From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 38

Diana had seen them.

Theodore and Serena–parading arm in arm down Broadway, whispering, laughing, flaunting their intimacy.

Then they slipped into the townhouse on East Street.

He never came out.

The rumors were true. Theodore had kept a mistress.

‘rom her letter I learned what I hadn’t before: Serena wasn’t some passing fancy.

he’d grown up alongside Theodore and Captain Thomas, the two of them shielding her from the cruelties of the world.

Both had loved her.

Once, Theodore even bought out an entire firework display during a holiday, lighting up the New York sky for hours to declare his devotion.

he whole city knew he loved her.

But Serena chose Thomas.

hat night, beneath the fireworks, she accepted his proposal.

till, Theodore never stopped.

le defended her honor with fists, nearly killed himself testing her medicine when she was poisoned, risked everything for her–yet she wed Thum

ociety said Theodore had moved on. That he’d finally grown up.

But now I saw the truth; he hadn’t let go. He’d simply waited.

nd when Thomas disappeared at the front six months ago?

What was Theodore thinking then?

egretting me?

esenting Thomas for leaving Serena alone?

couldn’t hear it any longer. I needed to face him, force the truth into the light

by dusk he still hadn’t returned.

prepared to leave the mansion myself–only to be stopped by Mrs. Camelia al ther

he traded glances with the housekeeper, sent a servant nut the back

let out a tatter laugh What are you doing Mothe

Her fars stiffened her vuire gealled

You are Mrs Hockefellow te se sam take your place

Wait at home Theodore will explain when be returne

I laughest, sharp and bollow

Explain to me–or to her?”

7. Scarlett Vanderbilt, have been nothing but dutiful.”

I’ve run this household, honored this family, respected every tradition.”

“And yet all of you conspired to keep me in the dark–hid from me that my husband keeps a mistress, sneaks away to her bed:–

Cornelia’s mask cracked, her expression turning cold.

Vanderbilt,” she hissed.

I admired your composure, your sense of propriety. Remember your place.”

stepped forward, soldiers moving to block me.

My eyes locked on hers, steady and fierce.

I do remember my place.”

Don’t forget–it was you who begged me to marry into this family.”

It was Theodore Rockefellow who chased me, desperate, until I agreed.”

I am not some meek little wife who swallows her shame in silence.”

Not when it’s him who betrayed me.”

ornelia faltered, pale as a beaten rooster.

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