The Divorced Duchess

14. Cruel Fate

ELEANOR
(unedited)

I looked out the large radius window, and a small smile crept onto my face. Ethan and Emma were chasing each other around the snow-covered garden with snowballs in their hands. Emma's button nose had turned rosy red, but she did not seem to mind. She kept giggling and running after Ethan. They were enjoying the last snow of the season.

"Your Grace, Mr. Davis is here," the maid said as she entered the study. "He is waiting in the main lounge."

The smile quickly disappeared from my face. It had been a week since Robert's return, and he had made it a habit of visiting Emma every afternoon. Although Emma looked forward to their visits, I knew Ethan was not content with his presence. I could not blame him, though. I had left Ethan for Robert once, and after telling him of Robert's plans, I knew Ethan was scared. I did not know how to assure Ethan that Robert was my past and that I would not choose Robert this time.

I glanced out my window and sighed. "Tell Mr. Davis I will send Emma shortly."

"Your Grace—" the maid bit her lip nervously. "Mr. Davis asked to have a word alone with you first."

My lips pressed into a hard line. When I allowed Robert to visit Emma, I had made it clear that our interaction would be limited to our daughter, and he had respected that decision the last few days. Why did he want to speak with me alone all of a sudden?

"Very well," I sighed. "Tell Prince Ethan I have gone to speak with Mr. Davis and to meet us at the lounge in ten minutes."

"Yes, Your Grace." The maid bowed her head as I walked past her.

I clasped my hands together, trying to remain calm and composed. However, I was a turmoil of anger inside. Robert sure knew how to push my buttons. I wondered how I managed to be married to such a man for three years.

When I arrived at the lounge, I found Robert staring at the fireplace with deep thought. I was surprised to see him dressed in a casual outfit. Robert had replaced his tidy suit with dark gray slacks, a black turtleneck sweater, and a brown coat. I hated to admit it, but he looked good.

"Eleanor," Robert's voice was soft and sweet.

I remembered how much I had yearned to hear him say my name in such a manner. Three years ago, I would have melted from the tone of his voice, but now I felt nothing.

"What do you need to talk about, Robert?" I asked sternly. I had to show him I had built a backbone, and he could no longer sweet-talk me into doing his bidding. "I hope it has to do with our daughter, and you did not just call me to waste my time."

"I think you know why I wanted to speak with you," Robert replied. "It is time to stop dodging the conversation, Ellie."

I tensed up at the nickname. Ethan was the only person who would call me that, and it bothered me that Robert thought he could use it, too.

"Please do not address me like that," I responded quickly. "You never once used anything but my full name. So, do not think you can start using nicknames for me now."

Disappointment washed over his face, but he nodded understandingly.

"I am sorry," Robert whispered. His apology seemed to have a double meaning.

It was weird to see Robert acting this way. I had grown used to his cold demeanor. When we were married, he'd say but a few words to me. The only time I saw a glimpse of emotion from him was when we fulfilled our marital duties. Now, here he was with a pained expression and apologizing.

"It's fine," I replied reluctantly, but Robert shook his head.

"I am sorry for everything," he said, glancing down at the floor with guilt. "I was dumb for allowing Daisy to come between us. For not showing you how much you meant to me. Believe me, I do not remember calling you or telling Daisy I loved her. I know it is not an excuse, but I was blackout drunk that night. Maybe in the spur of the moment, I confused Daisy for you, but I would have never consciously told Daisy I loved her. You were the only woman I loved—and still do. I only married Daisy to get back at you because I thought you had cheated on me, but I do not love her."