***Completed*** Lady Jessamyn brought home a ten-year-old orphan when she was eight. He was handsome ^_~. She provided him with a place to stay and warm meals. As they grew up, she desired to marry him, despite their differing statuses. As war raged, he signed up for the military, promising to ask for her hand when he was worthy. Two years later, he became more than what he promised he would be. He became the Archduke of Ayberia. But he broke her heart by marrying her friend. Years rolled away; life happened. She married a man who loved her and fell madly in love with him. She didn't think of him again. But fate was cruel; she was widowed at the age of twenty-one. She lost everything. Seven years later, she met a mysterious wolf while she was out at work in the Archduke's fief. She had a fall. The next morning, she found herself on the Archduke's bed. Did fate bring them together again? Or something nefarious is at play? Is this a chance for a second love? Will she find out why he abandoned her in the past? Is it possible to rekindle their old love, or is it too late? ----- Join me in this journey. Your comments and votes are appreciated. Gift me to motivate me. Updates will be daily.
Bernard held her hand and sat with her. "Did she say anything to hurt you?" he asked.
He looked apologetic and sad making Isadora sad. "No," she shook her head. If anything his mother said hurt her, it was his mother's fear for Bernard.
"She does not hate you, Isadora," Bernard said softly, holding her hand and rubbing it with his thumb. "She hates me…"
Isadora saw the profound sadness on his face, and her heart clenched. She wanted to tell him that his mother didn't hate him, but the truth was blaring at their faces and she didn't want to offer him empty solace.
She wanted to ask why, to understand the pain behind his words, but she held back, waiting for him to open up in his own time. She could see the weight of unresolved issues pressing on him, particularly the uncertainty of not having a home after she had asked him about it.
"I love you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity and warmth. That was the truth and that was enough.