childhood sweethearts hand. Daddys situation is special, Lindsay. Be good. When you turn 18, Ill take you home to meet your grandparents.
I quietly prepared to leave, pretending to know nothing. When autumn turned to winter, my husband called, saying, Isabellas doing better. Ill be back tomorrow.
I looked at the coffin and the prepared letter, smiling coldly. Alright, Ill be waiting for you.
One early autumn afternoon in Varinthia, I froze in shock as I saw my husband, Matt, feeding pigeons with a little girl.
Daddy, why do you only stay with Mommy and me for three months each year? I want more time with you.
My mind went blank. Where did Matt get this child? Maybe I heard wrong, or perhaps he cared for Isabellas daughter so much that he treated her like his own and the little girl simply called him Daddy.
Isabella leaned on Matts shoulder and said softly, Matt, Ive been with you for seven years without a title and Lindsay is already five. Do you really want us to wait another 13 years?
Matt sighed. I have no choice, Isabella. Our families have been tied by marriage for generations, so I had to marry Sarah. Shes only my wife in name. If she finds out about you, the Thornton Family might hurt you.
He paused, his voice firm. Dont worry. When Lindsay turns 18, shell have the right to inherit the Garner Family estate. By then, everything will be settled and Sarah wont be able to stop it.
Isabella nodded and touched her belly. Alright. But you cant have children with her, or Lindsay and this baby will be treated badly.
Matt gently touched Isabellas still-flat belly. Dont worry. Lindsay and this son are all I need.
He whispered, Ive been secretly giving Sarah medicine so she cant get pregnant. Our familys feud with the Thornton Family should end with me.
Something in me snapped. So thats why. Id been married for six years and never conceived. The doctor said I was healthy, yet I still couldnt get pregnant.
Sienna had comforted me kindly, saying, Dont worry. Having a child takes time and fate.
So he was the reason. Anger replaced my shock and pain. My hands trembled as I grabbed my phone.
Auntie, Matt cheated on me. Im following the Thornton Familys rules. Please make a coffin big enough for three.
The next afternoon, I accidentally went to Solmere, their favorite spot. When Matt saw me, his smile vanished and panic filled his face.
Sarah? What are you doing here?
I smiled and took his arm. I was in Varinthia for work and thought Id surprise you since youre here too.
Matt forced a smile. It really is a surprise
At that moment, a timid voice called out, Hubby
Isabella walked over holding two ice creams. When she saw me, she stopped and went pale.
I looked at her with a teasing smile. Who did you just call Hubby?
Isabella trembled, quickly shook her head and avoided my eyes. No, Mrs. Thornton, you misheard. I was calling Mr. Garner. She was so nervous she almost gave herself away.
I smiled faintly at her flushed face. Miss Manning, you seem well. Looks like your autumn melancholy has improved.
Isabella forced a smile. The weathers been good lately Im feeling a bit better.
Just then, the little girl ran over, hugged Matts legs and called out brightly, Daddy!
The word Daddy froze the air. Matts face went pale as he quickly bent down to the girl. Lindsay, thats wrong. You should call me godfather, not Daddy.
The little girl pouted, ready to speak, but Isabella quickly shoved the ice cream into her mouth. Go eat over there! Dont interrupt while were talking to Auntie!
The girl frowned and complained, Mom, I dont like vanilla. Thats Daddys favorite!
Isabellas face went pale and she quickly handed her a chocolate ice cream. Here, go eat over there
Stop, I said calmly.
They froze, Isabella trembling slightly. I stepped forward, took off my necklace and handed it to the little girl.
This is our first meeting, so Ill give this to you as a gift.
The girl stared at the necklace curiously and said, This looks like a bullet.
Youve got a good eye, I said calmly. It is a bullet. Someone once tried to rob your godfather and I took that bullet for him before removing it myself.
The girls eyes widened in awe. Wow, Auntie, youre amazing! You even stopped a bullet!
Matt frowned, his voice tense. Sarah, that necklace is our keepsake. It means a lot. Isnt it inappropriate to give it to a child?
I smiled at him. Why not? Since she calls you godfather, Im her godmother. Its only right to give my goddaughter a gift.
I looked at Isabella, whose face had gone pale. Isnt that right, Miss Manning?
Isabellas lips trembled as she forced a shaky smile. Then the little girl dug through her small bag, pulled out a bracelet and handed it to me. Auntie, this is for you!
My eyes widened and my expression darkened. It was a jade bracelet with a gold plaque engraved with the Thornton Familys secret emblem.
It was part of my mothers dowry, passed down through generations of Thornton women. It went missing last year and even after searching and reporting it, I couldnt find it. Turns out, he stole it and gave it to his illegitimate daughter.
When Matt saw the bracelet, his face changed. Sarah, listen! Its just a replica, not the one you lost! I only had it copied because I liked the design for the child to play with
He glared at Lindsay and said sharply, Lindsay, take it back! Its worthless. Auntie wouldnt want it!
He tried to grab the bracelet, but I was faster and took it first. No, I like it very much, I said.
Seeing their faces go pale, I added calmly, My moms bracelet is gone, so this fine imitation will do as a reminder.
I looked it over and laughed softly. The jade color is close, but the carving and details are blurry. A good imitation is still just an imitation.
Matt relaxed a little and sighed. Yeah, its nothing compared to yours.
Isabella winced, pressed a hand to her forehead and leaned toward Matt. Matt, I feel dizzy so uncomfortable
I coldly watched her poor act, my face expressionless, while Matt grew increasingly anxious. He pushed me aside and carried Isabella, glaring at me. Im taking her to rest! Shes unwell. You dont need to come!
I watched them disappear around the corner, frozen in place. Looking down at the bracelet in my hand, I wondered how much Matt had been hiding from me all these years.
I took out my phone and called the Ferguson Group in Eldravia. Harry, its me. Get me the best private investigator
After finishing everything and signing the company order, I went home. That evening, Matt video-called, saw I was home and sighed in relief.
Sarah, Isabellas illness came back and I cant leave... Im sorry you have to spend your birthday alone again.
I smiled gently. Its okay. I understand her condition is serious.
He said quickly, as if offering a treasure, I sent you a gift. It should arrive soon. Youll like it.
I glanced at the trash can filled with 999 roses and a black truffle cake, same as every year, nothing new.
I ended the call, saying I was tired. Then the private investigator texted me a photo of Matt and his family setting off fireworks for their seventh anniversary.
A wave of nausea hit me. Was I the other woman? Theyd been together seven years and Id been married to him for six; six birthdays spent alone.
Sarah, Isabellas autumn melancholy is serious. Shes an orphan. If I dont help her, no one will.
Sarah, youre so kind. Please forgive her. Shes a special case, okay?
He lied to me for six years, living with Isabella all that time. Id been such a fool.
My phone buzzed again. It was Harry. Sarah, Ive seen everything in Eldravia. Want me to teach him a lesson or deal with Isabella He didnt finish, but I knew what he meant.
My eyes turned cold. No need. Ill buy you a drink when its over.
Harry chuckled. What are we drinking?
My husbands funeral wine.
He laughed louder, unfazed. Then Ill be there with the biggest wreath.
After hanging up with Harry, I felt an overwhelming mix of exhaustion and absurdity. I once believed Matt and I were meant to be together. The Ferguson family suggested marriage, but I refused immediately.
That year in Drakmor, Matt and I were robbed at gunpoint. I took a bullet for him and he was stabbed three times protecting me. In the hospital, we looked at each others bandaged arms and laughed.
Matt, our bond is lifelong, meant to be, right?
Now, it seemed like just another lifelong challenge. The doorbell rangCamille had arrived. After checking the private investigators report, she frowned. The Garner and Thornton families have intermarried for generations. I married Matts uncle, Harley, for ten years, but it ended in a messy divorce.
She looked at me intently. You and Matt are no different. Maybe the Garner Family is rotten at its core. But Sarah, think carefully; once you act, theres no turning back. Are you really serious?
I looked up at her and nodded. He wants women on every side and to enjoy everything for himself. He swore an oath in the Thornton ancestral hall when he married me. If he betrays me, hell suffer and Ill do as I please. Retribution has come. If Heaven wont punish him, I will.
My aunt looked at me for a moment, then gave my shoulder a firm pat. Okay. If youve thought it through, Ill help you deal with the aftermath.
I knew she could handle it. Back then, Harley was a womanizer and she quietly dealt with his first two mistresses.
It wasnt until the third time that Aunt took extreme action. At the Garner Family banquet, she whipped Harley 30 times, leaving him bruised and humiliated.
This incident made Sienna personally take away Harleys inheritance. Then he returned to the Thornton Family and changed his surname.
Aunt gave Harley three chances, but I didnt. Matt had countless chances over six years, but he never changed. Id lost my patience.
Professional inspectors searched the house and finally found the drug Matt had used to poison me. I looked at the switched vitamins and smiled wryly.
For six years, except for the three months he disappeared each year, he prepared my vitamins and a glass of warm water every night. I thought he was very thoughtful.
It turned out his thoughtfulness was fake. The real plan was to poison me. He went to great lengths to stop me from getting pregnant.
Just then, the private investigators message came. Matt showed up at a top Varinthia auction house with Isabella. I checked the calendar; it was Isabellas birthday.
Every year, Matt gave me roses and cake for my birthday, but for Isabella, he went to an auction house. Trying to impress her? Then why shouldnt I help them?
I called my art consultant in Eldravia. Watch Matt. Match his bids. Our only goal is to push the final price so high it hurts him.
Understood, Mrs. Thornton.
Isabella wanted an ancient jade piece symbolizing eternal love. As Matt kept bidding, my consultant matched him closely. The price skyrocketed and Matts expression darkened.
Finally, losing his temper after another bid, he confronted my consultant in the crowd. Sir, are you targeting me on purpose? Look at who I am! Im the head of the Garner Family and son-in-law of the wealthy Thornton Family!
The consultant smiled politely. Sorry, sir. This is Eldravia. I dont know you.
Matt was furious. He gritted his teeth and shouted, Ill take it!
In the end, Matt bought the ancient jade for a shocking $28 million. I knew he didnt have enough cash to pay for it.
Sure enough, the call came soon. Sarah, the company has an urgent project and needs working capital. What do you think
I sneered inwardly but sounded concerned. How much?
$21 million.
Sure, I agreed, then shifted the topic. But Ill use the value of your Garner Group shares as collateral.
There was a pause on the other end. After a few seconds, he spoke, disbelieving. Sarah? Between us is this really necessary? He sounded deeply wronged.
I scoffed. Forget it. Ask your parents.
Hearing my firm statement, he immediately gave in. Okay.
I sent him the mortgage agreement electronically and quickly got his signature. I wanted to see how far his love for Isabella went.
Faced with power and wealth versus love and family, what would he choose? The drama was about to start.
In just over two months, the private investigator had gathered enough information to make a move. As autumn turned to winter, Matt called me, Sarah, Isabellas condition is stable. Ill be back tomorrow.
I looked at the coffin and the prepared commitment letter, a cold smile on my lips. Okay, Ill welcome you home.
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