My Bratty Wife
Chapter 126 - Hundred And Twenty Six

Chapter 126: Chapter Hundred And Twenty Six

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Doris stirred, a dull ache throbbing in her head. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the light, she took in her surroundings.

A bowl of water, stained a deep crimson, sat on the bedside table. Next to it lay a bloody towel, its once pristine white now marred by a dark stain. Doris reached up and touched her head, wincing as her fingers brushed against a tender spot. She gingerly lifted her hand to examine the wound, only to find it wrapped in bandages. It appeared to have been stitched and tightly secured.

Her gaze shifted to the chaise lounge, where Suzy lay sprawled, her limbs sprawled in an awkward position. Doris blinked, her vision still blurry. She was in Suzy’s room, in Suzy’s bed. But what happened after she fainted?

A wave of confusion washed over her as she tried to piece together the events of the previous night. She remembered the attack, the pain, the fear. But then, everything had gone black. How did they find her? How long have they been tracking her?

As her memory began to return, the horrifying events of the night came flooding back. She remembered the conversations, the pain, the fear. And then, she remembered Suzy’s desperate cry for help.

Her eyes widening with terror as she relieved a moment frozen in time. A chilling whisper, as cold as winter’s breath, echoed in her mind: "We meet again, Doris." A familiar voice, laced with menace, sent shivers down her spine.

"Or should I say Tabitha?" The voice hissed, each syllable a sharp dagger piercing her heart. Doris shuddered, her body trembling uncontrollably. Fear, a cold, clammy hand, gripped her throat, making it hard to breathe.

"You are a smart one, aren’t you, lying your name is Tabitha when in fact your name is Doris. You didn’t I wouldn’t find you?" The voice continued, a low, menacing growl. Doris’s tears flowed freely, her face contorted in anguish. "Please don’t hurt me," she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper.

The voice tightened its grip on her hair, pulling her head back sharply. "No, my dear, why would I do that? We don’t want to make the boss angry, do we?" Doris’s fear became deeper, her head shaking frantically. "No," she whimpered, her voice barely audible.

"The boss wants..." The voice began, but was abruptly cut off by the sound of footsteps. A cold dread washed over Doris as she realized she was not alone. Someone is coming, their presence as menacing as a shadow, appeared in the doorway. "I will be back for you," he said, his voice a chilling promise.

With a final, cruel twist, the voice released Doris’s hair, sending her crashing to the floor. The room spun around her, and she felt a wave of nausea. She lay there, her body trembling, her mind racing as Suzy entered the room, unaware of the horror Doris had just endured. The flashback faded, leaving her shaken and terrified.

Suzy’s gentle hand on her shoulder pulled her out of her harrowing memories. As she turned, her gaze met Suzy’s, a comforting smile playing on her lips. "Good morning, Doris." She greeted. " Goof morning, Milady," Doris replied her, her voice a mix of relief and gratitude. "I’m so sorry for worrying you."

Suzy sat down on the chair beside the table, stretching her arms lazily. "It’s fine, how are you feeling?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice. "I’m feeling much better, thank you, Milady," Doris replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Take good care of yourself and don’t be clumsy," Suzy admonished, her tone laced with a hint of playful scolding. Doris nodded, her mind wandering to Suzy’s appointment. Remembering the time, she felt a pang of guilt. "Milady, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it was so late. You have an appointment today, don’t you?"

Suzy waved a dismissive hand. "It’s no use, I’m already too late. Besides, I have to stay home to help welcome Ryan’s cousin." Doris’s heart sank. She was the reason Suzy had missed her appointment. "I’m so sorry, Milady," she apologized again, her voice filled with remorse.

Suzy chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "It’s nothing, Doris. If you’re truly sorry, you could dress me up in a manner befitting the duchess."

Doris’s face lit up. "As you wish, Milady," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

As they began their preparations, the tension that had gripped Doris earlier dissipated.

A few minutes, A knock disturbed the tranquility of the room as Suzy echoed an "Enter."

The room was filled with a sense of anticipation as the Duke entered, his presence filling the air with a sense of authority. Doris, her hands busy styling Suzy’s hair, paused and curtsied.

"Your Grace," she greeted him, her voice filled with respect.

"How are you?" Ryan asked, his eyes scanning the room.

"I’m fine, your Grace," Doris replied, her heart pounding.

Ryan walked over to Suzy, who was sitting on the chair facing the dresser. He leaned down and kissed her neck, his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

"How are you, my love?" he asked, his voice filled with tenderness.

"I’m fine," Suzy replied, her cheeks flushed. She reached up and touched his face, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw.

" I told you not to worry that she wouldn’t die." Ryan said as he took her hand and kissed her palm.

Suzy smiled. " I know, I was just terrified and worried." She said.

Ryan turned to Doris. "Be more careful in the future," he said. "The duchess was frantic last night, trying to save you."

Doris bowed her head. "I will do better in the future, your Grace," she promised.

Ryan smiled looking at the neatly arranged hair Doris was working on. "The duchess looks more beautiful when her curls are down and all over her face," he said. "There’s no need for any elegance. Her curls are elegant on their own."

Doris nodded. "Of course, your Grace," she replied. She carefully removed the pins and bands that were securing Suzy’s hair, allowing her curls to cascade down her back.

Ryan came to Suzy’s side, taking her gloved hand in his. He raised it to his lips and kissed the back gently. "I came to see how you’re fairing," he said. "I’ll be waiting for you at the entrance. He’s almost here."

Suzy smiled. "Okay," she replied.

As Ryan left the room, Doris finished the remaining preparations, curtsied, took the bloody bowl of water and towel and left the room.

———————————-

The air was thick with anticipation as Suzy descended the stairs. She could hear the carriage pulling up to the entrance, followed by the sound of voices. As she reached the bottom step, she saw Ryan standing there, embracing a man.

"Good to see you, cousin," Ryan was saying. "Welcome."

"Good to be here, cousin," the man replied. "It’s a pleasure."

"The pleasure is mine," Ryan said, his voice filled with warmth.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Ryan turned and saw Suzy. He took her hand and introduced her to his cousin.

"Duchess, this is my cousin, Lord Evans," he said.

Evan turned to Suzy, his eyes raking over her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "We meet again, Duchess," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Suzy’s heart pounded in her chest as she took in the scene before her. Lord Evans, the man she had encountered in town and in Eleanor’s masquerade ball, was Ryan’s cousin. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, sending a wave of shock through her body.

She was speechless. The shock of seeing Evans again was so overwhelming that it left her momentarily paralyzed. She had never expected to encounter him again, especially not under these circumstances.