Bringing My Wife Back

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ess every word that had just come out of her husband's mouth. Duke Hugh Griffith-who was supposed to be her protector and life partner-sto

e, you're no better than those who beg for a man's attention on the street

t back-but her mind told her to stay calm. This was her marriage-even if only on paper. Her family had placed high hopes on her, and Atthy knew she cou

thy as if she were nothing more than an object unworthy of attention. His gaze was filled with a

onger. "Do you think this marriage is just about ambition and

h Galina. You must remember where you came from. Don't let the title of 'Duchess'

er'? Your Grace, Duke Hugh Griffith, I am no puppet for you to play with as

of clothing seemed to bear silent witness to the fierce clash between two souls trapped in a political ma

an you can manipulate just because I've tasted your body," Hugh hissed, each word sharp and

speak to me this way-on my first night as your wife? Is this what you think is right? It's been three months sinc

ual coldness. "I want you to understand, Athaleyah. I want you to be aware of your place so that yo

husband's heart?! So you're saying I'm merely a tool in your game? That my presence and my feelin

s voice. "Will you keep crossing words with me? Then tell me-are you pr

at I want. I want to choose my own path, to live by my own will-not according to your ambi

hing I thought I knew about you. But I will give you a choice. I've heard enough. You are free to leave

promise me one thing. Promise me-do not touch my family, do not interfere in their lives. Let

sed his face-a feeling that almost made him falter. But pride and the need to stay in control quickly took ove

ry defiance that will keep me from living in your shadow. I wi

eavy, but she couldn't suppress her urge to walk away-to fi

thing far deeper than mere feelings. As Atthy turned her back to him, the lonelin

aleya

ly her eyes reacted to

e turned colder as he finally

mile, unshaken. ''Do

s instincts screamed louder than ever-that it wasn'

d movements. But his expression sharpened the moment he

een waitin

lded neatly, trying to appear obedient. Bu

eeted Stela, trying to smile, th

idn't

them like a blade, scanni

to hold back her nerves. Rosa, the youngest, was

le

ating, as if the air i

thing you'd lik

the weight behind it nea

ces. None of them d

if the Duchess needed any

li

rehe

. He had no intere

he paused, letting hi

ot a man you ca

y f

epped forward, just enough to m

e won't be a

t flaring with rage-just a

w one thing

d not give them an

ction, Hugh walked past them,

to the spot, paralyzed by a

ing?'' asked Helena, the head ma

and get Dr. Windfold to check on

aken aback. ''Exc

Just take care of her!'' Hugh's voice tensed. His expression remai

y does this man, usually colder than

iosity to herself. Prof

r heart swirled with questions. Something ab

tthy's three maids, still st

hought. ''What are they hiding that

master c

iting for?! Insid

she caught sight of the room. Her eyes widened, a hand flying to cover her mouth.

elena rushed over.

ute. Her face pleaded for help without a word

sily accepted pity. Which made seeing h

s, I'll

, her voice hoarse. ''Leave m

fragile Atthy looked, she held herself back and obeyed. With

ing gnawed at her. The maids were still visibly

hiding s

-

dining hall, Hel

''Please deliver this to the Duches

she accepted it. ''Mr. Alwyn, forgive me-may

looked alert. ''Is

Yes. Please see t

r and departed. But Hel

uly happeni

ame at At

a said before stepping in and han

t?'' she asked, trying to r

faint smile. ''I

left this for you...'' Helena add

ed. A bitter smile crept onto her lips. Helena noticed-Atth

chess?'' Helena

e hollow. ''I no longer hold that

n, Duchess... I do

said, holding up Hugh's letter, her tone rel

na gasped, almo

y to lunch. Her thoughts seethed with anger. Part of

he papers, Helena's hand