A Chance

"My lord…" Grace stood up surprised. No one was expecting the turn of events. They have thought Cedric would prefer punishing Killian. Grace had the same thought in her mind that was why she created a scene out of nothing.

She wanted to show that she was useful to Cedric. So that he could keep her around but who would have thought. She looked at him with widened eyes, baffled.

"Is it not Lady Grace? You told me that you are here to take care of Killian like your own son. You told me that since your husband had died without giving you a child, you feel lonely at your palace. You want to live here with Killian, yet.. You are insulting him in public. How could a woman like you show that you care for him?" Grace felt like someone had torn her clothes in the public and left her naked.

She had never been insulted like this. She had no interest in Killian. She was here for wealth and luxury. While his sister got married to the duke despite their humble background, she was not that lucky.

She had married an old baron in a far away land. Her only consolation was.. The first wife of the baron had died and he had already married his three daughters. If he were to die, there would be no one to claim the wealth and properties.

She had endured this marriage for five long years, making sure that she did not get a child from him. Her youth was important. If he were to die, she would be back in the market. And this time, she would follow the steps of her sister and find a powerful and wealthy husband.

Her sister was not only lucky but arrogant. She had made an entry in every function they attended and she had used every chance to call Grace among her friends and introduce her with a smile. She did that intentionally to insult her sister. 

Grace had noticed how her friends scorn and look at Grace with disgust as if she was a pest. She had endured so far hoping that her luck would change one day.

And that was when she heard that her sister and her husband died in an accident. She came running to their estate. She had seen Cedric from afar and knew he was a handsome man. He would be perfect as her next husband.

All she needed was a chance to seduce him. And if she got the chance to live as a caretaker of Killian, she would get many chances. She was ready for the role of a perfect mother when she heard from the maids that Cedric is not treating Killian properly.

He insulted Killian and there was a speculation that he had a hand in kidnapping Killian. That is the only reason he had insured Killian in the first place. But now..

"You are misunderstanding my intentions, my lord." she pleaded, "a woman needs to be strict sometimes or how would the child learn. If I live here as his caretaker, I will love and cherish him. I will make sure that he will grow as a kind and brilliant man." her voice echoing the room as she spoke louder and louder, hoping that it would get the attention of the man.

"I will love him as my own child." but nothing was enough for Cedric. He looked at her with the same scorn she had faced for years. The disgust as if she was filthy! Her eyes trembled at that. She did not understand.

She and her sister almost look alike. What was so special about her that she was treated so kindly and what was so bad about her that everyone looked down on her. It was all about position! Yes! She was a duchess while Grace was a.. Widow baroness.

No! She would change her position, her future and her life.

"Did you not see?" Cedric took out a cigar and placed it in his mouth. His eyes narrowed at the woman as if he could read her every thought, "we already have a caretaker. She takes good care of Killian to the point that she was ready to take the blame for a mistake he had committed that was also in front of everyone.

As if she did not care if she lost the job. For her, Killian matters most. That is how a mother cares for her child." Elara flinched at the words! Mother… They leave their kids on the street on a cold winter night without looking twice at them.

For her, mother's word was a curse, she hated it! Mothers only love their child if it comes from a rich person who is ready to take care of them. Otherwise they throw their child in orphanages when the sky turns dark. She was not such a person.

"So it is her." Grace titled her head and looked at Elara as if she was her biggest enemy now. If not for her, things were going just fine. The lord changed his words when she came.

Her slender neck, green eyes and golden hair. She was a seductress. Was she sleeping with Cedric these days? Is that why he was taking her side? But two could play this game. The affection of men never stays with the same woman. 

"Are you comparing me with the maid, my lord?" she smiled but her voice was cold, "she is only uttering sweet words because of the money she received in exchange. While my love and care is not dependent on gold. Give me a chance to prove that I am much better than her."