When The Heart Already Given Up

Chapter 6: A Surprise Announcement

Reinhart fulfilled his role as a good husband. At the ball that we attended, we danced the first dance. Every week, a large bouquet of roses would be delivered to me.

"As expected of Duke Haze. This is a very splendid bouquet of roses. His fondness for you is so obvious, My Lady." Said one of my maids.

"Is that so?"

Rather than the blooming red roses, I liked the bright and simple lilies.

"Duchess, this dress has a lovely design. If you're going to wear it you would look like a fully bloomed red rose at the ball."

"I see..."

Daring colour doesn't suit me. I prefer the shade of blue, like that of the morning sky. Whether it's this or that, I'm very pleased with every single one of his presents. Of course I would always deliver my thank you letter to him. I'm glad, however I am also a little sad. They were the opposite of what I like. Those preferences were his previous lover Trisha. It was as if I'm being told to forget the past, me.

I always try my hardest to make him happy. I'm willing to do anything for him to love me back and forget about her. But to know avail.

He came regularly at night.

And then, the bedroom door would stay shut for a day or two, the maids and people of the duchy would say that we are a loving couple.

Those people didn't know. Never had he spoken my name once in bed. Because in bed, 'Trisha' is who I am.

***

"My lady, aren't you getting a little thinner?"

"Do you think so?"

Anna visited me and we are having tea in the greenhouse.

"We'll, you finally married someone you love. Perhaps My lady is too nervous to eat." She said, with a teasing smile.

"That may be the reason." I accompanied with a playful remark with a smile.

"My lady Caecilian. Are you really okay? You can tell me, I'm always here for you."

"I know Anna. I'm really happy here. Thank you."

After all, I'm married to the one I love.

"I'm relieved, I always prayed that My lady will have a happy life."

I smiled.

'I wish for that too.'

***

And just like that, 1 year and 6 months has passed. And my efforts seemed useless. He doesn't even see me as myself. He kept avoiding me and it hurts. If only my hearts stop beating for him. But what can I do? I really, really love him.

"You're pregnant Duchess. Congratulations." The doctor's voice lingered in my head.

I couldn't wait to tell Reinhart the news.

"My lady, you should walk a little slower..."

"It's all right. I can't wait to tell him the news." I smiled brightly, as I rushed to his office.When I arrived in front of the Duke's office, I took a deep breath and opened my mouth to the servant in front.

Caecilian prepares to share this joyous news of her pregnancy with Reinhart, despite his distant behaviour. She holds onto the hope that their child will bring them closer together. However, her plans are shattered when she hears the news that leaves her devastated.

"Trisha Clem will return to the Kingdom."

"...Trisha?"

I heard Reinhart's voice.

I looked at the door with a stiff face.

"The day after tomorrow. I will fetch Trish, so make sure to get ready without a hitch."

The sound of Reinhart's words, which seems to excitedly make a command, hurt my heart.

"Duke, should I tell the Duchess?" Asked the butler.

"No, no. Don't tell her, yet." Reinhart replied.

"Duchess, should I tell the Duke that you're here?" The doorman asked.

I came to my senses and I was taken aback.

I wasn't confident of facing him now.

"Don't let the Duke know that I was here."

"...Yes, Duchess."

I turned away from his office.