The Duke's Masked Wife Chapter 544 Ruin The Moment (2)
Previously on The Duke's Masked Wife...
Priscilla preferred to remain at home had she foreseen the attendance of Rose and Edmund. For a brief instant, she considered departing, yet she swiftly dismissed the notion. Such an exit would merely convince Rose of her ability to drive Priscilla off. Never would Priscilla flee from Rose or Edmund. Especially not in the fresh shoes gifted to her recently.
"Argue outdoors to your heart's content, but keep it from spilling indoors. I vow that if either of you spoils this evening for Alessandra, leaving me to handle the fallout, no further birthdays would be celebrated," Edgar declared.
"You realize the evening your wife is relishing happens to be my birthday? Very well," Edmund raised his hands in surrender under Edgar's stern gaze. "I'm glad this occasion brings joy to another. I'd appreciate a quick chat with you prior to entering. It won't drag on or irk you. Surely you'd prefer I address this now rather than letting me step into your residence unchecked."
"So you possess a shred of wisdom after all. I'm granting you precisely two minutes to voice whatever prompted your arrival. Should it echo our prior discussion, you'll find yourself tumbling to the ground this very night," Edgar responded, crossing his arms while anticipating his father's words. Edmund showed basic prudence by not escorting that woman along, and should she appear presently, Edgar would eject his father forthwith.
Any hint of discord or theatrics, and he'd expel the culprits from his abode.
"Privately," Edmund requested, releasing Rose's hand. He had no desire for the surrounding opinions to intrude at this juncture. "Alfred," he called, glancing toward the entrance. "Kindly assist my mother-"
"I'll manage on my own," Rose cut in. She refused to allow Priscilla the satisfaction of witnessing her require aid. Rose burned to identify the gentleman accompanying Priscilla. Priscilla had advanced remarkably fast to introduce this fellow into Edgar's household.
Everything had shifted dramatically since her departure from Lockwood. Rose lamented failing to devise a method to eliminate Priscilla during her confinement in Edgar's dungeon.
Rather than entering and risking an encounter with Rose, who was bound to stir unrest for her and her companion, Priscilla opted to stroll the grounds outdoors and reenter once Rose and Edmund had departed. She lacked the energy to clash with them at present.
"Well then," Edmund remarked, observing Priscilla depart alongside the unfamiliar man. "Your mother is permitted to progress, yet-"
"Steer clear of that path with me, or I'll have you removed from here. Refrain from drawing parallels between your circumstances. Did you arrive to mend fences or to provoke me? You're teetering perilously near the latter," Edgar warned.
"Indeed. Upon reflection regarding our previous exchange, I recognize my errors. You're correct; I've acted cowardly. I've prioritized myself and the realm over my son and wife. I disregarded your emotions, ensnared by my personal bliss. I regret permitting Cassidy's presence in our household and exposing you to the discord between your mother and me. I ought to have intervened in Rose's mistreatment of Alessandra," Edmund confessed.
"Once more, I was preoccupied with her welcoming Cassidy into the fold. Were time reversible, countless actions I'd alter. I should have ensured your comfort within our home, preventing your need to seek solace with my mother and then acquire this residence young to essentially evade the world."
"Truthfully, I won't abandon Cassidy. I understand the ideal resolution for our family involves my departure from her, yet I harbor deep affection for her. I'll strive to shield her from your view, ensuring she never nears Alessandra or your mother henceforth. I earnestly hope you'll afford me an opportunity to rebuild, and should I falter, I vow never to appear before you again," Edmund pledged, lifting his right hand in solemn oath.
Edgar regarded Edmund intently, weighing whether to proceed. Undoubtedly, his father excelled in kingdom affairs with sharp intellect, yet faltered utterly in familial matters. "I'll extend fairness, as I must recommence with my mother. Should you revert to your timid habits or that woman dare approach my kin pretending to be a surrogate mother, I shall erase your presence from my life. As if you'd ceased to exist upon the earth."
"With that settled, I must check on grandmother and Alessandra," Edgar stated, ascending the stairs to locate them.
Edmund glanced back toward Priscilla's direction and spotted her returning. He surmised she'd lingered for his mother's exit or Edgar's entry. He yearned for a dialogue with her as well. Directly post-marriage, he'd neglected her plea to distance from Cassidy, necessitating an apology.
"Priscilla, a word if you please," Edmund called as she neared to bypass him entirely. Edgar mirrored his traits, though he unmistakably inherited his mother's temperament.
Priscilla halted and faced Edmund. This wasn't the moment she desired for her recent companion to encounter her former spouse. "Must we? I believed our parting words sufficed before diverging paths. Very well," she relented, given he'd pester her throughout the evening with a woeful expression. "Dear, fetch me a glass of water. I'll join you shortly inside," she instructed the man on her arm.
"Who might he be?" Edmund inquired, tracking the man's ascent. Priscilla had deliberately omitted his name.
"I'm reserving formal introductions for Edgar and Alessandra. What is it you seek from me, Edmund? Why do you and your kin persist in troubling me? Our divorce is complete, yet I linger in the Collins' thoughts. It's vexing," Priscilla stated, pivoting to confront him.
"That stems from my mother's influence. Hear me out regarding your directive to avoid Cassidy-"
"I'm indifferent," Priscilla interrupted promptly, anticipating the direction. "I'm unconcerned that you returned to her immediately post our union's end. I never should have anticipated that single courtesy from you. That marked your ultimate affront. Your actions no longer concern me, Edmund. Surround yourself with those who bring you joy. You're no longer my spouse, so I harbor no expectations of consideration from you. In truth, you never offered any."
"Has this new attachment altered that?" Edmund probed.
"Attachment? I'm merely reconnecting with him after years apart since youth. Love hasn't blossomed yet. I aim to advance beyond our union, and harboring resentment toward you for choosing her impedes forgetting. Thus, I avoid dwelling on you and hold no hopes, sparing myself letdown. I contemplated selling our former residence, but I'll restore it to pristine condition. Your regrets mean nothing to me, nor does anger persist. Our battles have endured sufficiently," Priscilla explained.
"Understood," Edmund replied, slipping his hands into his pockets. She appeared transformed into another person entirely.