When The Heart Already Given Up

Chapter 19: A Slap in the Face

Third-person point of view

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Caecilian's word are filled with sadness, but also sense of liberation. As Reinhart looks down at the divorce paper, mix of emotions floods his mind.

He experiences a profound sense of loss and disappointment. Realising and acknowledging the mistakes he made and the role he played in the deteriorating relationship. Reinhart who once took Caecilian's love for granted, begins to realise the depth of his feelings for her.

Every moment he spent with Trisha now felt hollow, empty, and filled only with remorse. And decided for her to leave the Dukedom as he wanted nothing to do with her. It was now crystal clear to him that his heart belongs solely to his wife, Caecilian.

However, his epiphany comes too late. The news of Caecilian's departure hits him like a tidal wave, regret washes over him as he comprehends the gravity of his actions and consequences they had on their relationship.

He can't help but blame himself for not realising his love for her sooner. The weight of his mistake becomes almost unbearable when he soon finds out from the doctor that his wife is pregnant.

Reinhart was consumed by remorse and longing after realising his true feelings for Caecilian and the things he had done with her.

***

His wife, Caecilian.

Always bearing her gentle sweet smile and was graceful with everything she did. She was indeed a wonderful partner.

Albeit a woman, Caecilian's love to read, was intelligent and could follow along with his conversation.

He remembered after the wedding ceremony came their first night. He couldn't find himself to lay a hand upon her and force her into such a painful act. But despite that if he didn't spend a night with her, the one who would lose face is Caecilian.

Even if he felt no love towards her, she at least respected her. So, Reinhart decided to push through for the sake of her honour.

'Trish.'

Reinhart was appalled. It was unexpected of himself, for that to slip out of his own mouth, in their couple bed even. He thought to himself, 'What the hell did I just blurted out!?'

He's already over Trisha. That much was certain.

Trisha was indeed his first love. But how could he disrespect Caecilian? Reinhart winced the very moment he spat out that name. 'How could he stay beside Caecilian until morning?' He thought it was impossible.

Truly, Caecilian will not forgive him, he thought.

Contrary to his expectations, the following morning, Caecilian was calm as if nothing happened.

That moment, he lost the opportunity to ask for her forgiveness was also the moment Reinhart lost his chance to correct his wrongdoings.

As a sort of apology, Reinhart had given her a bouquet of roses. But he soon found out the Caecilian liked lilies more.

Married life with Caecilian was peaceful. The whole Dukedom seems to brighten up due to how perfect of a Duchess she was. In addition she also helped him in many social affairs.

Whenever he came home she was always there waiting for him. Not only Reinhart was satisfied with the situation but he also appreciated Caecilian's presence.

But at night.

He kept calling her 'Trish.'

Reinhart wanted to know when will Caecilian's calm facade will crack and reveal her anger. This twisted and ugly desire of his.

Then, when Trisha came back he even allowed her to stay with them. Just because he felt that he needed to help her. And he didn't even considered how would Caecilian's feelings.

And not just that, he didn't even believe her and what was worse he even raised his hand on her.

This made him even more guilty.

The pain of losing her and their unborn child weighed heavily on his heart.

Determined to make amends and win back Caecilian's love, he embarked on a desperate attempt to reconcile with her.