Everything Has Changed Now

Chapter 13 - Trust is prerequisite for love

Chapter Summary: 

Colin finds out a piece of information that changes everything between them and their relationship going forward.

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Notes: 

I know that Penelope should forgive Colin, I also agree she should but do remember how Colin treated her, how she felt abandoned and alone in the house he brought her as a wife to, that she felt forced to flee and come into a foreign land and befriend strangers.

This chapter has some new revelations in Polin's relationship.

ENJOY!

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Upon noticing Colin, the maid was astonished. She did not pay attention nor notice him since he was standing undetected next to the door and Pen was silent, leading her to believe she was all by herself.

Colin was in shock as he tried to process what he had just heard, his jaw was still hanging open as he stared at the maid in disbelief, another tear rolling down his cheek while standing still.

The maid panicked upon perceiving the repercussion of her words. The look on Colin's face made her realise he had heard her and everything she said. "Uhh...excuse me Ma'am. I did not mean to say things out of my place. I deeply apologise."

Instead of scolding her, Penelope simply remained inert, looking at the maid, Pen's face was still filled with worry, part of her extremely relieved that the truth had finally come to light. "I'm really sorry Ma'am." She bowed and returned to her chores and Penelope remained unmoved as she lowered her head with her gaze downcast.

His eyes flickering everywhere in realisation, Colin stood motionless for a moment, processing the information before turning to Penelope.

Pen raised her head, unable to speak. Her eyes softly widened as she sent a sorrowful glance at Colin.

Although Colin is aware of what he had heard, he nevertheless wanted to be sure that it was precisely what he had heard or that it signified what he believed it to.

"Is this true?" Colin's voice was mixed with shock and sadness.

Pen remained silent, fixing at and fidgeting with her chair's arm vigorously at the realisation of the upcoming conversation.

"Pen...Please say something." His tone is pleading yet soft.

Penelope looks back at him and with a gentle nod she responds, her voice soft but tinged with fear maintaining eye contact "Yes. It is true, Colin. I am with child."

Colin's eyes welled up with tears as his mouth flinched and stupefaction stole the air from his lungs, leaving him breathless. His heart leaping into his throat and eyes wide, he let out a deep breath. He gulped before asking "How long have you known?"

Lowering her gaze, Pen's tone is low as she responds exhibiting both hesitation and apprehension "The...night I ran away..." her gaze shifting back to him to study his expression. Colin stares at her, startled and then averts his eyes, as if reflecting on something. As Colin continues to assimilate the information, she surveys him attentively, her brows furrowing in concern.

Colin drops on his knees before her, seemingly perplexed. Softly gazing at her, he asks in a gentle yet awed tone. "Pen...I do hope this was not the reason..." The way he is questionably staring at her, his demeanour is clearly asking her whether it was. Pen hesitates and lowers her gaze.

"Was it?" Colin is despairingly searching her eyes while expecting to hear the contrary.

Pen meets his gaze, still focusing on his expression then slowly nods while locking his eyes, a tear gradually trickling down her cheek.