The Divorced Duchess

13. The Truth Hurts

ETHAN
(unedited)

The silence in the room was thick and uncomfortable. I knew Robert's return would only mean trouble, but I never expected Eleanor to faint from their encounter. For Eleanor's sake, I restrained myself from lashing out at Robert until the doctor arrived, but now that we were alone, I needed answers.

"What did you say to her?" I asked with a clenched jaw.

Robert looked at me with a cold, emotionless expression. "I didn't do anything," he said calmly. "Believe it or not, I care for Eleanor. I would never do anything to harm her."

"Then why did she faint?" It was getting harder to hold myself back. "You have to have said something to her. I swear, if you threatened her, I will—"

"I TOLD YOU I WOULD NEVER HARM ELEANOR!"

How dare this man yell at me in my own home, especially with Eleanor upstairs lying unconscious?

I grabbed Robert by his collar. "I am not killing you because you are Emma's father, but do not test my patience. Now tell me, what did you say to Eleanor?"

"Why do you care, huh? That conversation had to do with Eleanor and our daughter," Robert said, unfazed by my menacing stare. "You are acting as if any of this had to do with you. From what I heard, you are nothing but the man Eleanor friend-zoned."

This little bastard.

Someone cleared their throat, drawing Robert and I's attention. The family doctor stood near the living room entrance awkwardly. She was a short, chubby, old lady with burgundy glasses and an unusual pink doctor's coat.

"Dr. Thatcher, how is the duchess?" I asked as I loosened my grip on Robert and walked toward her.

"The Duchess is awake now, Your Highness. Her blood pressure has risen, hence the fainting," Dr. Thatcher explained. "She should be back on her feet with some proper rest. I'd also recommend that she avoid any stressful scenarios."

The doctor's eyes glanced between Robert and me as if sensing the tension in both of us.

"Of course, Dr. Thatcher," I replied obediently. "Thank you for everything."

"I will be on my way now." Dr. Thatcher gave me a slight courtesy before being led to the door by the butler.

"I think you have done enough for today, Robert," I said as I glanced back at him. "You should go home, and we'll figure this out another day."

"I am not going home until I see my daughter!" Robert demanded.

I could not believe how selfish this man was being. Even after the doctor said to keep Eleanor away from stress, he wanted to cause a scene.

"You do not get to make any demands," I said through gritted teeth. "Eleanor is not alone this time around, Robert. She has someone who will defend Emma and her. I will not let you think you can come and do what you want with Eleanor after what you put her through three years ago because of your mistress."

"What are you talking about?" Robert asked with a dumbfounded look. "I never had a mistress while I was married to Eleanor."

"What about the woman you had around your arm the night we met?"

"Daisy?" Robert lifted an eyebrow. "She was never my mistress. Like I told you that night, Daisy was my assistant and close friend. Nothing more. Wait, is that why Eleanor left me? Did she think I was cheating on her with Daisy?"

What was this man playing at?

"I know you were blackout drunk that night, but please do not act like you do not know what I am talking about," I responded with a scowl.