Chapter 38: Dark Shadows and Unanswered Questions
"Is this how you planned to kill me?" I asked, my voice unwavering, as a heavy atmosphere filled the room.
"Madam, what are you saying? Have you gone mad? Or did you forget why I married you in the first place? If you did, then let me remind you. I married you to protect you. That was my promise to Marquis Kael," he said, his brow furrowing with concern, his tone a mix of frustration and bewilderment.
"Yes, I know. You’ve repeated it so many times since I entered this mansion. But can you explain this? Can you explain why the entire mansion is empty, with only the Duchess here? Is this how this place operates, empty all night, or were you preoccupied with something else that required your absence?" I inquired, my gaze then falling upon Vix as she approached, her presence in the shadows fueling my anger.
"Madam, I don’t understand your tone," he said, his own voice tinged with confusion.
"If you don’t understand, allow me to be perfectly clear."
"I heard that Vix was not from here. Another thing you told me was not to assign her basic maid chores. She even interfered when I was addressing you in front of all the workers, an area under my authority. But now, you both are here together late at night. What’s the explanation? Is this how you interpret protecting me? Is this what you promised my father? Or was this all a scheme to conceal your affair, with my death ensuring no one would question you?" I questioned, glaring at him, my fists clenched, every word heavy with accusation.
"Madam, please control yourself!" he raised his voice, his grip on my shoulder tightening, his frustration now apparent.
"Duke, you’re hurting me!" I protested through gritted teeth, the pain in my shoulder adding to my growing unease.
"Madam, trust me, what you’re thinking is incorrect. She and I are not what you imagine," he insisted, his words falling on deaf ears as I seethed with suspicion.
"Yes, Duchess!" Vix chimed in, her presence only adding fuel to the fire.