Coveting the Duke

Days of Discovery

Elena had spent the night in her mother's room for the first time in a long while. She knew it had taken a lot for her mother to speak about what she had gone through, and staying with her was the only way Elena could offer some type of comfort.

Leaving for her second day at Ashwood Academy felt starkly different from the first. While Catherine no longer bore the weight of her childhood trauma alone, and Elena now had a greater understanding of why her mother wanted her to stay away from the Duke's family, Elena still felt uneasy.

However, she was concerned. She still had to attend Ashwood Academy, where she would inevitably see Sebastian, or perhaps encounter him at the bookstore. Fortunately, Professor Frowde had allowed her the week to get acquainted with school before having to return to work. 

She had a week to decide what she would do. The choice conflicted her—she enjoyed working at the bookstore. It had become more than just a job; it was her personal escape in Ashwood.

"Mother," Elena said in a sincere tone, her eyes steady as she looked at Catherine. "I want you to trust me. I won't cause you worry."

"I do trust you, Elena," Catherine responded softly, though the hint of lingering concern flickered in her expression.

"Even if I stand out, trust that everything will be okay. And if they gossip about our circumstances..." Elena paused, her voice growing stronger with resolve. "We'll still be okay."

Catherine gazed at her daughter, a mixture of pride and emotion filling her chest. Elena was braver than she had been at that age—far braver. The strength Catherine had long tried to shelter within herself now shone brightly in Elena, a reflection of her efforts to protect her daughter from the past.

The two embraced tightly, a quiet understanding passing between them. As they pulled apart, Catherine whispered, "You've grown into a remarkable young woman. I'm so proud of you, Elena."

Elena smiled, feeling the weight of her mother's words. She wasn't alone in this—whatever happened, they would face it together.

When they said goodbye outside Ashwood Academy for the second time, neither of them carried the nerves they had the day before. The weight that had once pressed on both of them now felt lighter.

After a brief moment of reflection, Elena turned to enter the academy. As she walked through the halls, her confidence from the morning wavered slightly. Would she run into Sebastian today? 

The thought sent a flutter of uncertainty through her, reminding her of her mother's warnings and the complicated feelings she was still trying to process. She felt a pull—both to avoid him and to seek him out.

She took a deep breath, shaking the thoughts from her mind as she focused on navigating the maze of hallways. After a few wrong turns, she finally made it to her classroom.

Professor Montgomery and Matron Darlington soon arrived to finalize the students' schedules for the term. Elena glanced around the room, relieved to see familiar faces like Lorianne and Lucas, but her mind still wandered back to the possibility of seeing Sebastian again—whether she wanted to or not.

"Miss Sinclair," Matron Darlington said, her voice tinged with concern as she pulled up an empty seat next to Elena. "Are you certain you want to take these electives?"

Elena raised her eyebrows slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Usually, Commerce and Politics are electives that mostly the male students take." The matron's eyes scanned Elena's face, watching for any sign of hesitation.