My Bratty Wife
Chapter 158 - Hundred And Fifty Eight

Chapter 158: Chapter Hundred And Fifty Eight

Suzy, adrift in unconsciousness, relived fragmented memories of the past.

Cassandra’s Memories

"A fine choice," Mr. Bradford agreed, his voice warm and inviting. "We have a lovely patch of lilies near the fountain. Would you like to see them?"

Cassandra’s eyes lit up. "Oh, yes, please!" she replied eagerly, a small smile gracing her lips. She had always loved lilies, their delicate fragrance and elegant beauty.

Mr. Bradford beamed. "Then let’s not keep them waiting," he said, gesturing towards the garden path. He led Cassandra through the manicured lawns, pointing out various flowers and shrubs along the way.

As they approached the fountain, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. A patch of white lilies, in full bloom, surrounded the base of the fountain, their pristine petals glistening in the sunlight.

"They’re beautiful," Cassandra breathed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Indeed they are," Mr. Bradford agreed.

"They’re also my personal favorites."

Meanwhile, in the study, the atmosphere was considerably less serene. Duke Charles and Count Edmund sat facing each other, the air thick with unspoken tension.

"Why is she wearing a veil, Edmund?" Duke Charles asked, his voice low and serious. He had been observing Cassandra from a distance, and the veil covering her face had piqued his curiosity.

Count Edmund shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to the Duke. He had anticipated this question and had prepared a credible, half cooked, fabricated, answer.

"Her face... it’s a little disfigured," he explained, a hint of regret in his voice. "When you... when her mother fell, after... well, the child was injured. The fall on the hard ground... it caused some injuries. They healed, eventually, but... there are some small scars. Like scattered black dots."

Duke Charles frowned. He remembered the incident, though he preferred not to dwell on it. "I can’t marry her," he stated flatly.

Count Edmund’s face paled slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Oh, but you must," he countered, his voice laced with a subtle urgency. "You caused her predicament. She would never find a husband because of your... your actions. And the King... well, the King might find out what you’ve done. And who knows? The dukedom might go to another person entirely."

Duke Charles’s eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me, Edmund?"

Count Edmund chuckled nervously. "Of course not, Charles my dear friend," he said, his voice a little too high. "I’m just trying to secure a future for my daughter."

Duke Charles raised an eyebrow, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. "If it’s for your daughter’s future," he asked, his voice carefully measured, "then why do you still insist I give you the deeds to the land in the western part of Carleton?"

Count Edmund’s throat seemed to close up. He cleared it, a dry, rasping sound. "Well," he stammered, "that’s... that’s to compensate me for the death of my wife."

Duke Charles leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. He had a feeling there was more to this than Edmund was letting on. He had a gut feeling that Count Edmund was using his daughter as a bargaining chip, a transaction.

"Does she know anything about this?" he asked, his gaze fixed on Edmund’s face.

Count Edmund shook his head quickly. "She’s clueless," he replied, a little too eagerly. "Completely unaware of everything."

Duke Charles considered this for a moment. He didn’t like the situation, but he also knew the implications of refusing the marriage. He sighed inwardly.

"Okay then," he said finally. "It’s a deal."

He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a pre-prepared agreement. He placed it on the table then he picked up the Carleton seal and pressed it firmly onto the document. Count Edmund watched with barely concealed glee, a wide smile spreading across his face. He had gotten what he wanted. The land, the power, the security. He ignored the nagging voice in the back of his mind that whispered about the cost of his ambition. He reached for the document, his hand trembling slightly with barely contained excitement. He was so happy that he has gotten what he wanted.

Duke Charles grabbed the document and kept it back in the drawer. "So," He began, his voice low, "after the wedding ceremony, the deeds to the land will be in your hands."

Count Edmund nodded, a glint in his eye. "Indeed," He extended his hand. "You have my word."

Duke Charles clasped his hand, a firm shake sealing the agreement. "And I’ll announce the engagement this very evening, at the ball."

Count Edmund, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, turned and left the study. He re-entered the drawing room where his family waited, a buzz of anticipation filling the air. Mr. Bradford approached them.

"If you’ll follow me, Count and Countess, I’ll show you to your assigned rooms. Everything has been prepared for your comfort."

The family followed Mr. Bradford up the grand staircase. He showed the Count and Countess to a lavish suite, then escorted Isabella and Cassandra to their respective chambers. He opened the door to Cassandra’s room with a flourish.

"Your maid, Doris, is already here, my lady," Mr. Bradford announced.

Cassandra stepped inside, her eyes lighting up. Doris curtsied politely, a warm smile on her face.

"Doris!" Cassandra exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her childhood companion. "I’m so happy they allowed you to serve me here!"

Doris chuckled, returning the hug. "It wasn’t difficult at all, my lady. I simply told them I was your personal maid, and they accepted it without question."

Cassandra, her heart lighter than it had been in days, beamed. "It’s so wonderful to have you here, Doris. I was so worried I’d be all alone."

Doris squeezed Cassandra’s hand reassuringly. "You’ll never be alone, my lady. I’ll be right here with you."

Cassandra’s smile faltered slightly. "I feel a bit... confined with this veil. Do you think I could ask Countess Helene if I might remove it, just for a while?"

Doris nodded. "Of course, my lady. It can be quite cumbersome."

"I’ll just go down to father’s room and ask," Cassandra said, turning towards the door.

Doris nodded. "Alright, my lady. I’ll be here if you need anything."

Cassandra hurried out of the room and down the hallway. She reached her father’s door and was about to knock when she heard voices from within. She paused, her hand hovering in the air.

"Everything is settled," her father announced, his voice cheerful. "The Duke is pleased. The announcement will be made tonight."

Countess Helene beamed. "Excellent! This is wonderful news. "If he marries her," she continued, her voice sharp, "we’re finally secure. And one less mouth to feed, wouldn’t you say? It’s like killing two birds with one stone."

Count Edmund replied, his tone callous, "Indeed. I never believed Fiona would actually be useful in times like this."

Cassandra’s breath hitched. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She strained to listen further.

"What if his Grace... what if the rumors are true?" Countess Helene asked, her voice laced with a hint of unease.

Count Edmund scoffed. "I don’t care what Charles wants to do with her. All I care about is that land. Once I have the deeds, he can do whatever he pleases."

Cassandra gasped silently, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle the sound. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. The words echoed in her mind, cold and cruel. She stumbled back from the door, her heart sinking like a stone. She turned and fled, the joy she had felt moments before completely extinguished. She ran back to her room, her tears now flowing freely. She didn’t even notice Doris standing by the window, a look of concern on her face. Cassandra threw herself onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.