Second Chances

He killed me!

However, the atmosphere of mistrust around him remained. Trying to convince him once more, "Finally, I figured out that everything I had tried was completely pointless. Regardless of how hard I tried to draw your attention, you refused to look at me. And I am happy to have reached this level of fame, so I will not allow someone to crush my self-worth by diminishing my title."

It was his love killed me. Just like you did not feel any affection for my feelings. Also, I feel no affection for you.

"Initially, you may distrust me, but gradually you will see the truth. More so, if you want, I will swear on my family's name."

Still, he wasn't convinced. "It seems as though i recollect you telling me that same thing in the beginning."

“Actually, yes, I did." I assumed you would approach me if I'm difficult to get. I groaned. It was hard to have a conversation with you in the past, and now it's hard to push you away. How aggravating!

I folded my hands, women never fold their hands in front of their chests. “If I really used this position to get your attention again, would I not have just accepted your first visit?

"To be clear, I tried to avoid you like you always wanted me to. In reality, you have come here even though you are not being invited." I observed his expression of surprise and a sly grin appeared on my face. "You've also heard me tell you many times that nothing has happened. It is only you who is doing your best to make things up on your own."

His façade was finally cracked; he looked rather surprised this time. However, he made no comment. That distrust has yet to fade. He must be thinking its one of my new ploys.

"I completely understand your apprehension to put your faith in my statements. But from this point on, you will discover the truth about them. I also have a proposal to correct the wrongs of the past."

"A proposition?" he queried, regarding me dubiously.

"Wouldn't it be better if we slept in different rooms? From now on, I'm not coming to your chamber." I proudly looked back at his surprised emotions, and felt triumph.

I saw his eyes get wide. He got shocked three times today. This is the first time I've seen that happen in a very long time.

" Separate chambers.? You’re saying you wont come to my chamber anymore." He repeated my words as if he couldn't grasp what I was saying.

"Yes, separate chambers. If you haven't noticed, I have been away from that place for the previous three days." To make sure my point was understood, I talked slowly and clearly.

Although I offered a suggestion for his advantage, it was also for my benefit, since we were both involved. I wanted to fortify my heart, therefore I presented this opportunity to him.

Bennard and I were currently sharing his chamber. He requested me to sleep in my room a lot, but I constantly made excuses about people seeing and words going out.

He appeared to be skeptical. I wanted to crush the cup over his head with my hands to see exactly what was inside? How can someone be so suspicious?

When I thought he would no longer talk and sit like a statue, he managed to nod. He finally nodded and spoke. "Fine, I'll hope you get a decent night's sleep in your room."

But he was sitting there even after he spoke. Looking into my eyes, like as if he was waiting for something. 'Now what is it. Think you're going to see regret in them?' ha!

"I'm exhausted now if you pardon me." With this, I rose up and walked out without waiting for his answer.

It gave me peace to see his stupid face. Now I just have one more thing to do. For Kendrick, I have to be a nice mother to stop him from killing me in the future.

Lina followed me from behind when I entered my room. I have looked at the innocent girl, how pure she is even after living in politics.

She looked concerned. I raised a brow causing her to bow her head more. "Lina"

"Yes, my lady," she asked, continuing to bow.

"Anything you wish to say?" I asked, staring at her hesitating expressions..

"Your highness, you need another treatment, the wound in your hands." She answered with a quivering voice.

I looked back at my hands. Now the white bandage was crimson. I nodded and pointed out that she could come closer.

She took the bandages and moved towards me, sitting in front of my chair on the floor. Like her head always was bowed, but I saw her eyes trying to gaze surreptitiously at my expressions.

I wasn't the same Duchess of 26 years ago, now I could observe things more maturely. "Is there anything you wish to say, Lina?" I asked causing her to flinch.

"Your highness, his highness..." Before she could say anything, I raised my hand. I don't want to hear a single sympathetic word.

"Lina, I want you to apply a rule from today," I explained slowly and precisely. The paled countenance of Lisa indicated that my words must seem frightening. But I think it's high time to clarify things.

She inquired, waiting for more instruction. "Yes, your highness.."

I spoke again when I was confident I had her full attention. "In any case, I don't want his highness and his staff here, regardless of what. And no matter how bigger it is, I don't want to hear anything connected to them. From now on he doesn't exist anymore for me."

“Is that clear, Lina” I questioned her.

“Yes, your highness.” She answered meekly and proceeded with the bandaging.

When night approached I believed I would sleep on my luxurious bed peacefully, but nothing like that happened. His eyes haunted me every time I closed my eyes.