Chapter 104: Awkward Beginnings
The carriage moved forward, and I sat inside with the duchess. I had expected my husband to be with me, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.
"I think you will understand my concern and why I chose you," she said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"I didn’t quite grasp your point, Duchess," I replied.
"I am no longer the duchess to you; I am your mother-in-law. I don’t want you to see me just as the holder of a title. I am your mother-in-law, and I think you should keep that in mind," her tone turned cold.
"Let me get straight to the point," her eyes hardened.
"You must have heard about Alex. As everyone says, he is a monster, but he still obeys his mother. So, I need you to do what I want. I need an obedient daughter-in-law who will follow my wishes," she said, sending shivers down my spine.
"I may be relinquishing my title as duchess, but I still hold that position. You may be sitting there, but I will tell you what you need to do or not. Do you understand?" she asserted.
"Yes, mother," I replied.
Cold. It was so cold. I felt frozen.
"This should remain between us!" she cautioned as the carriage came to a halt. She exited, leaving me alone. A knight extended his hand to escort me into the mansion.
People were staring. I was frightened. The man I had married walked ahead with his mother, and I walked as if I were of little importance in their eyes, not even worthy of their attention.
"Bernice, come forward! If you walk so slowly, people will think we left you behind on the very first day," the duchess remarked with a sarcastic laugh, making me feel out of place.