"How can you be free if you are still bonded to him?" Mia stood up, defensively pointing out something Belle was well aware of. There was nothing she could do at that point, and she was well aware that he would do anything to stop her if she did not act tough in front of him.
"It matters not, Mia. So long as we are away from here, nothing else is of any concern," Belle said softly, stepping closer to her friend. Though her voice was steady, she could not shake the worry that not being rejected might delay her plans. But she had plans to make him reject her.
Mia stood silently, her eyes searching Belle's face for any trace of doubt. Was she truly at peace with this? As far as Mia knew, Belle could never move on from him while their bond remained. But since Belle seemed calm, Mia felt it would be foolish to complain when she was not the one directly affected.
"Very well," Mia said at last. "But are you certain you are all right? We must be sure you don't break down before the divorce papers are signed." Her voice carried a tone of gentle worry, her gaze full of pity.
"I shall remain in my room until he has signed them," Belle replied quietly. "That way, I can keep out of trouble with the others." She understood why Mia was concerned. The real danger was her mother-in-law, who would surely take any opportunity to provoke her. Belle had already heard the whispers throughout the house about Izabella's fondness for Quinn's new lover.
"Also," Mia added with a sharp frown, "stay well away from that new woman. She may be even worse than Izabella. You must be cautious." Her tone was laced with disgust as she thought of the new lover. Though the woman had beauty and a striking figure, she lacked Belle's poise and character. And if Izabella hadn't treated Belle so cruelly, she would have stood out.
"Yes, Mother," Belle answered with a faint smile, her tone teasing as if she were a child obeying a parent. Mia had been by her side since they were little and was the only family Belle had left. Despite everything, even the ruin Mia's family had suffered at her father's hand, Mia bore her no ill will. Instead, she had stayed loyally by her side, even following her into the Duke's household. If Belle owed anyone her loyalty, it was Mia, and she intended to repay her kindness.
Mia smiled warmly at Belle's response. "Good. Now, let me fetch you something to eat. I will return shortly," she said before leaving the room to see to it herself.
…
The next morning, the family gathered at the breakfast table, except for Belle, whose absence flamed Quinn's anger. Though he had agreed to divorce her, he had not granted her the freedom to disregard her duties until the matter was finalized. If she aimed to provoke him, she was succeeding, but he would not allow her to act as she pleased while she was still his wife.
"She may yet be recovering from her recent loss," Izabella remarked, her tone laced with feigned concern. "Belle would never miss breakfast without reason."
Her words carried a pretense of care, but inwardly, she was pleased by Belle's absence. Izabelle had already learned, through the spies she kept in every corner of the household, of Belle's intention to seek a divorce. The news had delighted her, for it cleared the path for Quinn's new lover, a match she heartily endorsed.
Just when Izabella thought she might need to hasten the removal of that troublesome woman, fortune favored her. Belle had made matters easier by seeking a divorce. The audacity of the girl! She had schemed her way into Quinn's life, forcing him into a marriage he never desired. It was only right that she stepped aside now that the rightful wife had arrived.
"It has been days since the miscarriage, and that is no excuse for her insolence!" Quinn snapped, his tone cold and his eyes dark with anger.
"Indeed, her behavior is most improper," Izabelle added smoothly, feigning sorrow. "I have tried to guide her, my dear son, but she despises me and refuses to heed my words. Pray, forgive her shortcomings, it is my incapability," she said, lowering her gaze.
"This is not your fault, Mother," Quinn replied sharply, his words prompting a triumphant smile to bloom on Izabella's face. She still held sway over him, and it pleased her to know Belle never stood a chance. Even if Quinn had not left for war, Izabella could still mistreat Belle, for her son would always take her side.
"Guards!" Quinn suddenly barked, his voice booming through the hall. "Bring the Duchess here at once. Carry her, if that is what it takes!"
The sharpness of his command caused the room to still, and even Sofia flinched at the sudden shift in his mood. She had never seen this side of him before.
"Here," Sofia said gently, handing him a glass of water with a warm smile. He accepted it, his expression softening slightly under her gaze.
The gesture did not go unnoticed. Those gathered at the table exchanged curious glances, marveling at how she had calmed him with such ease. Whispers had long circulated about the Duke's strained relationship with Belle, but none had imagined he would take another woman so soon, let alone bring her into his home while still married. His marriage had not even lasted a year, and yet it seemed Sofia had already captured his heart.
"Do not trouble yourself," Sofia murmured, placing her hand lightly over his where it rested on the table. "The Duchess is simply weary. She will come in her own time."
"Do not speak for her," Quinn replied curtly, though his voice was subdued. Sofia only smiled in return, unfazed by his tone.
…
Moments later, the guards returned and knelt before him. "Your Grace," one began hesitantly, "the Duchess refused to come. She… she threatened to take her own life if we laid hands on her."
"And so you left her?!" Quinn thundered, rising from his chair with fury etched on his face. "Instead of dragging her here as I commanded?" And added.
The guards exchanged nervous glances, clearly uncertain how to respond.
"But… but she had a dagger, Your Grace," one stammered, his voice trembling. "She would have stabbed herself…"
Quinn's lips curled into a dangerous smirk as he strode toward the cowering man. Bending to meet the guard's eye, he spoke in a low, venomous tone. "I appreciate your concern," he whispered, his voice dripping with mock gratitude. Straightening, he fixed his fit with a chilling smile.
"Have him beheaded," he ordered flatly, turning away.
"Your Grace! Spare me!" the guard cried, his voice filled with desperation, but the others were already binding him, their expressions grim.
"Klaus," Quinn called to his Beta as he strode toward the door, "come with me." Ordering.
Without another glance, he left the hall, his loyal Beta following close behind.
If Belle sought to defy him, she would soon learn the price of her rebellion. If war was what she wanted, then war she would have.