From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 42

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

I returned to my room and ordered the servants to keep quiet.

I wanted Theodore to be the first to know. Maybe this baby would change everything.

Grace oversaw the kitchen herself, preparing a feast.

Noon came and went. Theodore didn’t show.

My patience unraveled.

The surprise was wasted.

decided to tell Cornelia instead.

she’d always longed for a grandchild. Maybe she’d be pleased.

ler wing of the house was quiet, shutters drawn.

was about to leave when I heard voices inside.

Mother, please.” Theodore’s voice. “Let me marry Serena.”

My knees buckled. Grace caught me before I collapsed.

Lady_” she whispered, horrified.

omelia’s roar shook the walls.

You disgrace!”

he clatter of broken porcelain. The butler murmuring in a panic.

crept closer, standing at the doorway.

nside, Theodore’s voice was steady, defiant.

You want a grandchild? Serena is already carrying my child.”

he floor spun beneath me. My heart clenched, my stomach twisted.

race’s grip on my arm was the only thing keeping me standing.

Cornella’s voice wavered.

Are you certain?”

Certain, Theodore said. “Two months along. The doctor confirmed.”

oy rang in his voice.

And my world went black.

Cornelia relented with a sigh.

This mustn’t spread yet. I’ll find the right time to speak with the Vanderbilts.”

‘Mother, I’m not asking her to be a mistress, Theodore insisted. “Serena will be my wife.

Chapter 6

“Enough!” Cornelia snapped.

That was when I stepped in. Calm. Cold.

“I don’t agree.”

Theodore shot to his feet, furious.

This isn’t your decision.”

My chest heaved, but I forced the words out.

You want a mistress? Fine. But another wife? Then bring me divorce papers first.”

His finger jabbed inches from my face.

You barren, jealous–how dare you! You’d see Serena ruined because you can’t give me a child?”

Cornelia’s eyes cut to my stomach. Suspicion burned there.

clenched my fists, swallowed the rage.

This morning, the doctor told my mother I am three months pregnant.”

he words should have been joy.

nstead, they sounded like a plea. A weapon.

ornelia blinked, stunned.

heodore sneered.

Ha! Now you’re pregnant, too? What a miracle.”

Always competing with Serena. Always dragging her down.”

nd in that moment, all the love I had for him cracked and crumbled into dust.

Theodore,” my voice trembled but did not break, “did you ever once think of me when you were with her?”

What sin have I committed against you, for you to destroy me like this?”

You want Serena? Then take her.”

But it’s either divorce–or widowhood.”

ornelia slammed the table, her voice hoarse with rage.

Scarlett! You’ll remain mistress of this house. Don’t lower yourself to petty bickering.”

laughed bitterly.

I don’t care for your titles.”

As long as I’m bound to him, I’ll make sure this house knows no peace.”

Theodore’s glare was ice.

You were carried here with honor. Divorce? Forget it.”

This house is Rockefellow, not Vanderbilt. And you’re not the one in charge.”

Chapter 6

I don’t remember how I left that room.

Only that something inside me finally died.

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