Coveting the Duke

Shattered Expectations

Madeline stood at the center of the grand banquet hall, silently overseeing the staff as they added the final decorations. Her gaze was sharp, scrutinizing every detail with an intensity that kept the workers on edge.

"Poppy, make sure they wipe the floors again after this. There was something spilled in that corner earlier," she said, not taking her eyes off the arrangements.

"Of course, Your Grace," Poppy responded, bowing slightly before hurrying off.

Just then, Martin, the family butler, entered, carrying a silver tray with a single letter resting on it.

"Your Grace, this just arrived for you," he said, presenting the letter delicately.

Without a glance, Madeline took it, still focused on the decorations. She absentmindedly broke the seal, her attention elsewhere until she finally looked down. Her eyes froze on the brief note, and a wave of confusion washed over her.

The letter contained only one line.

Dear Duke and Duchess Carlisle von Edmonton, I regret that I am unable to attend.

Signed, Viscountess Catherine Sinclair.

Madeline's hand tightened around the letter as she read it again, her thoughts spinning. She still holds a grudge? Why else would Catherine refuse such an invitation?

Madeline's mind churned, old memories bubbling to the surface. The image of Catherine from years ago-always so poised, so perfect despite her lower status-flashed before her eyes. Has she really not moved on after all these years? The rejection felt like a slap, reigniting a past she had hoped was long buried.

"Is everything alright, Your Grace?" Poppy asked, her voice tinged with concern. She had noticed the subtle shift in Madeline's expression.

Madeline forced herself to straighten up, her face returning to its usual calm, calculating mask. "Yes, it's fine," she said, brushing off the matter with a wave of her hand. "I'll be back later to check on the progress. Make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow's banquet."

Poppy nodded and watched as the duchess exited the hall, but the slight tension in Madeline's posture was unmistakable. The confidence she had radiated earlier now seemed to falter. What was in that letter? Poppy wondered as she resumed her duties.

Madeline strode through the grand corridors of the duke's mansion, her mind spinning with Catherine's rejection. She had never been refused-certainly not as Duchess. The audacity of it stung, stirring a bitterness she thought long buried. Not only had Catherine refused her, but it was also clear she hadn't forgotten the past.

She paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts racing. How dare she reject my invitation? The idea gnawed at her, a challenge to the perfection she had built over the years. And yet, despite the lingering anger, a small, rational voice whispered, we were just children. Maybe she has her reasons. Madeline halted mid-step, staring out the window. It had been years, and perhaps Catherine had moved on. She should too.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to gather her composure. None of it matters now, she told herself firmly. What's done is done.

For now, she would put her mind back on what mattered most: ensuring her family's place in the capital's elite, no matter what ghosts from the past resurfaced.

Madeline turned sharply on her heel, determination blazing in her eyes. Tomorrow's banquet must be flawless.

The banquet was everything Madeline expected-flawless. Sebastian, Lillian, and Henry stood as shining examples of her pride, each one polished and poised. As usual, Jonas played his role as the dutiful husband and host, standing at her side with the same practiced charm. Another impeccable event, executed with perfection, too polished for anyone to criticize.