My Bratty Wife
Chapter 138 - Hundred And Thirty Eight

Chapter 138: Chapter Hundred And Thirty Eight

"I’m fine," Ryan insisted, trying to downplay the injury. "I was distracted and fell off the horse. It’s just a bruise, It’s nothing serious, really."

She remained silent, walking to his side, her focus solely on cleaning his wound. Her touch was gentle, yet there was an undercurrent of anger.

"Don’t worry about it," Ryan said, his voice softening. "Dr. Abernathy is on his way."

Suzy ignored him, her expression stony. "I’ve sent him back," she replied, her voice a cold whisper.

A flashback flashed through her mind:

After learning about Ryan’s injury from Doris, Suzy had immediately sent a message to Dr. Abernathy, cancelling his visit before racing to Ryan’s room.

The flashback ended, and Suzy returned to the present, her anger rising. "Is this how much you want to avoid my touch? You said it yourself, it’s just a bruise right then why can’t I do it? Do I still disgust you? Am I still that uncouth woman in your eyes?" she asked, her voice trembling with frustration.

Ryan, sensing her anger, tried to speak, but the words seemed to stick to his throat. She finished bandaging his wound, her movements jerky and forceful. A low grunt escaped Ryan’s lips, a sign of his suppressed pain.

She narrowed her eyes, her anger barely contained. "Your wound should be healed by morning for the annual hunt," she said coldly. "If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace."

With a curt curtsy, she turned and left the room, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts. As he watched her retreating figure, he felt a pang of regret.

Suzy leaned against the door, her breath ragged. The sun, dipping below the horizon, cast long shadows across the hallway. She tried to stifle the tears welling up in her eyes, but the pain was too much to bear. Just as she was about to give in, a familiar shadow fell across the hallway.

"Thank the heavens I found you, Your Grace," Noah breathed a sigh of relief.

Suzy wiped her eyes and forced a smile. "Is something the matter?" she asked, trying to sound calm.

"I’ve been looking for you," Noah replied. "How is His Grace fairing?"

"He’s fine," Suzy assured him.

Noah pulled an envelope from his pocket. The seal, embossed with the letter ’E’, caught Suzy’s eye. A sense of déjà vu washed over her, but she couldn’t quite place it.

"This came in moments ago and the messenger wanted you to read it alone." Noah said.

"Thank you, Noah," she appreciated him, taking the envelope.

"It is an honor to serve you, Your Grace," Noah replied, bowing slightly.

As she turned to leave, Noah stopped her. "Your Grace," he said, his voice low.

Suzy paused, turning to face him. "Yes, Noah?"

"While I was following Lord Evan, I noticed a maid leaving the castle," Noah revealed. "The maids are not permitted to leave under any circumstances, especially without permission. We have people who go to the market and errands so the maids are meant to stay in the castle and do their work."

Suzy frowned, her curiosity piqued. " Did you see her face? Do you recognize her?"

Noah shook his head " No, Your grace. She was wearing a cloak so I couldn’t recognize her and the fact that she waited till the coast was clear seems so suspicious."

Suzy nodded. "Seems so," She confirmed. "It’s quite unusual."

She continued, her mind racing. "Keep a close eye on Lord Evan and the happenings within the castle. Report to me immediately if you notice anything suspicious."

"Of course, Your Grace," Noah replied, bowing respectfully.

With that, Suzy turned and left, a sense of unease settling over her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something sinister was brewing beneath the surface of the castle.

She stopped walking and just stood there, lost in thought. What was going on? Why was a maid sneaking out of the castle? And what was the significance of the ’E’ on the envelope? A million questions raced through her mind.

Just then, Doris bumped into her. "I’m so sorry, Milady. I wasn’t looking at where I was going. Did I hurt you?" Doris asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"I’m fine," Suzy replied, forcing a smile. "There’s nothing to worry about. I shouldn’t have been in the middle of the hallway."

"Dr. Abernathy has received your message," Doris said. "How is His Grace?"

"He’s fine," Suzy assured her. "I need you to get my room ready."

Doris looked puzzled. "I thought you were staying with His Grace now."

Suzy smiled mysteriously. "He needs his rest. Besides, it’s just for a few days. When you’re done, tell the kitchen to bring his food to his room. He needs rest, and bring mine to my room as well."

Doris nodded, her confusion evident. "Yes, Milady."

As Doris hurried off, Suzy turned her attention back to the envelope. If she was going to uncover the truth, she needed space.

————————

Knock.

knock..

knock...

"Who is it?" Ryan asked, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"It’s Davis, Your Grace. I’ve brought your dinner, as per Her Grace’s orders," Davis replied.

Ryan sighed, telling him to enter. The maids entered the room, setting the dinner table with care. After they left, Davis handed Ryan an envelope.

"What’s this?" Ryan asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It arrived this evening, Your Grace. I believe it’s from Thorne," Davis replied.

Ryan opened the envelope, but it was empty. He held the paper up to the lamp, and a hidden message appeared: "The murderer will be at the hunt tomorrow. Count Edmund is in trouble."

Meanwhile, Suzy, dressed in her nightgown, sat by the window, sipping her tea. She opened the envelope she had received. The message was short and cryptic: "If you want to know what happened to your mother, the answers you need are at the annual hunt tomorrow. See you there."

Elsewhere in the castle, Evan received a letter from his aide. A sly smile crept across his face as he read the contents.