Daniel forced himself to break the kiss. If he had not, he reckoned the ladies who were bullying his wife would have had to witness an even more inappropriate scene. Magnolia’s forehead fell on his chest. “Please, do not let go,” she murmured. “I think my legs will give in if you do.” Her revelation drew a smile on Daniel’s face, and he tightened his arms around her. Magnolia was out of breath. It was not her first kiss, but she did not understand why the feelings were dramatically different. In the past, when the baron kissed her, she felt revolted and cringed away from his touch. His kisses were violent and demanding. But why did she enjoy Daniel’s? Why did she want him to kiss her more? Why did she want to stay in his arms forever? The thoughts created chaos in her head, they went against everything she had promised herself when she was finally free from the baron. Why was she letting a man touch her and worse, she enjoyed it? “Can you walk

MAGNOLIA WAS TOO AFRAID to even look back. Just hearing that name made her skin crawl. The duchess had to grip the edge of the table as the waves of emotions crashed against her. She swallowed hard, trying to be rational about the situation.  There was no way that the princess of the kingdom invited the one person Magnolia loathed the most to her afternoon tea. But as Serena joined the princess and greeted her, Magnolia’s optimistic thoughts vanished.  ‘How is this possible? It takes a week to travel from Kerika to the capital? Unless she was already here. Or maybe the princess had invited Serena before she even invited me.’ “Duchess?” the princess called Magnolia as she was the only one still standing, lost in her thoughts.  All eyes were on her, she looked around and sat instantly. Her head was in chaos. Her eyes traveled to Aurora, and she realized that this whole tea charade was for the princess to torment her by inviting t

MAGNOLIA’S HANDS SHOOK as she carried the heavy plate to the living room. Serena had been enjoying using her as a maid lately. She hurried back to the kitchen to bring the tea tray. It was even heavier than the plate. She took slow steps while being very careful.  Unfortunately, as soon as she entered the living room, her small wrists gave in, and the tray fell to the floor. Every single cup and saucer were shattered.  “Hurry up and clean that mess,” Serena ordered. Magnolia was too scared to even look up. She picked up all the broken pieces and rushed to the kitchen to fetch new ones. As she reached for the cups in the cupboard, a hand snatched her head and smashed it against the wall. “How dare you embarrass me in front of my guests?” Disoriented, Magnolia tried to stand, maybe run, but she fell back down. “What? Going

MAGNOLIA LAY IN BED, STIFF. She could not sleep, and her eyes were fixated on the canopy above the bed. She could hear Daniel’s deep breaths. He had fallen asleep right away. ‘How can he just fall asleep like that? Does he even see me as a woman?’ She rolled her eyes.  She turned to her side and faced Daniel. He looked so peaceful. It was the first time she got the chance to study his face this close without the risk of being found out. His eyelashes were longer from this angle and his parted thin lips were so cute. His silver locks were falling on his face. Magnolia gently pushed his hair back, but Daniel violently grabbed her hand, she yelped in surprise. Daniel opened his eyes, they were cold, dangerous, and they were staring straight at her. A shiver ran through her body. “You are hurting me.” Daniel immediately released her hand. “I am so sorry, it is out of habit,” he said. “Are you alright?” “Habit?” 

MAGNOLIA ENTERED THE DINING HALL, escorted by Henry. The room almost seemed to have a never-ending table. The plates and glasses glimmered under the light. The extravagant chandeliers hung from an intricately carved sealing. Large, beautiful paintings decorated the walls. It was the most beautiful dining hall Magnolia had ever seen. Not that she had seen many. Of course, Marquis Flock was sitting at the head of the table and to his right the princess, who was the most important guest of the night. The second most important guest was Daniel, who was seated to the princess’ right. Magnolia found herself facing her husband from the other side of the table. She was seated between the marquise on her right and Henry to her left. “Oh, I am so delighted to have you sit next to me, dear.” The marquise smiled sweetly at her.  “The pleasure is all mine, my lady.” Magnolia returned the smile.  Dinner seemed longer than normal, or maybe