Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 499

That moment had been one of the turning points, one of the times he truly began to lose her.

Even now, when the memory surfaced, it twisted in his chest so sharply that he wished he could go back and shut that reckless version of himself up for good.

This time, he would fix what had fractured between them, slowly and carefully, until nothing of it remained.

The eighteenth day of the second month was Elowen's birthday.

The air still carried a lingering chill from winter, but there was a softness to it now, the kind that hinted spring was finally settling in.

Elara had been counting down the days for nearly half a month, and at last, it had come.

Their carriage rolled to a stop outside Duskmoor Manor. Rowena turned to her with a steady look. "Your father and I need to speak with the Duchess. There are a few matters that can't wait. Stay here, keep your head down, and don't cause trouble."

Elara nodded quickly. "I will, I promise."

Rowena studied her for a moment, clearly not convinced, then left a seasoned matron and two attendants beside her before hurrying off with Lieutenant Wrenner toward the main residence.

Elara watched them go, her gaze lingering.

She wanted to see the Duchess too, more than she could say, but she knew better than to get in the way at a time like this.

Back when she had been infatuated with Cassian, she acted on impulse, doing whatever felt right in the moment.

Now, what she felt toward the Duchess was different. It was steady, genuine, and she had no intention of becoming even the smallest inconvenience.

So she followed the attendants toward the garden pavilion where the ladies had gathered to rest.

Along the way, servants moved swiftly but quietly, carrying trays of coffee, covered platters, and small chests of gifts, everything running with a smooth, practiced rhythm that spoke of careful planning.

Elara couldn't help but admire it.

She really has everything under control. No wonder everyone respects her.

She was just about to settle into a quiet corner of the pavilion when voices drifted over from a nearby open-sided gazebo.

"Have you thought about it? The Duke just lost his title, and even the estate's name has changed. Yet the Duchess is still throwing a celebration like this."

"That's easy to explain. She's trying to save face. If people in Vanelle start looking down on them, that would be the end of it. So she spends heavily and makes it grand, just to show they still carry weight."

"I noticed it the moment we arrived. The decorations, the guest list, everything about this place screams expense. The Duke has no stipend now, and he's confined to the estate. Where is all this money coming from?"

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