Unexpected turns

When Harriet's eyes finally fluttered open, weeks later, Constance sat in a jail cell as Vernon nursed his bruises, his privileged upbringing ensuring she took the brunt of the punishment.

Harriet was forced to make an unconscionable choice - to remain with her cruel family who treated her like a second class citizen in her own family or follow the mother who had guarded over her.

Despite the fleeting moments of joy they shared, Harriet's lifetime of conditioning won out.

She chose to stay with the powerful Vanderbilts, her familia connection meaning nothing compared to their status and wealth.

Constance's heart shattered anew as Harriet was swiftly sent away to a boarding school, their bond severed before it could ever truly take root.

She was only thirteen then.

Another nine excruciatingly long years crawled by before Constance finally saw her daughter Harriet again, freshly returned from her schooling abroad.