Chapter 30: Unveiling Truths and Tensions
"Madam, this isn’t what you believe," he tried to convince me, but his words struggled to soothe my skepticism.
I stared at him, uncertainty etched across my face. "If it’s not what I think, then what is it? Or are you trying to tell me that you married me because you wanted to? If that’s the truth, then why? It’s not like we’ve ever met before." I recalled the day we first laid eyes on each other, when I had dashed down the corridor just to glimpse his radiant face, kissed by the sun’s golden rays. It felt like a miracle.
His response was evasive. "I’m not sure," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
I pressed further, my curiosity mixed with apprehension. "What are you not sure about, Duke?"
Again, he hesitated, his gaze darting away. "I said I’m not sure."
Growing frustrated, I decided to retreat, or so it seemed. "I’m going back to my room. You can get some sleep."
But I couldn’t let the matter rest. The questions burned within me. "Why? You haven’t answered my question. Do you have ulterior motives for marrying me? If so, I’d like to know." I lowered my voice, feigning vulnerability, attempting to probe for the truth.
He turned to face me, his eyes meeting mine, and spoke my name for what felt like the first time. "Bernice," he said, his voice gentle.
My heart pounded, almost audible, threatening to give away my inner turmoil. I couldn’t let him see my emotions. "You already know why I married you," he stated.
Confusion swept over me. "What? I know? How?" I looked at him, completely puzzled.