When The Heart Already Given Up

Chapter 12: A Rival's Presence

When Trisha returns, Reinhart offers her shelter in our house, creating a heart-wrenching situation for Caecilian. She is torn between her love for him and the reality that he still holds feelings for someone else.

It has been a week since Trisha started living with us. Reinhart's been spending most of his time taking care of her and I rarely see him.

He must be so happy that the love of his life is back and they're together again. With a deep sigh, I turned to see the view out of the window and saw the burning red sunset in the sky.

Normally, it would have been time for him to arrive at the dining hall to have dinner with me. Now that I think about it, I never missed dinner time with him. Even when I don't feel well I still come because I liked to be with him. He never even noticed that I was sick.

Reinhart doesn't really worry about what's going on with me.

I smiled.

Who can I blame?

It was my fault that I wanted to stay with him.

As Trisha settles in the Dukedom, I grapple with the painful realisation that Reinhart's heart still belongs to her. I am torn between my desire to share the news of my pregnancy with Reinhart and my fear of being rejected or losing him to her.

I exited the dining hall. I felt tired. As I got to my room, I laid my body down in bed. And went to sleep.

***

The next day.

Reinhart was in a hurry to go to the dining hall. He narrowed his eyes as soon as he stepped into the room. Because no one was sitting at the table. He looked around the hall and did not see Caecilian.

"Isn't the Duchess coming yet?"

Reinhart asked while looking at the empty seat of Caecilian. The sky was getting dark. She can't be this late.

One of the servants hurriedly said while pleading.

"I'm sorry, Duke. I forgot to inform you that the Duchess is not coming to dinner today. Please punish me."

The servant hung his head to the floor asking for forgiveness.

Reinhart sighed.

He didn't want to see any fuss today because it was a tiring day.

"Duke, would you like to have dinner here?" The butler asked and waited for Reinhart's answer.

"Yes."

As the Duke sat down, the servants quickly set up the food on the table. Reinhart looked at the Duchess' empty seat. An empty seat was unfamiliar to him.

Is she not feeling well?

Suddenly, he realised that he did not ask the servant why Caecilian couldn't come to the hall today.

Reinhart, who was still looking there, began eating.

"Lian."

Reinhart flinched.

He unknowingly called Caecilian.

Was she mad at me? Come to think of it. I had never seen Lian angry at me. She was always smiling for the long time that I've known her. So he wasn't sure how to deal with this uncomfortable situation. Besides, what is done is done.

I couldn't refuse Trisha's request. I understand everything in my head and I couldn't deny that I still feel responsible for Trisha.

"Rein." Trisha called me in a hurry as she opened the door in a rush.

"What's the matter? What happened to your face?"

"Caecilian...she...sob...sob...She slapped me." Trisha said, while crying. And continued,

"She said that I'm ruining your lives. Ever since I came here, she's been treating me badly ever since I came here."

"Don't worry I will go and talk to her." I said, trying to soothe her.

"Don't cry. It's bad for you. Go to your room. I will visit you after I speak with Caecilian."