The Villain's Dead Wife

13. The Weight Of Expectations

I stood before Duke Oberon, clutching the confidential document in his clenched hands. His gaze swept over me and then the document, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment clouding his expression. I felt a pang of shame as he took in the realization that his daughter had gone behind his back.

He sighed deeply, his voice carrying a weight of resignation. “I suppose this is you trying to be mature, isn’t it?”

My heart sank. “Aaa... Father, I just wanted to help.”

He shook his head, clearly disheartened. “You could have asked me to show you the business matters directly, Meredia.”

The disappointment in his eyes cut deep. “No, Father, you wouldn’t have told me a thing about your business,” I said, my voice shaking. “You believe I’d bring bad luck. You’ve always thought I’d be useless to you.”

His brows furrowed in confusion. “Why would you think that?”

“Because,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper, “that’s what I’ve always been told. I overheard before planning my... before I decided to leave this life. My family always saw me as a burden, as someone who could never be of any real use.”

The Duke’s eyes widened, shock and a hint of guilt flitting across his face. The truth of Meredia’s tragic reality hit him—her beauty was considered her only asset, and her lack of interest in the family business had turned her into a liability in their eyes.

“It’s why... You’ll marry me off to a noble or even a prince,” I added, the words hanging heavily in the air.

He gasped, stunned by my revelation. The reality of his plans, which I had unwittingly uncovered, was now laid bare before him.

“Meredia...” Duke Oberon began, but I cut him off.

“It’s okay, Father,” I said, forcing a calmness into my voice despite the lump in my throat. “I just wanted to be helpful to you.”

Duke Oberon looked at me, a mixture of concern and resignation in his eyes. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words and the weight of unfulfilled expectations.

“I understand,” he finally said, his voice softening. “You wanted to prove yourself. I see that now.”

I swallowed hard. “I’m sorry for taking the document. I didn’t mean to betray your trust.”

He sighed, rubbing his temples. “I should have known you’d want to help in your own way. It’s just... you should have come to me directly.”

I nodded, trying to hold back the fake tears. “I didn’t want to be a burden or seem like I was interfering.”

Duke Oberon’s gaze softened further, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’re never a burden, Meredia. I may have been harsh, but it was out of frustration and concern for you. I want you to succeed, but I need to trust that you’re ready for the responsibility.”

I looked up at him, hope mingling with uncertainty. “So, what happens now?”

He hesitated for a moment, then said, “We’ll need to find a way to address the issues with the Valtoria Luxuries Guild. I could use your help, but I need to know that you’re committed to understanding the business.”

I took a deep breath, nodding. “I’m ready. I want to learn and help in any way I can.”

Duke Oberon’s stern expression softened into a rare, proud smile. “Then let’s work together. We’ll figure this out and ensure that the guild succeeds.”

"But I have one condition, Father," I said, my voice steady but resolute.

Duke Oberon frowned, confusion etched on his face. "What is it?"