Chapter 6: Have him beheaded
"How can you be free if you are still bonded to him?" Mia stood up, defensively pointing out something Belle was well aware of. There was nothing she could do at that point, and she was well aware that he would do anything to stop her if she did not act tough in front of him.
"It matters not, Mia. So long as we are away from here, nothing else is of any concern," Belle said softly, stepping closer to her friend. Though her voice was steady, she could not shake the worry that not being rejected might delay her plans. But she had plans to make him reject her.
Mia stood silently, her eyes searching Belle's face for any trace of doubt. Was she truly at peace with this? As far as Mia knew, Belle could never move on from him while their bond remained. But since Belle seemed calm, Mia felt it would be foolish to complain when she was not the one directly affected.
"Very well," Mia said at last. "But are you certain you are all right? We must be sure you don't break down before the divorce papers are signed." Her voice carried a tone of gentle worry, her gaze full of pity.
"I shall remain in my room until he has signed them," Belle replied quietly. "That way, I can keep out of trouble with the others." She understood why Mia was concerned. The real danger was her mother-in-law, who would surely take any opportunity to provoke her. Belle had already heard the whispers throughout the house about Izabella's fondness for Quinn's new lover.
"Also," Mia added with a sharp frown, "stay well away from that new woman. She may be even worse than Izabella. You must be cautious." Her tone was laced with disgust as she thought of the new lover. Though the woman had beauty and a striking figure, she lacked Belle's poise and character. And if Izabella hadn't treated Belle so cruelly, she would have stood out.
"Yes, Mother," Belle answered with a faint smile, her tone teasing as if she were a child obeying a parent. Mia had been by her side since they were little and was the only family Belle had left. Despite everything, even the ruin Mia's family had suffered at her father's hand, Mia bore her no ill will. Instead, she had stayed loyally by her side, even following her into the Duke's household. If Belle owed anyone her loyalty, it was Mia, and she intended to repay her kindness.
Mia smiled warmly at Belle's response. "Good. Now, let me fetch you something to eat. I will return shortly," she said before leaving the room to see to it herself.
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