"Let go of me! How dare you drag me like this!" With a gasping breath I tried to rebel. My plans to run from the Duke was ruined.
The heels I was wearing were forced to drag the floor due to being carried away by two men whose faces I had never seen before. They wore dark suits that were quite neat, like the men in general who worked at my husband's house. Howling was useless, they ignored me like a beggar found on the side of the road.
I was taken forcibly to the very top of this building that call "prison"—the Winterson residence. As soon as this foot passed through the door, I saw the figure of a well-built man in a black shirt and strap. Duke Winterson. A leather mask of a similar dark color covered his eyes, but I knew he was looking at me coldly.
"What else do you want me to do?" I shouted as my knees touched the cold dark ceramic. In the next second, my body was forced to stand up again.
"What is the proper punishment for a woman who cheats on her husband?" The black-haired man's voice sounded slightly trembling and managed to make me scared. As expected, Duke Winterson knew of my secret meeting with the Crown Prince and was waiting for a moment like this. Damn, I can't ignore anymore.
A man in a brown robe then handed the Duke a glass of wine and at the same time, the man who grabbed my hand pushed me closer to his master.
"Drink," said Duke Winterson in a low voice.
These lips automatically trembled, but I still showed hatred towards him. Then gave a lopsided smile after spitting at the man.
"You're right. It's better to die than to live as your wife," I said later. "My affair with the Crown Prince ... I don't regret it."
This time I smiled while shedding tears. Neither tears of sadness or joy. The wine that he handed me earlier I drank in one gulp. Yes, I drank it very consciously and within seconds, the body was rocking. It was as if a blunt object had hit my head so that my eyelids moved down and I unconsciously fell limply on the floor.
"You'll regret it later."
The deep voice then haunted me. I saw the masked man who was still standing in front of me raise one corner of his lips, as if he had won the war. Unfortunately, I can no longer move these lips and body. If he could, maybe only curses were spoken for him.
***
"Lady Dalcom has locked herself for four days."
My mind was blown when hear Milli talking to someone behind the bedroom door. Yes, just now I was daydreaming again, digging up the remaining memories without paying attention to who came. Maybe my father's assistant.
"Lady doesn't want to see anyone," Milli continued in her characteristic soft voice.
Once again I brew my tea this afternoon with great care. Since then I haven't moved, just sitting on the sofa staring blankly at the wall. This body still feels crushed. My hands and feet are still a bit stiff to move. Not to mention the dizziness that sometimes comes annoying.
If my memory just now was just a dream, but why does it feel so long? So real. I can feel the pain until now. I still can't figure out the reality that brought me back here. Yes, it is not easy for me to believe this strange occurrence. After drinking the poison, I woke up before the unlucky wedding took place. Even if I tell you no one will believe it.
I think the gods heard all my pleas. Day and night I cried, asking to be returned to my father's house. For years, and now it all come true in the blink of an eye.
"Ah, good afternoon, My lord. I'm sorry, Lady Dalcom is still—"
Soon my eyes widened when I see the figure of a middle-aged man in a long brown coat standing behind the half-opened door. The man with partly gray hair enter the room with a worried face. He took a big step and suddenly he was standing in front of me. I immediately put down the tea cup I was holding earlier, ventured to look at him as he stood up.
"How are you, Father?" My voice sounded so hoarse, either because of the tea I just drank or my courage that had shrunk drastically.
"Thank goodness you're awake." The man then sat across from me. Looks like he just came back from the palace.
"Thank you for worrying—"
Just looking down, my father had spoken again, "You're doing this on purpose to delay your wedding?"
"What?" I frowned.
"I know you fell off the horse on purpose," he replied.
I was staring at my father who began to raise his voice. It didn't change, Dad was still selfish, didn't think about his own daughter. Actually I am his biological daughter or not? Dad's brown hazel irises are similar to mine, but full of ambition. It's useless, even if I obeyed I would still suffer.
"Yes, Dad," I said, lying.
I remember the incident while riding, but it was purely an accident. This time I no longer want to obey all my father's wishes. He is my father, but I live this life. For once I wanted to be free to make my own choices. It's Dad's turn to be silent.
Instantly I remembered the bitter life of being a Duchess in the Winterson family. So tragic and filled with tears. My hands were tightly clenched.
I'm sorry, Dad. I don't want to die at the hands of Duke Winterson. If only you knew how much I suffered after marrying that criminal. I don't want to suffer anymore as Duchess Winterson.
"You... what a useless daughter!" The middle-aged man whose hair partly turned white then snapped at the table.
I actually wanted to cry seeing Dad's really angry face right now, but I held it in as best I could.
"What exactly do you want from that man?" Without realizing it, tears were running down my cheeks after I said that.
There was silence and I saw Milli standing behind my father completely speechless. He was surprised to hear me dare to say something like that. I could see his eyes widen at me.
"If Mother was still here, she would definitely refuse this wedding plan," I added in a louder voice.
"How dare you... don't mention that witch again."
What did he say? I can hardly believe my father called my mother a witch. Since I was a child, I never asked about my mother. Only Milli told me that Mother died after giving birth to me. Mother's face is very beautiful, she has the same black hair as me and emerald green irises, that's what Milli said. Is there a witch like that?
"You will still be married to Duke Winterson!" My father suddenly rose from his seat. "Don't let him out of his room."
Suddenly I was stunned to see him go. He forbade me to go out? It's like being cooped up in the Winterson's old house.
"Miss! Are you all right?" Milli immediately ran to me. He stroked my hair gently, while I just nodded helplessly.
"Yes. Thank you, Milli."
I forced a smile. Only Milli is the most loyal servant. This woman is fifteen years older than me and she is already my mother. Without him I might be crazy now in this house.
"Miss, don't say that to Master again." Milli calmed down again, but I didn't really care.
"Milli, you must help me to cancel this marriage," I said while holding her hands.
"Master won't go back on his word." As expected, Milli couldn't possibly refute Dad. The only way is to mess up this wedding plan.
The next second I nodded, "I know, at least I'll try."
I started to think of a way to cancel that damn marriage. All I can think about is blur, run and run. However, even if it were found, I would be married off to a man like Duke Winterson.
Can't I stop it?
"Ah, I have to meet him!"
Milli immediately raised an eyebrow at that and I knew I was going crazy when I said those words.