How To End This Marriage-Chapter 46: A Duchess’s Decision

Bernice POV continues

In the midst of my work, Grant, the ever-dutiful servant, delivered news of the attorney’s presence once more.

"Duchess, the attorney came again," he informed me, his voice holding an air of respectful urgency as he stood at the threshold of my study.

"Let him stay in the study; I will be there," I replied without breaking my focus from the papers spread before me. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"And yes, inform the Duke as well that I wish to see him," I added, my words carrying a note of curiosity. Grant’s unexpected response, however, introduced an intriguing twist to the day’s events.

"Duchess, the lord went to see his majesty this morning," he revealed, his words sparking a cascade of questions within my mind. Why had my husband sought an audience with the emperor? Could it be related to my recent confession about fearing death? Perhaps he was trying to ensure my safety, although such a notion seemed far-fetched. Or could it be linked to the unsolved mysteries surrounding the deaths of the previous Duke and Duchess? That possibility hung in the air like an unresolved enigma.

"Should I send a messenger if it’s important?" Grant inquired, offering a solution to the uncertainty.

"No, it’s okay. I can wait. But once he returns, make sure to inform me," I instructed, a sense of anticipation settling over me as I contemplated the nature of the Duke’s visit to the emperor.

With Grant’s departure, I continued to immerse myself in my work, the documents and responsibilities of my role as Duchess demanding my full attention. Thoughts of my husband’s unexpected absence and his mysterious meeting with the emperor tugged at the corners of my consciousness, but I pushed them aside, determined to fulfill my duties.

As the hours passed, I finally concluded my tasks and decided to visit the study where the attorney patiently awaited my presence. His demeanor, however, had shifted since our first meeting. He appeared even more somber, as if burdened by an unspoken weight.

"Greetings, Duchess," he greeted respectfully, bowing upon my entry.

"Greetings," I responded in kind, taking a seat before him. He handed me the paperwork he had prepared for the marriage contract, a document that had been the subject of our previous discussions.

"Duchess, I must bring up this matter again," he began, his words carrying a gravity that transcended the contract itself.

"Why? Is there something wrong with the paperwork?" I inquired, setting aside the document to address the unspoken concerns that lingered.

"No, it’s not about the contract. But I believe you should reconsider the one-year term. As you can see, the state has been facing numerous undisclosed issues, and the Duke is constantly occupied with matters of war. If you were to dissolve the marriage after just a year, it would likely lead to significant losses for the Ablia, potentially impacting the entire region," he explained. It struck me that he had seemingly overlooked a key aspect of our prior discussions.

"I understand, but why do you assume there won’t be another Duchess? The Duke is young, and he has a reputable name. He can marry anyone he desires. Nothing is beyond his reach. There could very well be a princess eager to marry him," I remarked, my fingers idly flipping through the pages of the contract.

"But, Duchess, I doubt the Duke will be able to marry again after this. It could affect him in various ways, and people may question why his wife left him within a year. It would damage his reputation," he argued, his tone sincere and earnest.

His words, however well-intentioned, sparked an unexpected reaction within me. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the study as mirth overtook me.

"Ha ha! It sounds like a joke to me," I laughed heartily, my amusement uncontainable.

"What do you mean, a joke?" he inquired, his tone carrying a hint of offense.

"Or what? Do you think I’m unaware of what the people of Ablia think of me? Do you believe I’m oblivious? Do you think I’m ignorant of the rumors circulating about me throughout the state? Or do you assume I can’t hear the negative things being said?" I emphasized my point by striking the table, creating a sharp noise that caused him to flinch.

"I didn’t mean it that way," he stammered, his eyes wide with surprise at my unexpected response.

The weight of the conversation hung in the air as I scrutinized the attorney’s response to my words. I couldn’t help but notice the momentary lapse in his confident demeanor, a subtle acknowledgment of the truth in my words.

"Then what? Didn’t you just say it will affect the reputation of the Duke? So tell me, how will it affect when no one in this state likes the Duchess? They would be glad if this seemingly ineffectual Duchess were to disappear this way, don’t you think?" I remarked, my tone retaining its composed edge even as I pointed out the glaring irony of the situation. As I spoke, the attorney’s gaze dropped to the ground, momentarily wiping the smile from my face.

Yes, I felt the sting too. I didn’t deserve the hatred I received. I had done nothing wrong to deserve the loathing directed toward me in this state. It was a heavy burden to bear.

"I apologize. I know it sounded hurtful, but it was never my intention," he said, bowing his head in acknowledgment of the unintended pain his words had caused.

"It’s not your fault. You can go now. If there are any adjustments needed, I’ll be sure to call for you again," I offered a gracious dismissal, acknowledging that we both had roles to play in the intricate dance of courtly negotiations.

As he took his leave, I returned my attention to the paperwork before me, finding it brilliantly executed. Every clause I had requested was beautifully documented. The attorney had certainly proven his competence in this matter.

"Now, just one more year, Duke. Only a year, and then you will never find a single trace of me," I whispered to myself, the determination in my voice resolute. The countdown had begun, and my plan was set in motion.

"Duchess, the Duke has returned," Grant’s voice interrupted my thoughts, and I glanced up from the paperwork, a sense of urgency washing over me.

"Tell him to come here. I wish to see him immediately," I instructed, my desire to communicate my decision as swiftly as possible driving me to summon my husband without delay.

The stage was set, and the pieces were in motion. The next Chapter of our unconventional marriage was about to unfold.