My Bratty Wife
Chapter 103 - Hundred And Three

Chapter 103: Chapter Hundred And Three

The search for Suzy continued, a frantic energy filling the castle. Davis, his face etched with worry, reported to Ryan that the carriage was gone.

"Prepare a horse," Ryan commanded, his voice low and urgent. "She must have gone into town."

With that, Ryan rushed to his room to freshen up. He pulled on his riding gear, his movements swift and determined. He had to find Suzy, and he had to find her quickly.

Mounting his horse, he spurred the animal forward, the wind whipping through his hair. He rode through the streets of the town, his eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of Suzy.

He searched the markets, the shops, and the taverns, but there was no sign of her. Despair began to creep into his heart. Where could she have gone?

———————-

Suzy’s carriage pulled up to Madame Helena’s modiste store, the elegant boutique known for its exquisite designs. As she stepped out of the carriage and opened the door, the little bell above the door jingled, announcing her arrival.

Madame Helena emerged from the shop, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Your Grace," she greeted, her voice filled with excitement. "It’s a pleasure to see you."

Suzy returned the smile. "Madame Helena," she replied, her voice filled with a sense of anticipation. "Are there any new arrivals?"

Madame Helena shook her head, her smile fading slightly. "Not yet, I’m afraid. But there will be some new pieces arriving next month."

Suzy nodded, smiling. She realized Doris lied to her but why? "That’s okay," she said. "I’ll come back then."

"It’s my pleasure, Your Grace," Madame Helena replied, her voice filled with warmth.

As Suzy turned to leave, the door opened from the other side, revealing Isabella standing there. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, her hair styled in elegant curls.

"How are you doing, Cassandra?" Isabella asked, her voice filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Suzy was surprised to see Isabella there. She had not expected to see her here.

"I’m fine," she replied, her voice a little hesitant. "How are you?"

Isabella shrugged. "I’m alright," she replied, her voice a little hesitant.

Suzy could tell that something was wrong. She had known Isabella for a while since she occupied Cassandra’s body, and she knew when something was bothering her.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Isabella stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "I’m so sorry about what happened," she said, her voice soft. "I never meant for any of this to happen."

Suzy knew that she had to get to the bottom of this. She took Isabella’s hand and led her outside the shop.

"Let’s talk," she said, her voice firm. " I have a feeling we have a lot to talk about."

Suzy took Isabella to a peaceful place, a secluded garden hidden away from the bustling town. They sat down on a bench, the soft rustling of leaves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

"You shouldn’t be angry with the Duke," Isabella started, her voice filled with sincerity. "He did everything he could to protect you."

Suzy looked at her, her eyes filled with confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Isabella smiled. "Do you remember the wish I made before your marriage to the Duke?" she asked.

Suzy shook her head, her memory hazy. "I don’t think so," she replied.

Isabella laughed. "I wished that the Duke would love you more than father and mother did," she said. "And it came true."

Suzy’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she exclaimed.

Isabella took a deep breath. "The Duke loves you," she said, her voice firm. "I saw it in his eyes. I’m just surprised as how you didn’t notice."

Suzy’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe that Isabella was saying this.

"Impossible," she said, her voice filled with disbelief. "Whatever Ryan is doing is for his reputation, to be a good husband in the eyes of the people."

Isabella shook her head , her eyes filled with determination. "You are wrong Cassandra," she said. "I admit I was frightened when I saw the scene in the drawing room. But what frightened and amazed me most was the intensity in his eyes. I could see that he loved you more than anything in the world. I believe the news that his wife was being abused brought out the devil in him."

Suzy’s heart was pounding in her chest. She couldn’t believe that Isabella was saying this.

"That man loves you to the sole of your feet and is ready to do anything for you," Isabella continued, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and love. " I want a love like that."

Suzy’s heart skipped a beat. She had never considered the possibility that Ryan might love her in such a deep and profound way.

"What about your mother?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "Aren’t you angry that he threatened to harm you?"

Isabella hesitated, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and sadness. "I was angry," she admitted. "I was even scared. But I knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me."

Suzy was shocked. She had never seen Isabella so vulnerable.

"As for mother," Isabella continued, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation. "I don’t know how to feel. I don’t even have the right to plead for her because she deserves it. I just feel sad for not having the power to stop her but I wish her sentence could be lightened a little."

Suzy reached out and hugged Isabella, her heart filled with compassion. "I’ll see what I can do," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Isabella smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew that Suzy would do anything for her.

"Find it in your heart to forgive him, I know he has been feeling miserable for a while now." Isabella said as she stood up from the bench.

As Isabella left, Suzy was left alone with her thoughts. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Ryan loved her? It was almost too good to be true.

She stood up and began to pace, her mind racing. She had always thought of Ryan as her husband in name.

She stopped, her eyes filled with fear. She knew that she had to be careful, that she couldn’t let herself get too attached, she shouldn’t be in love with him at all cost.

But in her subconsciousness, she knew that she couldn’t deny the feelings that were starting to stir within her. She was starting to fall in love with Ryan or has been in love with him for a while now.