Chapter 78

✧Four People✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Night had fallen, and Leyla had finally gotten the chance to retire back to her lonesome. She sat in her bed, illuminated only by her sole lamp on the desk as she basked in the darkness of her room.

The night had gotten so late already, but she hardly felt the need to sleep. She tried to force herself to sleep at some point earlier, but all she achieved was more tossing and turning. It was in her restlessness she could find clarity in her mind.

Her windows immediately rattled by the strong gust of wind, snapping her alert as she whipped her head to stare in alarm at her windows, fearing the worst.

For a second she thought Phoebe had come by with a note from the duke, until she realized that couldn’t happen. The duke was away after all, it wouldn’t make sense for Phoebe to visit the mansion.

Relief quickly swelled in her chest, enabling her to get up and wrap a shawl around her thin arms. Her lips chattered against the cold, and she tried to imagine what Uncle Bill would see if he were to return at the moment.

She felt so lost right now. He’d only left not two days ago, and already she was feeling so lonely. She couldn’t imagine just how hard the next two weeks would be for her.

She walked closer to the window, re-checking the locks were secure before she found herself seated at the dining table, cradling a warm cup of tea in her palms.

“-it must be difficult for you.”

Claudine’s voice echoed in her head, rising above the mingling voices in her head. She could practically hear her ear ringing in the loudness of the silence around her. Leyla put the cup down on the table, having lost the appetite for the tea, the cold digging into her deeper.

She wanted to do something. She wanted to scream her heart out and probably kick some stones with her feet in frustration, break something even! Anything!

But when she was walking back to their cabin, with her head trailed on the ground beneath her feet in the light of the moon, she only found herself feeling so guilty and ashamed. It didn’t matter if Claudine was antagonizing her purposely or not, Leyla felt like she lost the right to be upset with her.

She was sleeping with her fiance after all.

And so she could only take solace on the fact that Matthias was away, and didn’t have the luxury of seeing her so submissive and obedient. If he did, it would have brought immense satisfaction for the man, and she swore off that.

She downed her cooling tea in one gulp, before refilling it with a still-warm tea from the pot. She removed her glasses, rubbing her eyes gently before pinching the bridge of her nose as she squeezed them shut. She let out a tired sigh, before rubbing her palm over her face and through her hair…

She had a vague sense of what she really was to Matthias.

In front of others, he’d maintain the facade of a perfect gentleman. He gave them the image of a perfect and respectable duke. But in the confines of his room, and in her company, only then did he feel confident enough to let her see the darker parts he held in him.

She doubted he’d ever let Claudine know about that, even if they were to wed.

A steely gaze went over her, as she quickly emptied her second cup. She put it down on the table, standing up abruptly to recheck the locks on the doors were secure this time. Leyla glanced out the window, watching the darkened world outside her home.

She really hated him.

Everything, all the emotions she kept in her all day long; her torture and torment in the Arvis mansion, the turmoil in her mind…

They were all because of him. And she’d hate him forever for that.

She might be a little unfair, after all, it wasn’t as if the duke was the only one to blame for the suffering she was put through. He didn’t make her tear Kyle’s heart mercilessly earlier today. She did that of her own volition, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to blame that to the duke.

She went back to her room, doing one last sweep to secure the locks on both doors and windows, before she curled up in her bed in a fetal position. When dawn came, a thought entered her mind.

What if he were to come back earlier? That way, she could at least have an outlet for her frustration. Direct it to the man who’s responsible for her suffering. Yes, that would work indeed…

And just like that, Leyla wanted to see Matthias returning soon.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

When Dr. Etman went to visit Norma, he brought Kyle along with him. At the sight of the doctor’s son, Catharina beamed, to which Kyle returned effortlessly with his own kind smile to the old Herhardt matriarch.

“Oh it’s so good to see you Kyle!” Norma greeted, “My, you’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you!” she praised, and Kyle let out a short laugh in embarrassment. She then turned to her doctor, “It was nice of you to bring him along, today.”

“Oh, it wasn’t much trouble really, my Lady.” Dr. Etman replied, “Besides, it was our pleasure to visit you, isn’t that right, son?”

“Yes it is.” Kyle quickly agreed, shooting them a convincing smile, which he hoped would placate the side-eye his father gave him. Norma seemed to have missed the tension between the father and son duo, and smiled brightly at the confirmation.

She had wanted to meet with Kyle soon when she heard he returned to Arvis. She really was fortunate that Dr. Etman suggested he’d bring Kyle with him by his next visit, which happened to be today.

She had gotten a slight cold not too long ago, but thankfully caused her no further health problems, which made her treatments short. The rest of their visit was spent with them catching up with one another, and regaling them of tales of their everyday life.

Kyle wasn’t really much in the mood to visit, but for Lady Catharina’s sake, he’d be amicable and pleasant. He owed her that much at least. The old Herhardt matriarch always adored him as a child, and he’d hate to disappoint her.

Still, his mind was filled with thoughts of Leyla. Just the mere thought of her threatened to break his calm composure as he struggled to keep the tears from forming in his eyes.

He knew she lied to him. He was sure of it. It was the only thing that made sense. He replayed her words over and over, how could he not? He remembered everything about her lately.

Her speech, the way she left, and her tears when she thought he wouldn’t catch up but did…

He was currently planning on an escape route from his father once their visit was over. He needed to see her, despite her telling him she didn’t want to ever again. He wanted to help her, and he needed to know why she felt the need to lie to him.

Fortunately, shortly after administering her medicine, Norma began to feel drowsy, an unfortunate side effect. And so his father decided it was best to give her rest, and they all exchanged goodbyes, with a promise to visit when she was better.

Kyle was quick to leave before his father after he bid Lady Catharina goodbye, but just as he began to snuck off, he was unexpectedly greeted by one of Arvis’ maids, who stood patiently outside the room, waiting for him and his father.

“Greetings Dr. Etman, and his son.”

The maid said, bowing in front of them, sparing him a glance before turning back to his father,

“I apologize for the abruptness, but Lady Brandt has invited you over for some tea. If you have time to spare.”

His father’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise, exchanging a small look with Kyle before nodding along with the maid.

“It would be no trouble to accompany Lady Brandt.” his father replied. She then began to lead them towards where Claudine was, eyeing him in an indecipherable way.

Kyle couldn’t help but think that even if his father were to decline the invitation, the maid won’t let them say no.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Earlier that day, Elysee had decided to go out to the city, which her entourage of ladies quickly agreed and accompanied her with. Leaving Claudine in Arvis, in the peaceful reception room when afternoon struck.

She did her embroidery in front of the fireplace. Sat opposite her was Leyla, reading a book as per usual. Claudine knew that Dr. Etman came by to visit Lady Catharina today. She also knew he brought with him Kyle. Perhaps their visit would be over soon.

Her eyes snuck a glance at the door to their reception area, before glancing back at her companion. She was too focused on her book. Claudine couldn’t help but look at Leyla like a mother would with her unsociable child.

She knew Matthias would be returning sometime tomorrow. Claudine wasn’t foolish enough to believe it was just because he finished quickly. He probably finished quickly because he missed his mistress too much.

She needed to tread carefully. She didn’t want to know what would happen if Matthias even thought she was mistreating his precious Leyla. Since it was the last day she could be alone with Leyla, she decided to give Leyla a little gift, of sorts.

Claudine’s lips curled up into a subtle smirk at the thought.

Yes, it was good to give Leyla some kind of gift for all the good work she did the past few days. She’d done exceptionally after all, aside from the slight mishap with changing her clothes, she did wonderfully as her aide.

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t still an orphan, despite her holding her head up high as though she wasn’t a low-born. Yes, even now, Claudine has yet to see her look even guilty or contrite for being Matthias’ mistress. Although she did remain ever modest and polite around her.

She wanted Leyla to squirm around her. Such audacity for the mistress to remain so calm around the fiance. She really was quite the shameless mistress. It was the best compliment Claudine could give her right now.

Perhaps if she continued to work well as her aide, Claudine might be convinced to give her the position full-time, even well into their wedding. She might even let Leyla take care of her child with Matthias when the time comes.

“You know, I can’t help but wish your marriage with Dr. Etman’s son had come true.” Claudine suddenly piped up, breaking Leyla’s concentration as she looked up in shock at her.

“P-pardon?” Leyla asked, her voice just above a whisper.

“Your marriage, with, hm, what was his name?” Claudine thought, “Kyle was it? I’m right, aren’t I?” she asked Leyla, who nodded shortly in confirmation.

“Yes, you and Kyle, I wish you did get married.” Claudine continued, “Just imagine it! You and him at the university in the capital, you two would have had the best life right now.” she finished brightly, looking determinedly at Leyla.

Leyla’s brows furrowed at the topic.

“My Lady-” but Claudine cut her off.

“Plus, both of you look so good together! You had been so happy with him. I never saw you like that around anyone else.”

“My Lady-”

“I can’t help but think Mrs. Etman had been too cruel to you.” Claudine continued on as though she didn’t hear Leyla. “I know she’s his mother, but what right did she have dictating her son’s marriage, am I right?”

This time, she looked at Leyla, allowing her the chance to reply. Leyla gulped under her stare, before she stared resolutely at her fingers, which unconsciously gripped tightly onto the book in her hands…

“There’s no use reminiscing the past, my Lady,” Leyla sighed, taking slow deep breaths, “Kyle and I… I don’t think we’d ever get back together again.”

“I know.” Claudine hummed, “I was just sharing my thoughts.” she replied back as she felt a sadistic sense of pleasure at seeing the turmoil in Leyla’s expression.

She knew that even if Kyle wanted Leyla back, which he probably did, Leyla wouldn’t. She was far too deep in the Duke’s clutches, she couldn’t find the will in her to leave him for anyone else, not while he still wanted her.

It was a sad fate for anyone who’s wings got broken, Claudine supposed. In the end, living your life makes you more miserable.

Deciding not to antagonize her further, she switched gears and gave Leyla another pitying look, sending her emphatic signs.

After all, why wouldn’t she feel sorry for her? Leyla became a reluctant mistress to a man that was ruining her life bit by bit.

Granting her the small opportunity to enjoy some time with Kyle over a cup of tea would be a great gift from Claudine for all her hard work.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

There was a commotion amongst the servants as Hessen, head butler of Arvis Mansion, immediately called the servants to an assembly in front of the lobby hall. Hessen had been prepared to welcome his master tomorrow evening, but it was only a short while ago when he received word the Duke would be arriving today instead.

The servants stood in attention, as they quickly schooled themselves with respectable expressions as they welcomed back the Duke of Arvis. Hessen rushed to greet him as the chauffeur opened his master’s door.

“Welcome back master!” He greeted, breathing deeply as he bowed in front of the duke. Normally he was composed, but the unexpected change in schedules made him rush a bit in his haste to greet his master properly, along with the other servants in the mansion.

Matthias only nodded at him, giving a nod of acknowledgement at his servants before continuing inside the mansion, striding through the polished halls of his home. Hessen rushed after him, giving him news of the events that happened while he was away.

“And my mother?”

“Lady Elysee had gone to the city along with a few other ladies not too long ago, while Lady Catharina is resting in her quarters.” he dutifully supplied.

“And what of Lady Brandt?”

“She’s in the small lounge by the second floor, we just prepared some tea for her.”

Matthias hummed, swiftly turning on his heels to head up the mentioned area.

When Hessen heard Leyla would be serving under Lady Brandt, he’d been skeptical of it. Of course, even if he wanted to be against the idea, it wasn’t in his place to question his master or his betters on their decision.

He rushed after his master, wondering how to break the news to him that Leyla was around. He panicked further, when he realized they were nearing the lounge area, and he’d yet to give his master the news!

“Duke Herhardt, welcome back!” called out Dr. Etman, who just turned around one of the halls to head into the lounge. Matthias stopped in his tracks to greet the doctor properly, when he caught sight of Kyle behind the doctor.

It was only a split second, but Hessen had worked around Matthias long enough to have caught onto his subtle tics.

“Thank you, I wasn’t expecting you here.” Matthias politely greeted back, smiling appropriately.

“Ah, we were just about to leave after a visit with your grandmother, when Lady Brandt extended us an invitation for tea.” Dr. Etman jovially explained, smiling at the duke.

“Ah, then it’s fortunate we get to go there together.” Matthias smiled, gesturing for the doctor to go in first. Matthias quickly glanced at Kyle, who waited for the duke to enter first, before shortly following inside.

Hessen paled at the sight of the three men entering the area Lady Brandt and Leyla were in. He tried to stall for some more time, to better prepare his master, but Matthias resolutely ignored him as he pushed the door open…

Only for Dr. Etman and his son stiffened at the sight of the two women waiting for them inside. Matthias could only stand still beside them.

“Oh God…”

Hessen swallowed down his trepidation, and prayed for the rest of the tea time to go smoothly.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*