CHAPTER 57: UNRAVELED SECRETS

Eva’s POV

​I pressed my back flat against the cool stone wall of the alcove, holding my breath as Laura passed by. Her heavy silk skirts rustled against the floorboards before her footsteps finally faded down the corridor.

​Once the coast was clear, I looked down at the velvet cushion and parchment ledgers in my arms—the preparations for the gala would simply have to wait. I dropped the stack onto a nearby side table, turned on my heel, and quietly trailed after the guard Laura had instructed.

​I kept a discreet distance, watching him navigate the long passage toward the courtyard doors. I needed those letters. If Laura was plotting something against me—or against the family—I couldn't afford to remain in the dark.

​"You there! Halt," I called out, keeping my voice authoritative yet calm as I closed the distance between us.

​The guard stopped immediately, turning around and bowing his head. "My Lady? How may I assist you?"

​"I need your help with an urgent matter regarding the gala arrangements," I said smoothly, gesturing toward the stairs leading to the upper gallery. "There is a massive decorative chest upstairs that needs to be moved to the lower ballroom immediately. It requires both hands, so you will need to drop whatever you are holding."

​The guard looked down at the heavy woven basket in his hands, which contained several rolled parchments along with the three sealed letters Laura had handed him. He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "My Lady, I was given strict orders to deliver these missives without delay—"

​"I am aware," I interrupted, raising an eyebrow with cool defiance. "And I am telling you that the preparation for the Duchess's celebration takes immediate priority. Set the basket down right here. I shall stand guard over it myself until you return."

​Reluctantly, the guard bowed. "As you wish, My Lady."

​He placed the basket on a marble bench near the wall and hurried up the stone staircase to fulfill my phantom request.

​The moment his boots vanished around the landing, I swooped in.

​I reached into the basket, my fingers instantly finding the three thick parchment letters sealed with heavy wax. Without a second thought, I slipped all three letters deep into the hidden pocket of my dress, smoothing down the folds of my skirt so nothing looked out of place.

​I stood back up, adopting a serene, innocent expression as I waited beside the bench.

​A few minutes later, the guard came trotting back down the stairs, looking bewildered. "My Lady, I searched the upper gallery, but there was no chest to be moved."

​"Ah, my mistake," I said with a wave of my hand, offering him a apologetic smile. "One of the maids must have already taken care of it. Thank you for your assistance."

​"Of course, My Lady," he murmured. He picked up his basket, completely oblivious to the fact that its most critical contents were gone, and bowed before heading out toward the courtyard.

​As soon as he was out of sight, my calm facade shattered. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs as I turned and sprinted toward my private bedchamber. Locking the heavy door behind me, I reached into my skirt, pulled out the three stolen letters, and sat down at my vanity to tear open the wax seals.

​(Lucian’s POV)

​I knocked softly before pushing open the doors to my mother’s chambers. The room was bustling with tailors and maids holding up cascading fabrics of silk, velvet, and lace—preparations for the upcoming celebration were already in full swing.

​My mother stood before a tall gilded mirror, looking tired despite her regal posture. I stepped over the scattered trails of silk and pointed to a deep emerald dress hanging near the window.

​"Mother, I think this will be the perfect dress for you," I said softly.

​She turned, her face brightening instantly into a warm, genuine smile. "Ah, Lucian... you always seem to know my right colors and tastes better than anyone."

​"May I speak with you alone, Mother?" I asked, glancing at the attendants.

​With a slight nod of her head, she dismissed the maids and tailors, who bowed and quietly exited, leaving the two of us in peace.

​I gestured toward the velvet settee near the fireplace. "Sit with me, Mother. We haven't actually spoken properly since the announcement of this child."

​She sat down, smoothing her skirts as I took the seat across from her. I looked into her tired eyes, a heavy weight pressing against my chest. "Are you sure it is safe for you to carry and birth a child at your age? Has the physician truly cleared this?"

​My mother gave a subtle, dismissing wave of her hand. "The physician once said it was fine, so... it must be."

​"Mother," I pressed, leaning forward, my voice dropping. "Growing up as a boy, all I ever wanted was to see you free from Father’s control. I did not expect you to have another child after Leo... not after all these years. It is as though you are starting all over again—raising a child through every stage of life, just as you did with Leo and me."

​My mother looked at me, her gaze softening with a profound, quiet tenderness. "I know, sweetheart. I know. I wasn't expecting it either... but perhaps it happened for a reason, right? They will be your little brother or sister."

​I took her hands in mine, looking at her with absolute sincerity. "I just want you to know... I am here with you. Whatever decision you choose to take, I do not want Father pressuring you to keep or carry this child if you do not truly want to."

​A soft, tearful smile broke across her face. She reached out, cupping my cheek and pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "Ah, you are truly a wonderful son, Lucian. I promise you, if your father begins pressuring me beyond what I can bear, I shall let you know."

​I raised her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles before standing up to take my leave.

​"Lucian?" she called out softly just as I reached the door.

​I turned back to face her. "Yes, Mother?"

​She smiled, a playful, hopeful glint touching her eyes. "I hope that soon enough, I will be the one helping Eva select dresses for her own pregnancy. It would be so remarkably beautiful if Eva and you were expecting at the same time."

​My posture stiffened instantly. "Mother, please... do not speak of pregnancy with Eva yet. We have not even discussed such things."

​My mother’s brow furrowed, her smile fading into a look of sudden realization. "Please do not tell me you two haven't consummated your marriage yet?"

​"There simply hasn't been time," I evaded smoothly, looking away.

​"What do you mean 'there hasn't been time'?" she gasped lightly. "Do you not sleep in the very same room every night? How long does it take to actually make a baby, Lucian?"

​"Mother, please... do not speak of it like that," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "We just... need more time."

​She studied me for a long, quiet moment, her perceptive eyes cutting straight through my defensive walls. "You have always been a man of very few words whenever you are troubled, my son. It is not normal for you to carry everything alone. If things ever get too overwhelming for you... you can always come to me. I hope you know that."

​"I know that, Mother," I murmured.

​"I love you, Lucian."

​"I love you too, Mother."

​I stepped out into the quiet corridor and pulled the heavy door shut behind me.

​As I walked down the empty hallway, a single, warm tear escaped my eye and slipped down my cheek before I could catch it.

​The weight on my shoulders was suffocating. My health issues, the agonizing secret of my childhood trauma, the dangerous game I was playing with Bella, and the mountain of lies surrounding this estate—it was all tearing me apart inside. I hadn't even come to her room to discuss her pregnancy; I had come simply because I desperately needed the comforting presence of my mother.

​Father had raised Leo and me to never seek comfort without a practical purpose, to always hide our weaknesses behind duty and strength. But in her presence, for just a few precious minutes, the quiet relief had anchored me. Even with a sea of unsaid truths keeping us apart, just hearing her voice made the storm inside my mind a little easier to bear.