THE ROYAL MATE

7. The Paper

Clarissa was still sitting in her mother's room. She kept explaining to Sharma that she and Michael weren't doing anything in the room. Clarissa did not want to be trapped in a condition where she became the target of slander. She did not accept being accused like this.

In her mind, Clarissa was so annoyed with Michael, who didn't get dressed that night. If only Michel was fully clothed that night, perhaps the Duke and people would not gossip about this.

This rumour has been around for a week. And during that time, Sharma wasn't out of the house. She also forbade Clarissa to leave the house. She didn't want the daughter to lose her self-respect because of inappropriate remarks.

Sharma's hopes were dashed to match Clarissa with Loris. Yet they are so compatible.

"Mama, let me meet Miss Ruwina. I can't stand being in the house all the time," Catherine said to her bedridden mother. Catherine was really embarrassed by this incident. Her self-esteem felt torn apart and seemed like it could never be repaired.

Sharma stared intently at her daughter. She saw no regret in her eyes. Clarissa doesn't care about gossip. She just doesn't like this vile slander. She didn't want to be gossiped about with a man she hated so much.

A few moments later, Odeth came with a piece of paper. She showed the article to Sharma.

"My Lady, there's a letter from The Duke," Odeth gave the letter to Sharma.

Immediately, Sharma rose from her bed. She forcibly pulled the paper from Odeth. She read the message The Duke had given to her husband. Sharma's face suddenly darkened. "He didn't even mention my daughter at all. Didn't The Duke want to do something? Was he going to let all of this happen? Oh, my poor daughter. You've become a spinster. And now you must accept this kind of discrimination," Sharma said, frustrated.

"Mama, what's wrong?" Clarissa asked, seeing her mother in despair.

"What's wrong?" Sharma screamed. "The Duke doesn't even care about this gossip. He has no wife, and his sons are handsome. Nobody will care about gossip. But what about you? You are a woman, Clarissa. Your reputation is ruined. One of The Duke's sons will not propose to you. Then no one will take you as a wife. You can't get married. And that's a disaster!"

Catherine is so severe. Being single is terrible for women. Social pressure will never side with women. Women will be considered useless if no one marries them. I don't know where the rules come from. But that wasn't what Clarissa was afraid of.

As a human being, Clarissa wanted to have the same rights as men. She doesn't care if he gets married or not someday. However, Clarissa will not remain silent if someone badmouths her. She doesn't want anyone to slander her for something she's never done. Unfortunately, in this day and age, men have greater pleasure than women. In any case, men will have more opportunities. That's what disappointed Clarissa.

While her mother was busy thinking about The Duke, who didn't really think much about the events in Michael's room. Clarissa quietly came out of her mother's room. It seemed that Clarissa couldn't stand still. She had to meet with Miss Ruwina to talk. Her head almost exploded from this slander.

Clarissa walked to reach Miss Ruwina's boutique. It was raining when Clarissa opened the door to Miss Ruwina's boutique. Clarissa's beautiful hair had been soaked in the rain, but luckily, she covered her body with a jet-black coat to keep her dress dry.

"Miss McLaren?" Miss Ruwina, who was checking the newly arrived fabrics. She was so surprised to see Clarissa come to her boutique. Miss Ruwina immediately helped Clarissa take off her black coat. She looked delighted to see Miss Ruwina's face. Clarissa hugged Miss Ruwina as if she had not caught her for millions of years.

"I miss you so much," Clarissa said. She felt like he was released from prison. No one had let Clarissa out of the house since that night. Lord MacLaren was also very strict with Clarissa. Of course, he was embarrassed. His daughter brazenly walked into a man's room in The Duke's house. What is a father not ashamed of?

"Are you okay?" Miss Ruwina asked. Every woman who comes to her boutique never misses a discussion about Clarissa. They called Clarissa a noble so bad for being with the men in the room without marriage.

Some vilify Clarissa, who say that Clarissa deliberately doesn't want to get married because she wants to live freely like a low-caste barons. Such a thing was compassionate among nobles. They also hesitate to invite the MacLaren family to their events.

Clarissa did not answer Miss Ruwina's question. She chose to sit on one of the piles of cloth that had just arrived. She e showed an annoyed face.

"My mom and dad were furious," Clarissa said.

Miss Ruwina stood before her and looked at Clarissa with pity. "What's really going on? Why are you suddenly in the same room with Mr. Carson?" Miss Ruwina asked.

"Mr. Carson? Huh, stop saying that to Michael's name. My hatred for him is getting worse!" Clarissa shrieked.

"Miss, explain so that I understand," said Miss Ruwina. "I know you hate him a lot. But it doesn't make sense that you can share a room with Michael without a mutual agreement between you and him."

Clarissa glared at Miss Ruwina. "You accuse me of pretending to hate Michael?" Clarissa snorted in annoyance. "I was strolling around The Duke's house. At that time, I entered one of the rooms and fell asleep. When I woke up, Michael was already in the room. He's changing clothes," Clarissa said.

Miss Ruwina showed her furrowed brow as if to doubt Clarissa's words.

"Oh, Miss Ruwina. Come on. I'm not lying. You can ask Michael. I was about to leave the room right then and there before The Duke entered. That's terrible luck!" Clarissa grumbled.

Miss Ruwina crossed her arms. She felt this very fatal chaos. "So, what are you going to do now? You can't just sit still. Your reputation will be ruined if you don't do something. You and Michael have to set things straight," Miss Ruwina said.