Chapter 160: The Duke’s Possessive Claim
"Duchess, may I come in?" Duchess Bernice heard the Duke’s voice from outside. Sighing, she replied, "Yes, come in, Duke."
The Duke entered, his face stormy. "Duchess, what do you mean I can take another woman as my wife?" he demanded.
Duchess Bernice met his gaze calmly. "It’s precisely what I said. There’s no room for misunderstanding."
"That’s not what I meant, Duchess! I’ve told you countless times Vix and I had no romantic past. Why would I bring her to the Empire and introduce her as the Princess? Do you truly believe that’s a lie?"
"I never called it a lie, Duke," she responded coolly. "I’m certain she is the Princess of the Empire."
The Duke’s eyes widened. "What? You know? How? How can you be so sure?"
Duchess Bernice smirked. "That, Duke, is not your concern. It wasn’t part of the contract, and the contract itself holds no meaning anymore."
He clenched his fists. "Why do you always harp on the contract? I’ve said it repeatedly, I won’t let you go. I refused to sign it then, and now, when it’s expired, I refuse to accept this charade!"
"It’s not my decision, Duke. Once I set things right, I’ll leave, and no one can stop me." Her voice hardened. "As for Vix being your wife, don’t you know Dukes, Marquises, and even the Emperor himself have the right to take multiple women into their households? And I speak no falsehoods."
"I have no such intention towards the Princess," he growled.
"That’s irrelevant. I’m not your wife, so I have no right to meddle in your affairs. I simply fulfilled my duties as your wife to protect you from public dishonor, which I did. Our relationship ends there."
"It doesn’t end there," the Duke whispered, taking a step closer.