Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117 He Is My Husband

The Duke of Falconcrest, sensing the escalating tension, quickly gestured to the maids. “Escort Lady Daphne to the west wing to change her garments.”

“Yes.”

As Daphne was led away, tears streamed down her face, a mix of humiliation and confusion.

She couldn’t understand it.

She had pushed Elowen, so why had she missed?

And Alaric–he liked her, he was kind to her. Why was he so cold to her today?

The more she thought, the more her hatred for Elowen burned.

It’s all her fault!

She gritted her teeth. She would have her revenge for today’s disgrace.

On the other side, Elowen had observed the scene quietly.

She watched Daphne’s display of wounded innocence and Alaric’s utter lack of sympathy.

Strangely, she wasn’t surprised.

She figured, in her last life, Alaric hadn’t necessarily hated Elowen that much, and in this life, he didn’t have to dislike Daphne either.

It was simply his nature–impatient, and obsessed with his own dignity and face.

Thankfully, this life’s Elowen had made the excellent decision to stay as far from him as possible.

“Everyone!” The Duke of Falconcrest addressed the dispersing crowd with a practiced smile, clasping his hands. “A minor mishap, please pay it no mind! Refreshments have been laid out in the pavilions. Please, enjoy yourselves!”

The guests, willing to oblige their host, gradually dispersed into smaller groups.

The Duke then approached Elowen, his manner respectful. “I hope today’s fuss didn’t disturb you, Your Grace?”

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10:56 Fri, May 8

Chapter 11 He Is My Husband

This was the deference owed to the Duchess of Duskmoor.

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Elowen noticed Alaric’s gaze also resting on her from a distance. The look in his eyes made her skin crawl, though she gave no sign.

She offered the Duke a polite smile. “I’m quite alright, my lord. Thank you for your concern.”

“And will His Grace be honoring us with his presence today?” the Duke inquired.

Elowen nodded. “He told me he’d come once he finished his work. By now, he should be on his way.”

The Duke understood and warmly invited Elowen to be seated in one of the pavilions.

With so many people around, no one noticed a round–faced servant, who had been lingering nearby, react with a slight, uneasy shift in expression upon hearing their exchange. Seizing the moment, he slipped away unnoticed.

Once Elowen and Kaelan were seated, the Duke took Piers aside to get a clearer account of what had just happened.

A thought struck Elowen. She turned to Kaelan. Your aunt said she went to see the golden koi. Where’d she end up? Why hasn’t she come back?”

Before Kaelan could reply, Alaric’s voice cut in, unexpectedly close, “Aunt, seriously? You think Uncle Cassian’d be okay with this?”

Elowen looked up to see Alaric standing before her, looking down with icy disdain.

She frowned. “What are you implying?”

Alaric’s gaze flicked to Kaelan. “My uncle is occupied, so you seek the company of a younger man to alleviate your boredom?”

Elowen stared, then a wave of anger washed over her.

Her brow furrowed deeper. “You see filth everywhere because your own mind is filthy!”

Kaelan also frowned, his tone polite but firm. “Your Highness, don’t talk nonsense. I’m here with my aunt. My aunt and Her Grace are close, so the two of us are together.”

“Is that so…”

Alaric’s suspicious gaze traveled between them.

He had noticed Kaelan earlier, standing beside Elowen. They looked disturbingly well–matched. And the way Kaelan looked at her–it was anything but innocent.

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10:56 Fri, May 8

Chapter 117 He Is My Husband

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Alaric remembered once, during an argument with Elowen in the past, he had shouted at her, “You’ve got a load of flaws. No man would ever like you.”

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