Chapter 27: New Year's Eve (A)

The carriage took us all back to Arana and to the Duke's mansion; I had no doubts anymore, Julien was really the Duke.

After he left, while we waited for the carriage, An... Martha tried to apologize to me, but I took Arthur into the house and locked the door. I couldn't believe my own childhood friend, my cousin would do such a thing to me. But why? What did she stand to gain? If she's married to Julien's brother, then her husband must surely have a title to his name; that means they're well-to-do. So, why would she need to drag me away from Durnca to deceive me?

"My Lady?" I paused between putting my few clothes in a bag and turned to Arthur. My lady?

"Don't call me that, Arthur. I am your mama." He looked down at his fingers. "Come here." I instructed, sitting on the floor, the same floor where Julien and I... I shook my head to clear the thought. I loved every bit of our lovemaking, but now I know it was all a lie, I felt foolish for giving myself away like that.