The Lost Heiress Returned: Stay With Me, My Two-Faced Goddess

It was the peak of summer, and the space outside the City Hall in Oqruron was alive with activity.

Cathleen Stewart stood within the crowd, tiny beads of perspiration gathering across her forehead.

The smooth skin of her face and her long lashes made her strikingly beautiful, so much so that people found it hard not to stare. Yet her detached, almost distant air felt oddly mismatched with the oppressive heat and the surrounding commotion.

She was dressed in a worn-out shirt paired with simple jeans-her daily clothing.

She had spent the past twenty years living in isolation deep in the mountains. Never once had she expected that her first step after leaving that life behind would be getting married.

Her thoughts drifted back to the final words of Erin Warren, the person who had taken her in when she was an infant. She tilted her head slightly, looking up at the sky. Without a watch or a phone, she had no choice but to judge the time by the position of the sun.

By her estimate, it was close to three in the afternoon. A faint frown formed between her brows.

It was already three, yet the man she was meant to marry still hadn't shown up.

The blare of a car horn suddenly broke her thoughts. A black Maybach sedan slowly rolled to a stop beside the leaning tree nearby.

The passenger door swung open, and a well-dressed man stepped out briskly. He moved to the rear of the vehicle and opened the door with clear deference for whoever sat inside.

When the man seated in the back stepped out, even Cathleen found herself slightly taken aback, one eyebrow lifting.

His face was sharply defined, with a clean, angular jaw. He stood tall, his presence commanding, his broad shoulders tapering down to a trim waist. Both his build and appearance could only be described as flawless.

"Cathleen Stewart?" he asked, his tone cold as the words left his lips.

Cathleen met his eyes and gave a small nod. "Yes, that's me."

"I'm Matthew Spencer. Let's go." Without another word, he turned and headed straight for the entrance, making no effort to wait for her.

Momentarily caught off guard, Cathleen hurried after him and called out, "Wait!"

Matthew stopped and glanced back with a slight scowl, his eyes carrying an unmistakable warning. "I only have ten minutes for this."

A hint of irritation stirred within Cathleen. Was he really that eager to rush through a marriage?

Erin had once owed Matthew's grandfather, Edmund Spencer, a significant debt of gratitude. As she lay dying, she made Cathleen promise to marry into the Spencer family as a way of repaying that favor. If not for that obligation, Cathleen would have turned around and left the instant she encountered someone as insufferable as Matthew.

Before Cathleen could respond, Matthew had already entered the City Hall.

Years of rigorous physical training in the mountains had kept Cathleen in excellent condition, so despite Matthew's long strides and brisk pace, she had no trouble keeping up with him.

What followed was over almost as quickly as it began: documents filled out, signatures exchanged, formalities completed.

Ten minutes later, Cathleen and Matthew emerged from the City Hall, walking out one after the other.

Just before getting into the car, Matthew paused, turned back, and handed her a bank card. "There's no limit to this card, and it doesn't require a PIN. Use it however you like. Our place is House 16 in Ravine Estates. The entry code is four eights."

Without another word, he slid into the car, not bothering to look back, leaving Cathleen standing in the lingering haze of exhaust.

She lowered her eyes to the card in her hand. During her years up in the mountains, she had relied almost entirely on cash whenever she came down to buy essentials, rarely ever using a bank card.

With little thought, she slipped it into her backpack, then turned and headed off in the opposite direction.

...

The Stewart family had gathered around the dining table. A birthday cake sat at the center as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to the young woman seated in the middle-Ashley Stewart.

"Go ahead and make a wish, Ashley!" her mother, Suzanne Stewart, said warmly, smiling.

Ashley brought her hands together, her face glowing with delight.

"So, what is your wish for this year?" her father, Bruce Stewart, asked, gently tousling her hair with clear affection.

Ashley blinked playfully and replied in a light, teasing tone, "Dad, if I say it out loud, it won't come true!"

Cathleen was actually Bruce and Suzanne's biological daughter. Today, the Stewarts were supposed to bring her back, yet not one of them was willing to make the trip to that remote mountain area. Instead, they stayed at home, celebrating Ashley's birthday. Though they had recently discovered Ashley was not related to them by blood, it didn't affect their love for her. After all, they had raised her with great care for two decades.

Kevan Stewart, the Stewart couple's first son, handed her a gift wrapped in luxury-brand packaging. "It's the bag you've been wanting, Ashley. I ordered it from Miaburgh."

Ashley's eyes lit up with excitement. She immediately wrapped her arms around him and said sweetly, "I knew you were the best brother ever!"

Kevan smiled at her, his expression full of fondness. "Of course I am. I'll always pamper my little sister."

Ashley pulled back slightly, though a trace of unease flickered in her eyes. "But I won't be your only sister anymore."

At that, Kevan's expression changed, and a cold look passed over his otherwise handsome face.

Outside the house, Cathleen was speaking to the butler. "I'm part of the family. Could you let them know I'm here, please?"

The butler looked her over disdainfully, as though she were something unclean. He stepped back noticeably, increasing the distance between them, and said with irritation, "The family is busy celebrating Miss Stewart's birthday. Whatever you need can wait until tomorrow. And look at what you're wearing; don't come in here and spoil everyone's mood."

Though he mumbled the last part under his breath, Cathleen caught every word.

A faint coldness settled into her eyes as she glared at him.

He was about to continue with harsher remarks, but something in her eyes unsettled him enough that the words stuck in his throat.

Ignoring him completely, Cathleen surveyed the area, then stepped forward and pressed the fire alarm mounted on the wall.

At once, a piercing alarm rang throughout the house. Within moments, people began rushing out.

Bruce's voice rang out angrily. "What's going on here?"

The butler quickly moved forward to explain, and only then did the Stewarts turn their attention toward Cathleen.

Suzanne parted her lips as if she were about to speak and even took a step forward, but Ashley quickly looped her arm through hers.

Bruce and Kevan both maintained rigid expressions, while Ashley, positioned between them, didn't bother concealing the challenge and contempt in her eyes.

Cathleen absorbed the scene quietly. It was obvious to her that no one was happy to see her.

Still, it made no difference to her. She casually walked over with her backpack on and greeted every one of them.

Bruce responded with nothing more than a brief nod before turning around and heading back inside.

The rest followed after him.

The moment Cathleen stepped into the house, her eyes fell on the birthday cake arranged on the table and the decorations covering the walls. A cold smile appeared at the corners of her lips.

Two decades earlier, Kevan, who was a small child back then, had accidentally switched the name tags on the hospital bassinets. Because of that mistake, Ashley had been brought home by the Stewarts, while Cathleen ended up abandoned by Ashley's parents and left outside in the bitter cold.

If Erin hadn't happened to come down from the mountains and notice her, Cathleen would not have survived that winter.

The Stewart family had uncovered the truth and tracked her down a month ago, yet they had made no effort to bring her back.

It was only after Edmund called, requesting that Cathleen marry his grandson, that they finally decided to bring her back today.

Cathleen had waited the entire morning in the mountains, but no one had ever showed up.

Now she realized they had been preoccupied with celebrating Ashley's birthday.

Cathleen's eyes dimmed slightly. She had a feeling that her parents had long since forgotten that today was her birthday as well.

"Something came up today, so we were delayed and couldn't go pick you up," Bruce said, his tone carrying little warmth for the daughter who was essentially a stranger to him. He walked to the table, took a seat, and got straight to the matter at hand. "We wanted you back to talk about the marriage with the Spencer family."

At the mention of the Spencer family, the others, who had remained silent until then, began to chime in.

Suzanne started with a few perfunctory expressions of concern. When Cathleen didn't react, she turned impatient. She went on to lavish praise on Matthew while repeatedly elevating Ashley, making it unmistakably clear that she believed Cathleen was not a suitable match and that only Ashley deserved that position.

After finishing her speech, Suzanne spoke in a soft yet firm tone. "Ashley has always had feelings for Matthew. You should let her take your place in this marriage."

"I know this isn't fair to you, but we'll compensate you," Bruce added. "You've never had any formal education, so I'll arrange for you to attend a good school."

Kevan let out a derisive snort. "You're just an uneducated girl from some backwater. You can't compare to Ashley. Why would someone like Matthew ever choose you?"

A flicker of satisfaction flashed through Ashley's eyes, though she quickly masked it with a shy expression. "Don't say that, Kevan. Matthew isn't someone who looks down on others. Besides, Cathleen simply never had the opportunity to study. I can help her with it from now on."

"Are you all done?" Cathleen raised her eyes and, in an even tone, delivered a statement that stunned them all. "Matthew and I are already married."

"What? You and Matthew are already married?" After making sure he'd heard correctly, Bruce brought his fist down hard on the table. "Marriage isn't something to be taken lightly. Do you think this is some game?"

The news was enough to bring tears to Ashley's eyes. Noticing her distress, Suzanne and Kevan hurried over, offering words to soothe her.

Cathleen, in contrast, remained perfectly upright, her expression unreadable. "Three days ago, Edmund personally visited Erin to formally discuss this marriage. If you have a problem with it, take it up with him instead of interrogating me."

Holding the visibly shaken Ashley in her arms, Suzanne felt her irritation toward Cathleen grow even stronger. She shot Cathleen a sharp, icy look. "You did this to take the man Ashley loves, didn't you?"

Kevan chimed in with clear annoyance, "Mom, why even bother arguing with someone like her? She's just envious because we've always cherished Ashley. This is nothing more than petty revenge on her part."

"Please... don't say that! If Cathleen has feelings for Matthew too, I can step aside..." Ashley's voice faltered as she completely broke down in tears.

Suzanne's heart tightened at the sight. She gently wiped Ashley's tears away. "Sweetheart, what are you saying? That marriage was meant to be yours from the start. Don't worry; I'll fix this for you."

She turned toward Cathleen, the warmth in her eyes instantly replaced with cold disdain. "I understand you may hold resentment toward us, but that doesn't justify taking the man your sister loves. Cathleen, you're my daughter as well. I'll find you another suitable match. As for Matthew, you need to return him to Ashley."

"And how exactly do you expect me to do that?" Cathleen shot back.

"Get a divorce," Bruce said flatly, leaving no room for disagreement. "Go file the paperwork tomorrow. I'll handle Edmund myself. All you need to do is end things with Matthew."

Cathleen gave a slow nod. "Since Ashley loves Matthew so much, then..."

She let the sentence hang on purpose. The others visibly relaxed, convinced she was finally about to give in.

Ashley fixed her eyes on Cathleen, her eyes brimming with expectation.

A faint smile curved Cathleen's lips as she went on, "I have no intention of divorcing him."

"What did you just say?" Bruce's voice shook with anger. Turning to the butler, he barked, "Bring me the whip!"

The butler hurried off and returned moments later with it.

Ashley made a show of stepping forward as if to stop him, yet her words only made things worse. "Dad, I'm sure Cathleen didn't mean to talk back to you like that. She's been living in the mountains for so long without proper guidance, so it's not surprising if her behavior is a bit rough around the edges. And after being away from you for all these years, it's only natural she might feel a little distant."

Her remarks hit home for Bruce. Cathleen, who had been absent for years, could never compare to Ashley, the daughter he had cherished and taken pride in for twenty years.

Ashley was bright, considerate, and deeply devoted. Cathleen, on the other hand, had challenged him outright from the moment she returned. If he didn't put her in her place now, how could he expect to keep authority over this household?

"She needs to learn her place!" Bruce snapped, lifting the whip with fury. "Cathleen, since no one bothered to teach you manners these past twenty years, I'll do it myself as your father. Let's see if you still dare to show such disrespect after this!"

With that, he lashed the whip toward Cathleen.

Out of the corner of her eye, Cathleen caught the unmistakable satisfaction in Ashley's expression. Her lips pressed together. She had tolerated enough. Did they really think she would just stand there and take it?

In an instant, she reached out and pulled Ashley in front of her. The whip struck down swiftly and forcefully. With a sharp crack, a vivid red mark spread across Ashley's cheek, her face swelling almost immediately.

"Ah!" Ashley screamed. Everyone in the living room went pale, except for Cathleen.

"Ashley!" Bruce never imagined the whip would strike Ashley instead. He let it fall from his hand and hurried over to her. The sight of the mark on her face made his chest tighten with pain. His eyes burned with anger as he stared at Cathleen. "Cathleen, she's your sister! How could you be so cruel as to use her as a shield?"

Cathleen lowered her eyes briefly before meeting his eyes with icy indifference. "You were the one swinging it. How is that my responsibility?"

"I was aiming at you! If you weren't so vicious, Ashley wouldn't have been hurt!" Bruce snapped, his temper boiling over as his words struck Cathleen like blades.

A faint, frosty smile touched Cathleen's lips. "You never acted like a father to me. What gives you the right to lecture me now?"

Bruce was beyond furious. "You've completely lost control. Get out! And don't even think about coming back here without my permission."

Cathleen had no interest in continuing the argument. She turned toward the butler. "Where's my room?"

After walking all day, she was drained. There was no chance she was leaving. Bruce had no authority over her.

The butler, still stunned, instinctively pointed to a room on the second floor.

Cathleen gave a small nod. "Thanks."

As she headed upstairs without sparing anyone a glance, Bruce shook with rage. "Cathleen! Didn't you hear me? Stop right where you are!"

Without turning around, she flicked her hand dismissively. "If anyone's leaving, it should be you. I don't have time for this."

With that, she disappeared around the staircase corner, leaving the rest of the family fuming in the chaos she left behind.

Bruce clutched his chest, cursing under his breath. "What an ungrateful girl! I never should've allowed her to come back."

Through her tears, Ashley spoke up. "Dad, she and Matthew are already married. What about me?"

Still seething, Bruce grew even more impatient. "They're legally married. What do you expect me to do? At the end of the day, she's still my daughter. We're not losing anything from this marriage."

Ashley tightened her fists, her face filled with hurt and resentment. "Yeah, you're right. Cathleen is your biological daughter. I'm just-"

Kevan couldn't bear to hear her diminish herself and cut her off. "Ashley, don't say things like that. To me, you're my only sister. Cathleen means nothing."

"Ashley, hearing you say that breaks my heart. Don't you know how much I've cherished you all these years?" Suzanne quickly added, trying to comfort her.

Ashley pouted slightly. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm just scared that once Cathleen is back, you won't love me the same way."

"How could that ever happen? You're the most important person to us. That will never change."

Upstairs, Cathleen leaned against the wall, looking down at the display of family affection below. A look of contempt crossed her face before she turned and walked into her room.

...

At the Spencer residence, the moment Matthew stepped into the living room, Edmund's lively voice rang out. "Did you get married?"

Matthew let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you have someone following me? You should already know the answer."

Edmund's lips pressed into a thin line, though he seemed used to Matthew's open defiance. "Since you're married now, why did you come back alone? Where is your wife?"

Matthew handed his suit jacket to a nearby servant. "She's at the new house you arranged for us."

"The one in Ravine Estates?" Edmund was quick to catch on. It took him only a second to understand Matthew's intentions, and his aged face darkened. "Get out!"

Matthew looked slightly confused, his brows knitting together. "I already married her like you wanted. What else are you expecting from me?"

Edmund shot back sharply, "I want a great-grandchild!"

"Not happening," Matthew replied without hesitation.

Marrying a complete stranger was already pushing his limits. Having a child with her was something he wouldn't even consider.

Edmund slammed the tip of his cane against the floor, the sharp sound echoing as his commanding voice filled the room. "You're moving into Ravine Estates right now. And find an appropriate time to bring her back, so she can be properly introduced to our family. After that, arrange a wedding ceremony. She's had a hard life since she was young. You should treat her well from now on."

Matthew's tone dropped, cold and restrained. "Don't push me too far."

Edmund didn't flinch. Instead, he played his strongest card. "Listen-if you refuse, you'll spend the rest of your life without ever learning the truth about what happened back then."

A sharp chill flickered through Matthew's eyes, though his face stayed composed.

Edmund could tell that he had struck a nerve. Clearing his throat, he eased his tone. "Just yesterday, an old friend of mine called to brag about his great-grandson. I'm not getting any younger; I've got one foot in the grave already. Is it really too much to hope I can see my own great-grandchild before I go? Besides, she doesn't seem bothered by the age gap. You should consider yourself lucky."

For a moment, Matthew had no response.

He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek before finally speaking through clenched teeth. "This is the last time."

Edmund ignored the warning entirely. In families like theirs, marrying first and developing feelings later was nothing unusual. He had already looked into Cathleen; she was straightforward, kind, and gentle, a perfect balance for someone like Matthew, who was quiet, guarded, and emotionally distant.

Seeing Matthew finally relent, Edmund acted quickly, worried he might change his mind. He immediately said to a nearby servant, "Pack Matthew's belongings and send everything over to Ravine Estates."

Matthew didn't bother arguing further. He slipped the jacket he had just removed back on and walked out, his expression dark.

Standing nearby, the butler, Laurence Brooks, watched him leave with concern. "Sir, do you really think he'll cooperate this time?"

Edmund let out a dismissive snort. "I've got him cornered. He wouldn't dare go against me."

Laurence had served the Spencer family for more than thirty years, attending to Edmund personally all that time.

He poured a cup of coffee and handed it over. "Do you truly have that much faith in Cathleen? She grew up in the mountains, and from what I've heard, the Stewart couple never cared much for her. They treat Ashley like she's priceless, while Cathleen was neglected. She was raised in a poor, remote area, likely uneducated and lacking refinement. Is she really suitable for Matthew?"

Edmund accepted the cup and scoffed lightly. "Of course she is. The Stewarts simply don't recognize value when they see it."

Laurence said nothing more.

As if something had just come to mind, Edmund added, "Bring me my phone. I'm going to call Cathy."

It was the first time Laurence had ever seen Edmund show such personal concern for someone, which made it clear that the young woman must have something special about her.

Cathleen had just finished freshening up and was now sitting cross-legged on her bed, meditating, when she felt a faint vibration against her finger.

It was a habit she had maintained since childhood.

Her communication device was something she had designed herself, cleverly disguised as a ring on her index finger.

Beyond basic communication, it could also be taken apart and reassembled into a compact, high-performance computer when needed.

The subtle vibration made her finger tingle slightly. She frowned at first, but the moment she saw the caller ID, her expression softened. "Hello, Mr. Spencer."

"Oh, hi, Cathy!" Edmund said in a bright, cheerful tone. "Matthew just headed over to Ravine Estates. After all, tonight is your wedding night."

Cathleen waited quietly until he finished speaking before replying, "I'm not there."

Edmund paused, caught off guard. "You're not? Where are you then?"

"I'm at home with my family," Cathleen answered.

"Oh dear, that's on me," Edmund said apologetically. "My memory isn't what it used to be. I'm getting forgetful. It's your first day back home; of course you'd be having a proper meal with your family."