Revenge of Duchess

Chapter 23 - Truth and pain

Writing is really tedious job. Yet when readers keep motivating me, I can't help. I salute to the writers in wattpad who update every day. But today a reader requested me to update since it is special day.

Happy birthday to you Frnds4ever......................

Today's chapter is dedicated to @Frnds4ever. May this year bring a lot of happiness for you.

Cassandra took a deep breath and looked at Elisa.

Elisa understood her friend's unsaid words. "William Let's go out side. This should be finished inside family. As Elisa dragged her husband and other servants walked out silently leaving four them alone, servants mumbled as they going to miss the drama. But they are unable to disobey their Lord and mistress. And Cassandra was thankful that. True friends are rare gems like Elisa Browne.

Cassandra looked strained as she is having difficulty to say those words and recollecting the past.

"Clarisse Greene sold me to brothel. "

Cassandra's words fell on Benedict and Catharine's ears like thunder. There was a pause. Time has stopped for moment. No one knew how to react. Cassandra found tears in her eyes. Benedict and Catharine were in state of shock. Blood was drained from both of them. It is quite unbelievable that Clarisse was capable of something like that.

"No, it can't be true. My mother will never do that "It was Catharine.

"Trust is good Catharine. But blind trust is bad. I believed in same till I saw her collecting money from the brothel owner. My eyes won't lie. I died at that moment. My mother was my idol. It broke me in to pieces. From that day Cassandra Greene died and a new Cassandra born. Tell me is my hatred is justified?"

Catharine was silent for a moment and said

"I don't distrust your words Cassandra, because you always stood for what is right. But I will stand for my words. I will stand with my mother. I saw tears in mother's eyes just thinking about you. She is not wrong. There must be misunderstanding. "

"Then ask why her head is down."

"Ask her why she went all the way to Scotland to collect the money."

"Ask her to deny my accusations. Why she is silent now. "Cassandra said in dead calm as she was sure what was talking about.

"Mother..." Catharine called Clarisse to her response.

"It is true I went to Scotland. I got money too. But I didn't sell Cassandra. I don't have any proof to prove that. Since Cassandra has seen with her owns eyes she will never believe me. I went there with a friend who gave some money to me."

"Lies and lies......"Cassandra mocked.

"Then bring that friend to me. Then I believe you. You have been telling this to me for years" Cassandra said countered.

"I can't" Clarisse said looking down.

"As I told you before, blood is thicker than water, you too Catharine choose to stand with her over me, Just like she had chosen Cynthia over her step daughter."

"What Cynthia has done with all these" It was Benedict who was slowly recovering from shock
"Cynthia has to everything with it. Benedict have you wondered how a widow like Clarisse Greene afford large dowry asked by Mary Hart,"

Realization hit Ben hard. More than ever he doesn't whether he should be angry or pity. He was the root of evil and her downfall. No wonder Cassandra hates him. He deserves all her wrath. Failure to protect your love is biggest sin. His family ruined her.

"The same money which was paid as Beatrice's dowry was my price. Price of my dignity and my so called body. If only Henry Lockhart wasn't there to save me, I would have killed myself."

Benedict sat down with pain. He couldn't imagine what Cassandra went through. And he wasn't there to protect her. He will forever in Henry's debt for saving Cassandra. He doesn't want to think if only Henry was not there to save her. Gregory Winston was right, it was his second chance. This why Henry wanted to be him as Cassandra's second husband. Cassandra was still healing. He was chosen to heal her.

Protect her. The one who hurt Cassandra should heal her also.

"Can you imagine what I went through? Alone and afraid in a dark room fearing and thinking when I will be raped by hungry wolves waiting for me in next room. Every moment went like century. I was afraid of sound heavy footsteps. I was kept hungry so that I would bend according to them. I was beaten for disobedient behavior. But one thing kept me strong.

Revenge........

Betrayal by one person whom you love is biggest pain in the world. That is by your own mother. And I become an unforgiving person. "

"Did my revenge against you is bigger than what your mother did to me. She kept you close." Cassandra said dryly.

"I won't believe it. But I trust you Cassie. I will prove mother is innocent" Catharine was firm.
"Let's go Catharine, For once leave your sister alone. You have done enough. You will live with scars of scandal "Clarisse said in failed voice.

"Catharine, wait for one moment" Cassandra said stopping her.

"I am your big sister, And always will be. You are not ruined Cathy. I will never allow that too"

And Cassandra whispered something in Catharine's ears.

"What" Catharine almost yelled and looked her sister with an unbelieving eyes...............

Slowly layers are opening.................

Cassandra was right anyway.............

Will Catharine prove her mother innocent.....