The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 71: legitimate daughter

Chapter 71: legitimate daughter

Anastasia left the palace to return home three days before her marriage to the crown prince. When she arrived at the Duke’s estate, she was surprised to find that her courtyard had been cleaned up. It was in the best condition she had ever seen.

Nile and Dorata, seeing Anastasia return with so many resources, regretted not being loyal to her; especially when they noticed how well taken care of Rosa was.

"Welcome, my lady," the two greeted her politely and respectfully.

Anastasia’s gaze turned to Nile. This was the person who had poisoned her. She had no intention of letting her go unpunished. Although she could not do anything to the Duchess at the moment, she planned to find an opportunity to take her revenge on this maid before she was married off.

That evening, when dinner was brought, Anastasia had Dorata and Nile eat it first. She had already stopped on the way home to get some snacks and had no intention of eating anything from the Duke’s residence while she was there; especially since the last poison had yet to be completely treated.

After dinner, Anastasia went to sleep. The next morning, she was informed that the Duchess had sent her a dress. Looking at it, she was surprised that the Duchess dared to give her something so fine.

"The maid who delivered the dress said that you have been invited by the Duchess to have breakfast in the main house," Rosa said. She, too, doubted the sudden kindness of the Duchess and her family.

"Then help me get ready," Anastasia said, preparing to take her bath.

"My lady, do you seriously plan to go?" Rosa asked, worried.

"I cannot refuse her. Besides, Father will be present—she wouldn’t dare harm me," Anastasia assured her.

"But your marriage is so close. What if she has decided to perish with you?" Rosa’s concern deepened.

"The Duchess is not that kind of person. But don’t worry: I will be careful," Anastasia said. She had to admit that Rosa’s words made sense. It was already strange for the Duchess to suddenly want to adopt her. There might be some grand scheme she was unaware of.

After dressing up, Anastasia went to the main building. It was the first time she would be dining with the other members of the family.

When Anastasia arrived, a maid led her to the dining hall. Rosa was not allowed to follow, as only maids who served in the dining hall were permitted to be present when the family ate.

"Your Grace," Anastasia greeted as she entered, finding only the Duchess present.

Duchess Anita looked up and smiled warmly at Anastasia. "Come, sit down," she said, pointing to the chair opposite her.

Anastasia thanked her and took her seat. It was a rare occasion for the Duchess to smile at her.

After a while, the first son of the family arrived with his younger brother. He had only been informed the previous day that their mother intended to adopt Anastasia into her name so that she would be recognized as the Duke’s legitimate daughter. He had no strong opinions about it, after all, she was his sister, even if their mother never accepted her but he wasn’t particularly happy about it either.

"Sister," he greeted Anastasia with a polite nod.

Anastasia responded in kind, also nodding. She did not have much of a relationship with the Duke’s eldest son. In her memory, she had only seen him during family feasts.

The second son, still young at just six years old, pouted. "I only have one sister," he declared, refusing to acknowledge Anastasia.

Anastasia pursed her lips and said nothing. She had no desire to become a true part of this family. Yet, given her current situation at the palace, she realized she truly needed their support.

Duchess Anita sighed and motioned for her youngest son to sit down. Just then, the Duke arrived.

"Good morning, Father," the three children greeted him.

Duke Thompson nodded, his eyes sweeping over them. "Where is Elizabeth?" he asked. He was usually the last to arrive at the dining hall.

"She is not feeling well. I asked the cook to prepare something light and send it to her room," Duchess Anita said.

The truth was that, no matter how much she had tried to explain the situation to Elizabeth the night before, her daughter had refused to accept the idea of Anastasia being adopted into the family. Annoyed, the Duchess had ordered Lala to keep Elizabeth in her room during breakfast to prevent her from saying anything that could ruin her plans.

Hearing that Elizabeth was unwell, the Duke did not inquire further. He simply assumed she was throwing a tantrum and using illness as an excuse.

"Let’s eat. Sam, say the prayer," Duke Thompson instructed.

The entire family closed their eyes as Sam prayed. Then, they ate in silence—talking was not allowed at the table. Until the meal was finished, no one spoke a word.

After breakfast, the whole family moved to Duke Thompson’s study. The adoption process was a simple matter of altering the household’s official records.

Lady Maureen’s name was not removed from the register—she was still acknowledged as Anastasia’s birth mother. However, the records now stated that Duchess Anita had raised Anastasia due to Lady Maureen’s illness. This meant that, while Anastasia remained the Duchess’s stepdaughter, she was no longer considered the daughter of a mistress. Her status was now equal to that of Lady Rosalind, who had lost her mother at birth. Anastasia was a legitimate child, and her stepmother was officially recognized as her mother.

Looking at the document, Anastasia felt a deep sadness. After the change was finalized, she was expected to address Duchess Anita differently.

"Mother," she said, the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. In truth if Duke Thompson had cared a bit Anastasia did not need to be the daughter of a mistress from the beginning after all, lady Maureen was married as a wife into the family. Her stepping down to become a mistress should not have affected Anastasia’s status in the family.

Duchess Anita smiled triumphantly, while the rest of the family looked pleased.

Just then, a message arrived: Lady Robert had come to visit with her granddaughter.

Anastasia was surprised. After all, it was still early; Lady Robert must have left home before breakfast to arrive at their estate at this hour.

"Have the kitchen prepare something for our guests," Duchess Anita instructed a servant. She, too, was surprised by her mother’s early arrival.

"Come with me to welcome your grandmother," Duchess Anita said, taking Anastasia’s hand affectionately like a loving mother. Together, they went to meet Lady Robert.

In the Receiving Hall

Lady Robert and Isabel were already seated and had been served tea.

"Good morning, Mother," Duchess Anita greeted first, showing respect.

Lady Robert nodded and then turned her gaze toward Anastasia.

"Good morning, madam," Anastasia said politely.

"You must be Anastasia. Just call me Grandmother," Lady Robert said.

Anastasia nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Here, meet your cousin Isabel. The others are not home, but you will see them on your wedding day," Lady Robert introduced.

Isabel stood and curtsied. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

Anastasia smiled and returned the gesture. "And I, yours," she replied politely.