powerful boss

his father, he did not agree with that archaic and inhumane way of doing business. - I know, but I can't waste what my father built. And it is your inheritance. - From Elliot, for sure. I don't want to live in the south. - You might change your mind, maybe live in Atlanta. Just like my father, who didn't object to my dreams, I wouldn't to yours, but Elliot doesn't have the slightest chance of inheriting those lands, he would lose everything at stake or sell it for a pittance, if the business didn't go bankrupt shortly.

time. - You're being too hard on Elliot, Dad. - You know I'm right. However, he spends his days playing games and getting into fights, not to mention the women! His mother fears that he will ruin the family by marrying a lost woman. Yes, this was mom's worst nightmare. So they agreed that when Anthony graduated, he would give the South a try, but that he could leave if he wished. The fate of the eldest son was not something that worried the parents. They trusted his judgment. Anthony was the good son and Elliot the rebel who refused to go south with his family, but months later he got into more trouble and, accused of sleeping with a married woman, had to flee Philadelphia and took refuge. in the farm. Furious, Theodore demanded that he take a course. Josephine wanted him to marry a good girl. - I heard about Lily Bennet - Alice commented excitedly. - Not this one! I haven't heard good things... - Josephine had objected. - It seems that she disdains all suitors, so much so that she is becoming ill-spoken. - The father is very rich - Alice had insisted. - I don't want to get married. Never! - Elliot refuted. -But you're right, Dad, I'm going to fix my life. Three months ago Elliot enlisted in the newly formed Confederate army, on the same day that Georgia seceded from the Union. The troops had been recruited exclusively from farmers' sons, but wealthy farmers were few in the county. To gather a complete troop it was necessary to recruit children of small farmers, forest hunters and poor whites. And like every recruit, Elliot was eager for war. He met with the troops twice a week to exercise and cheer for the start of the war. However, these exercises always ended in brothels and it was not uncommon for fights to start and end in confusion. Anthony thought it was all endless nonsense. It would be much easier if the southern masters agreed to give up their slaves and move forward with a new work model. His father was already doing this there on the farm, gradually freeing the slaves and paying them a salary for anyone who wanted to stay. - Do you really have to talk about this boring subject of war? - Alice sighed, sitting against a tree, as she stroked Anthony's hair, lying in her lap. - I hope there are no conflicts! It would be horrible, since we are from the north. - That didn't stop Elliot from joining the Confederate army - Anthony commented ironically. The parents were against Elliot's entry into the army, after all, they didn't even agree with the ideals of the Confederates, but at the same time they thought it was good that Elliot was involved in something serious for a change. They also hoped that the war would never happen, but the South remained firm in not giving in to President Lincoln. - I hope so. I'm looking forward to it - Elliot commented sitting next to Alice. -To kill Yankees? For God's sake, Elliot! - Alice complained. - We are Yankees. - No more. It's in the south now, baby. - I'm marrying a Yankee banker! "But didn't you say your dear Aidan is moving to Atlanta? - Yes, he finds it interesting to expand business to the south. - Well, we're all Southerners now. -Do you really think the Confederate army has a chance, Elliot? You know there isn't - Alice objected. - Yes, we do! - There are no cannon factories in the south. There is not a single warship! If war breaks out, the north can blockade ports within a week, preventing cotton exports. The north has thousands of immigrants willing to fight in exchange for food and a few dollars. They have shipyards and iron and coal mines. All the South has is cotton and arrogance. - Keep talking like that and you won't be able to find any brides in the region, since they are all daughters of those southern farmers that you are criticizing so much. Elliot laughed. - And who said I'm looking for a bride? He and Alice exchanged a look. - That's not what we heard... - And what did you hear? - Well, Mom is speculating around to find you a Southern bride. Alice laughed. -She wants you to get married and stay here. She knows he's her favorite! And Mom doesn't want me to go back to Philadelphia. Anthony tried not to feel trapped. Of course he should have suspected that this was his parents' idea. They didn't trust Elliot and he was left to inherit the family lands. Anthony hadn't come to the South looking for a bride, deep down he wasn't even thinking about it. All he would like at the moment was to rest with his family, before returning to the north and taking up his profession, which was his passion. Getting a bride was something that would probably become a wish at some point, but he hoped to be settled first. Of course, the parents thought differently. He sighed, already imagining the pressure he would suffer while he was there. - Cheer up, brother. I heard there are some really pretty beauties around here... - Elliot winked mischievously. - Elliot, don't talk like that! Anthony is not looking for an easy girl like you like! And yes, a family girl, to get married and have children! And with a dowry, of course! - I'm not going to get a bride just to satisfy our parents. This is ridiculous. - Don't be so against the idea. It could be fun! - If these women are anything like your empty-headed friends, I'm out. Alice pulled her brother's hair to punish me, making me laugh. - Well, I hope you fall in love and stay close to me, since Elliot is apparently going to war. Tomorrow Dad is going to dinner at the Bennets' house, our neighbors. And I bet this invitation was for you to meet Lily Bennet, the most famous girl in the region! - I've heard of Lily Bennet! - Elliot commented. - There was an idiot in my detail who was in love with her. But he was dispatched, just like all the suitors. They say she is a cold-hearted shrew. - However, beautiful! - Alice continued. - Mom wouldn't be happy if she laid eyes on the beautiful heiress Bennet, that's for sure. She thinks you deserve better. - But if Anthony falls in love with the girl Bennet, he's in trouble, she doesn't like anyone, from what they say. -Stop talking as if I weren't here. I doubt I'd be interested in this bitch Bennet, so don't worry. I will do my part in this hunt for the ideal bride, as Mother wants, but I doubt that I will find a potential wife among the marriageable girls in the county. Much less one with this girl's fame. It's easier for the South to win the war than for me to fall in love with Lily Bennet. Chapter 1 - Girl, you're still in bed, you have to get up. Lily let her gaze wander to the maid who was looking at her with regret. It had been a few weeks since the fateful day when everything collapsed around her. Her broken engagement. Anthony going off to war hating her. All your hope of a happy destiny disappearing like smoke. All that remains is the emptiness of colorless days. - I don't want to - Lily sighed, sulking. - Look at the girl, she's pale, haggard! You need to sunbathe... - I don't have the slightest desire to leave here, Bessie. Leave me! The days passed by her,

come in here and force you to get up? I'm sure your mother will sort you out. I don't know what else to come up with so she doesn't find out how sad the girl is! She should tell the whole truth about the engagement, girl. Lily took a deep breath. Bessie was right. It was already becoming very difficult to bear her mother's questions. Of course she didn't know anything, she thought her sadness was because Anthony had gone to war. Lily had thought countless times about telling her parents the truth, but she still lacked the courage.

- Will the girl get up, or will I have to call Dona Candy? - the maid threatened and Lily decided to agree with her. She threw the covers aside. - Very good! Look at the sun outside! Why don't you go horse riding, or take a walk near the lake? The girl liked it so much. - Yes, you're right. As soon as Bessie helped her get ready, she left the room, still in no mood. As she passed through the corridor, she came face to face with Rosamund and did as she had been doing since the fateful night, summarily ignoring her. - How long are you going to act like this towards me? - She heard Rosamund ask behind her. Lily wanted to keep walking away, but she turned and stared at her coldly. - Forever. Rosamund approached. And Lily noticed for the first time how pale she looked. The haggard face and deep dark circles around the eyes. Was it remorse? Lily thought wryly. - You can't go without talking to me forever. - Yes, I can and that's exactly what will happen, so get used to it. And if I'm bothering you, you can leave, I'm sure no one will miss you. I won't feel it! - Lily walked away from Rosamund, determined. The worst thing is that she didn't hate her. She only felt sorry. Rosamund was a cold and envious creature, it was that simple, and there was no point in feeling anger towards poor-spirited people like her. So the days went by. The Confederate troops commanded by General Robert Lee were advancing on those to the north, but Lily still felt sad and lethargic, unlike the others who were concerned about the conflicts taking place not far away. She tried to stay in her room, just in her own company or she would take refuge in the garden near the lake, like now. However, when she left the house, she saw a man approaching on horseback. - Miss, Lily? - Yes. - Lily recognized the postman, who placed an envelope in her hands. - Letter to you. Lily felt her heart stop. It would be possible? Had Anthony written to him? - Thanks! - She thanked the young man who galloped away. Trembling, Lily walked to the edge of the lake and opened the letter, but her smile faded when she saw who the letter was from. Jake. He had fulfilled his promise and written to her. Holding back her disappointment, Lily read the missive. He had that same carefree tone that characterized Jake. Telling about his days as a soldier for now, still in a training camp in South Carolina and his desire to become a hero. Lily finished reading the letter and closed it, walking back to the house. She was approaching the house when she saw Rosamund, who was holding onto a tree, and vomiting. -Rosamund? Are you well? The girl turned to look at her, she was pale and sweaty. - Yes, I'm great, don't you see? - She refuted her ironically, wiping her sweaty forehead. - No, it's not. I've really noticed that you're looking pale lately... - Have you noticed? I thought you weren't interested in how I feel. - I don't need to care to notice that there is something wrong with you! Is sick? - And if so? What interests you? - She tried to move away, but Lily grabbed her arm. - What do you have, Rosamund? - She insisted. Rosamund pulled her arm away. - Do you really want to know? I'm Pregnant! Lily was silent for a moment, shocked. - What? - She stammered, thinking she had heard wrong. - That's exactly what you heard, I'm pregnant! - But how... I don't understand. You can't be pregnant! - I wish I wasn't! - Rosamund, this is very serious! If you're expecting a child... that would imply... - That I gave myself to some man? - Rosamund completed. - Yes, you couldn't have done such a thing! - If I'm pregnant, it's obvious that I did it. -But who...whose son is this, Rosamund? - From Elliot Crawford! Lily's eyes widened in disbelief. - You and Elliot... You couldn't have done that! - Well, I did. And you know what, I regret it. Very. - Her voice was full of bitterness. - Because Elliot Crawford is a scoundrel and said he was going to marry me! But you must be satisfied, right? When your parents find out I'm pregnant, they'll throw me off the farm and you'll finally be free from my presence! - You have to tell Elliot. Rosamund laughed. -He's at war, God knows where! -Then to the Crawford family. -Do you think they would believe me? They hate us! These days, Josephine and Alice Crawford crossed the street when I passed! They turned their faces to me, as Anthony certainly told me about the end of the engagement and its circumstances. And I don't know if you noticed that Alice got married, and we weren't even invited! So get real, Lily. Rosamund walked away and Lily hugged her body, shaking. Rosamund was pregnant. Pregnant with Elliot Crawford. What would happen now? Rosamund was right about one thing: when her father found out, she would be thrown out of there. And it would be done well, Lily thought bitterly. Rosamund would pay for everything he had done to her. Lily was walking down the stairs, distracted, when she saw Rosamund standing on the threshold. She had that same pale look and tense look. She should definitely be thinking about how long she could hide her interesting state. It had been two months since Rosamund had told her the news. And now they barely spoke to each other. Before telling her that she was pregnant, Rosamund was still trying to keep in touch with Lily, but after that day, her cousin ignored her too. Lily just came downstairs and her mother called them to lunch. She didn't have the slightest desire to

food. And Candy had noticed too. - Rosamund, dear, are you feeling well? Rosamund couldn't respond, she was so green. - You look very strange, dear, I've been noticing this sudden discomfort of yours for some time now, you're always feeling sick, you're pale, you don't eat certain foods... - Then Candy stopped, realizing what she was saying and Lily knew what she was thinking.

. She could see Candy's mind working fast, gathering information and coming to the only plausible conclusion. Rosamund turned even whiter, while her aunt stared at her in horror. Even Frank had stopped eating and was watching them, confused. -What do you mean, Candy, Rosamund is sick? - He asked looking from one to the other. Candy looked at Rosamund with barely contained fury. - Tell me it's not true, Rosamund. I can't believe something like this would be possible under my own roof! With my own goddaughter! Rosamund blinked away the tears and raised her head, looking at her aunt. - Yes, auntie, that's exactly what you're thinking. I'm Pregnant. Candy let out an exclamation of horror and began to fan herself with her linen fan. - No, it's not possible! How embarrassing! How horrible! Frank got up and banged the table, furious. -Is that really true, Rosamund? Rosamund nodded, mortified. - I can't believe I put her in my house, just to embarrass us like that! And who is the father? Tell me! - He went to war... - Rosamund replied in a low voice. - Who is he? There's no point trying to hide this information! He will have to repair the harm he has done! Lily looked at all the confusion. Candy fanned herself calling the maid, her father shouted angrily at Rosamund who was crying with her head down. - What's the point of knowing who he is if he'll never marry me? I don't even know if I'd like to marry him! - Insult! How can you say such nonsense? But if he doesn't make amends for the harm he's done, you'll have to leave this house! Grab your things and go! Rosamund turned pale with terror. - But uncle, where will I go? My mother won't want to receive me in this state... - I don't care! From today onwards she is not considered a member of that family! Go back to your mother, if she will accept you. - Mary will never accept her after what she did! - Candy interjected. - I will try to tell her myself what you were capable of, Rosamund. How embarrassing! If they find out, we will never be able to hold our heads high again, no decent family will welcome us, we will be banished from society... My God! If the Crawfords find out, they will definitely end the engagement. We're lost! Do you see what you did? You destroyed our family! Lily couldn't help but laugh at that comment. Their engagement was already over, a long time ago, and not because of Rosamund's indiscretion. And yes, herself, she thought bitterly. - Come on, Rosamund! - Frank grabbed Rosamund's arms. -Either tell the name of that bastard's father, or get out of my sight. Rosamund looked at Lily, desperate. -Aren't you going to do anything? You can't let them throw me out on the street, Lily! You need to help me! Lily looked at her. And she was overcome by a wave of grief for her tormentor. Even after everything Rosamund had done, destroying her happiness, driving Anthony away forever, Lily still felt sorry for her cousin. She was just a creature who let herself be carried away by envy and ambition, not measuring the consequences of her actions. Furthermore, the child she gave birth to was not to blame for her mother's mistakes. She thought she could be herself in that situation. If she had given herself to Anthony, as she certainly came close to doing, it could have been her there, pregnant and being thrown out of the house. Maybe she would like someone to intercede for her. - Daddy, leave her - she asked, getting up from the chair, when she saw him dragging her cousin out of the room. They stopped halfway and everyone stared at her in astonishment. - You can't expel her, she's her goddaughter. - How not? Don't you see what you did with her foolishness? She threw our name into the mud. You can't stay in this house! - Your father is right, Lily. - Candy also approached. - Can't you see that it takes not only her into the mud, but you too? Have you ever wondered what your fiancé will think of this? - He's not my fiancé anymore! - Lily blurted out tired of that charade. - How not? He just went to war... - Candy stammered in confusion. -What kind of joke is this, Lily? - Frank demanded. - That's exactly what you heard. Anthony broke off the engagement before going to war. Frank let go of Rosamund and approached his daughter. Candy also had her attention on Lily. Rosamund's problem momentarily forgotten. -Anthony was here the day he went to war, and there was no word about breaking the engagement! - He lied. - Lily felt the tears fall, defeated and tired. - He broke up with me on the night of the engagement and then the war broke out. -That's nonsense! - I wish it were, but it isn't. The truth is that Anthony and I are no longer getting married. - If that's true. Why did he break up with you? Lily looked at her parents, who were waiting for an answer. What to say? The truth. She thought. Now was the moment of truth. She no longer saw any reason to preserve herself. - Just before the war broke out, on the night of the party, Anthony came to my room and caught me with another man. - What? - they asked at the same time. - I was with Jake. -Jake Dawson? Son of our old foreman? Lily nodded. - Do you remember when we were robbed on the road, Mom? Jake was the bandit who robbed us. I fell in love with him, at least I thought I was in love with him at the time. And I would find him in the dead of night, secretly. He threw pebbles at my window and I went to him. I wanted him to give up the life he was leading, to come and talk to you, Dad, to ask for my hand, but that never happened. And before you ask, no, I didn't give in to him. Not just because of convention, but because as I discovered later, I never really loved him. Then Anthony appeared. That was why, Dad, I didn't want to