Revenge of Duchess

Chapter 24 - The sister

"What "Catharine couldn't believe what she heard.

"You heard me right; I planned all these scandal from beginning. You two are just playing along in my game just like I planned"

Benedict felt his emotions raging up. Not again......

"Cassie..." he called in anguish.

But Cassandra ignored Benedict's voice and her eyes are still fixed on sister.

"I just want to check how far you can go Catharine to snatch Benedict from me. Countess is my best friend. We have known each other for years. It was on my instruction she hired you and Clarisse. It was me, who put this idea of scandal in your mind through Elisa's maids. And we kept is far away from crowd. No one heard your voice. Servants acted according to Elisa's instructions. You failed me Catharine. You are really unfit to call my sister"Cassandra said mockingly.

Catharine was about to blurt something in anger, Clarisse held her hand tightly stopping her.

"And you, Benedict Hart I want to check how much honor is left in you, whether you choose me or your so called pride. I was surprised. You choose me. I am happy you passed test. You acted deaf on my step mother's pleas and stood firm on your stand. And firm on not leaving me and don't go high on hopes just because you passed my test"

And then she turning back to Catharine and said

He already confessed he still loves me. Now he proved I am above his so called honor I was angry that he choose Cynthia in name of honor. So this he didn't repeat his mistakes. Catharine you have to do more homework if you are playing against me"

Clarisse looked grateful and Catharine grim on her failed plans.

"I did have caring heart. Even for you Cathy. Now get out" Cassie said coldly.

As Benedict watched two women going away with the problem they have created, he was still in shock. Cassie played game again and had fallen again. But at least this time he had won her trust. But Cassandra's eyes told him, something else. Her tests are over yet.

Cassandra and Elisa hugged each other as both husbands watched from afar.

"Good luck with your wife and you need it a lot" William Browne, wished him.

"Thank you" Benedict replied back. But he knew need more than luck to get Cassandra back.

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Return journey was silent. Both Cassandra and Benedict choose not speak to each other. Even Benedict felt for a moment keeping his mouth shut was best thing.

Once they reached back Brimhood Benedict realized Cassandra was not moving from her place.

He found a sleeping Cassandra at the edge of carriage. He decided not wake her. Her body need sleep and rest.

In fact she was slept after an exhausting evening. Benedict slowly picked Cassandra in bridal style and walked inside mansion. As elderly butler opened the door he knew, everyone was already slept. He slowly walked towards Cassandra's room. He slowly dropped in the bed.

Cassandra looked so innocent. He loved her, only her. He still having trouble believes what all Cassandra went through, and emerged a strong woman who rose like phoenix, Unlike Cynthia who always remained weak and needed his support. He still remembers what Clarisse told him on fated night.

"Cassandra is young and beautiful. She will get easily get any tilted man under her charm, But not my Cynthia. Please save her. "

He melted before those tears. He foolishly believed saving Cynthia was act of honor, which indeed at that moment right thing to do. But he should have told truth to Cassandra, reality of him and Cynthia, which would have given some peace to her. Now it is late. He needs proofs to prove the truth.

As he was about to leave the room he heard a fragile voice calling him.

"Ben........."

He saw Cassandra was sitting on bed.

"Ben doesn't leave me alone today. I need you". Cassandra was half awake and half asleep.

Benedict was unable to turn down the request. He just sat with her. Cassandra sheepishly put her head on his shoulder.

"Ben, why did you leave me for Cynthia? Why did marry her? Am I not enough for you" He felt the weakness in Cassandra's voice. He knew Cassandra was not in full sense, still her mind need answers. He held her close and said.

"You were always enough for me. But What ever happened eight years ago was need of hour. I will soon tell you, not tonight, you need sleep Cassie" Benedict slowly laid Cassandra back to bed. He too laid there with her. Cassandra slowly drifted back to sleep not Benedict. Cassandra's hands were entangled with Benedict. He don't remember how long he stayed in that position.

He need to Cassandra about Cynthia. But before that he needs to get the bottom of what happened to Cassandra eight years ago.

Because Cassandra's story begins where Cynthia's story ended................

But there was something missing in between, that what he had to find out.

He needs help. Help from someone who can travel with him on same path.

Who had same doubts as him and will go any extend to find the truth....

And whom that must be.......?

Next chapter will be dedicated to the person who first guess answer to my question........