The Heart’s Verdict Chapter 1

The day the exam rankings are released and I claim the top spot is also my older sister's birthday.

During the birthday party, everyone asks what she wishes for. She turns her head and looks straight at my fiance, her red lips curving into a smile.

"I want first place. Can you give it to me, Professor Howard?"

The man lowers his eyes, saying nothing.

The next day, my name disappears from the top of the rankings. After that, I fail to place five times in a row.

When I confront my fiance, he simply hands me a slice of sponge cake and says, "Your sister has it hard. If she can't place first at Imperial Academy five consecutive times, she'll be forced into an arranged marriage with that crippled prince. As for you, you'll have other chances in the future."

What he doesn't know is that I have no future left to wait for.

As an illegitimate daughter, my engagement only exists because my mother sacrificed her life to secure it for me.

Now, my mother is gone. And because my sister falls in love with my fiance, she makes my life miserable.

To keep up appearances, my father allows my sister to propose a wager before the family council. If she can remain the academy's top-ranked student for five consecutive years, she will be allowed to take my place in the marriage.

For that reason, I study by candlelight night after night, terrified of losing my fiance.

But now, I rub the thick calluses on my palms.

With a bitter laugh, I accept my fate.

* * *

I said, "So, that's how it is. I understand now."

Lowering my gaze, I stepped back, putting more distance between myself and my fiance, Glenn Howard.

"You should save this sponge cake for Amelia, then. After all, she's the one who's going to be your wife."

My words stunned him for a moment. Then, he frowned and angrily said, "Victoria, there's a limit to how jealous you can be. There has never been anything inappropriate between me and Amy."

Of course. Glenn was a refined gentleman who often helped young women from poor families find respectable occupations, changing countless lives in the process. Everyone praised his kindness and integrity. And at first, I thought he was simply trying to help my sister, Amelia Ashworth, too.

But he called me "Victoria", while he called her "Amy".

I didn't want to hear any more explanations. I bowed politely and turned to leave. But the moment my back was to him, tears welled in my eyes.

We had grown up together, with ten years of friendship between us. Giving it all up now made my heart ache. But I never looked back.

Before long, I found my father, Gideon Ashworth, and his wife, Penelope Kensington, waiting in the main hall.

When they saw me, they called me over warmly. The gifts they held, however, were all intended for Amelia.

Knowing I had never been the favored daughter, I stayed silent and waited for the ending that had long since been decided.

Amelia forcefully titled my chin up and extended her hand. "You lost. Honor the wager, and handover Glenn's engagement token."

I had prepared myself for this. I took out the gold locket that had been in my possession for years.

For the first time, Father looked guilty. Clearing his throat, he offered what he considered as compensation.

"Prince Colin's wedding procession will arrive on the third of next month. Since you love studying so much, you may remain at Imperial Academy a little longer."

Seven days was far too short. Yet, they would be my last few days at Imperial Academy.

"Thank you, Father."

At least they weren't dragging me home immediately to get married, right?

When I stepped outside, the sun was shining brightly. Just like every other day the exam rankings came out, the weather was beautiful.

Yet, all I felt was cold.

By the time I collected my thoughts, all the students had already gathered at the central courtyard.

A young woman passing by grabbed my arm and pulled me over.

"Well, if it isn't Victoria Ashworth, the student who dominated the Imperial Academy rankings for three straight years, yet somehow lost first place five times in a row. Why do you look so devastated?"

Her mockery was sympathy in disguise. My expression remained unchanged.

Then, one of Amelia's friends shoved me hard, saying, "Amelia felt sorry for you and was willing to let you have first place once. Now, hurry up and catch the bow. The prize was donated by Professor Howard himself."

After every examination period, the academy held a competition. Whoever could hit an apple from ten yards away would win a prize.

The last five times I'd lost the rankings, I'd never participated. But that day, a bow was forced into my hands.

Amidst the taunting stares around me, I slowly drew the string.

Once I married, pursuing a public career would require my husband's approval. Perhaps, this would be my last chance. So, I took it seriously.

I pulled the bowstring back. It suddenly snapped and tore across my hand, splitting the skin between my thumb and index finger.

The sharp pain had barely registered when a hard slap landed on my face.

Amelia pointed at the arrow that had landed near her feet, then threw herself into Glenn's arms.

"Professor Howard, Victoria has gone too far. Just because she lost five times, it doesn't mean that she can try to kill me!"

Stunned, I looked up at Glenn. His eyes, which were once so warm and gentle, met mine. I opened my mouth, wanting to say, "I didn't."

But he cut me off before I could speak, his voice as cold as ice.

"As a student, you've allowed your jealousy to endanger a fellow classmate. You will receive 20 strokes of the cane. And tonight, you will not be allowed dinner."