Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 28: Transparency

The cool evening breeze caressed my cheeks as I stepped out of Dr. Sinclair's clinic, the day's events still weaving a tangled web in my mind. The clinic had always been a sanctuary for me, a place where I could lose myself in the work I cherished and temporarily escape the increasingly intricate tapestry of my new life. Yet, as I ventured into the quiet streets, a faint unease settled within me.

I was deep in thought when I saw Julian approaching. His familiar face was a welcome sight, though it now bore an expression of surprise and relief.

"Lady Scarlett!" he called out, his voice warm and sincere. "It's good to see you back. Did you succeed in your mission?"

I offered Julian a smile, grateful for his concern. "Yes, Julian, I found my sister."

He nodded, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You've missed your piano lessons. Why haven't you been coming? You were making such progress."

The truth was, my interest in the piano had waned, eclipsed by the whirlwind of changes in my life. But I couldn't bring myself to tell Julian that. Instead, I gave him a faint smile. "I've been rather preoccupied with other matters."

Julian's face lit up with a supportive smile. "Well, it's a pleasure to have you back, nonetheless. How about a session today? I'd love to hear how you've been progressing."

Despite my hesitations, his enthusiasm was hard to resist. "Alright, Julian. Let's have a lesson."

We made our way to the piano studio, and as Julian played a few warm-up scales, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The keys under my fingers felt familiar, yet the music we played now carried a different weight, reflecting the distance between the past and the present.

Julian's praise was genuine and encouraging. "You've really improved, Lady Scarlett. Your touch is lighter, more expressive. I can see how much you've grown."

His compliments, though appreciated, felt bittersweet. The music was a comfort, but it also served as a reminder of how much my life had changed.

As we practiced, our conversation flowed easily, and the session passed in a pleasant haze. I was so absorbed in our talk and the music that I didn't notice the passage of time until the distinct sound of a carriage approaching caught my attention.

I glanced out the window and saw a luxurious carriage pull up. To my surprise, Lord Darius stepped out, his presence commanding attention even from a distance. Julian's eyes widened in shock as he recognized Darius.

"Is that... Lord Darius Kingsley?" Julian asked, disbelief tinging his voice.

"Why is he here?" he gasped.

I nodded, feeling a flutter of nervousness as Darius entered the studio. His gaze locked onto me, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his eyes.

"Scarlett," he said smoothly, a smile playing on his lips, "I've come to pick you up. I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Lord Darius, I didn't realize you were married to Lady Scarlett," Julian's surprise was evident.

Lord Darius's smile widened slightly, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Yes, Julian. Scarlett and I are indeed married."

Julian seemed at a loss for words, his gaze flickering between Darius and me. Curiosity danced in his eyes, but he remained polite and composed. All I could do was offer Julian an awkward smile, while my mind raced with how Darius had found me so quickly.

It might have been Mr. Ralph.

The truth about my marriage to Lord Darius would have eventually surfaced, whether through Mr. Edward Hughes or when Lord Darius ascended to the title of Duke in a few months. But this... this revelation was much too soon.