Beneath The Veil of Deception 5
Episode 5: The Walls Between Us.
𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴.
The thought repeated in her mind. She had been so sure she understood Zander—cold, calculating, indifferent. A man who had only agreed to their marriage out of duty and tradition. And yet, this was not the act of a man bound by either.
Mother:
Do you realize what this means? Returning before the first week is unheard of. The court will not take this lightly.
Jacinth’s fingers tightened around the folds of her gown, her chest heavy with guilt. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘡𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳? He had taken a risk, one she hadn’t considered in her frustration and grief.
𝘏𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘫𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺?
She had been so consumed by her desire to leave that she hadn’t thought about what her request would mean for him—how it would affect his already fragile position as Duke.
He hadn’t hesitated. There had been no trace of anger or resentment in his tone.
Jacinth Ashbourne
I was not aware, Mother. I did not think he would let me come.
Jacinth's voice trembled as she finally spoke. Her mother’s eyes softened, if only slightly.
Lysandra took her daughter’s hands and pulled her to sit next to her. She gently rubbed her thumb in circles on Jacinth’s hand.
Mother:
Sweetheart, I understand. It has not been easy on you. With everything. However, we cannot change anything that has already been decided.
But think about him too. He has been forced into this as well. Yet, he is trying, in his own way. Do you understand what I am trying to say?
Jacinth Ashbourne
I understand, Mother.
She whispers. Lysandra speaks after a long pause.
Mother:
I know. In our lives, marriages are established out of necessity, serving as a partnership that benefits both families involved. Nonetheless, it does not have to be as terrible as we imagine, does it?
Jacinth stares at her Mother. Her inner feelings making a whirlwind within her. Lysandra smiles softly before getting up, leaving Jacinth alone with her thoughts.
𝙃𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩... 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚... 𝙢𝙚...
Zander Von Edrington
Have been enjoying a lot, haven't you?
Zander smiles softly before sitting down and placing the flower bouquet on the grave.
Zander Von Edrington
I told you—I'd be a terrible Duke. Here we are.
“𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?”
The graveyard is enveloped in a serene stillness, the summer breeze weaving through the air like a gentle song, letting the evening descend. The sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
Zander closes his eyes, surrendering to the warmth. The tranquil atmosphere wraps around him, and before he knows it, his thoughts drift back, his memories taking him to the past.
Zander Von Edrington
Come on, Bro.
He rolled his eyes at Rafael, feigning offense.
Zander Von Edrington
You are born for this. Me? Pardon me, Your Grace.
Zander chuckled heartily, taking a step back as the laughter bubbled up inside him. Rafael joined his brother.
Zander Von Edrington
Just give me your fiancee.
Rafael let out a genuine chuckle, the kind that comes from deep within. With a playful grin, he wrapped his arm around Zander’s neck, pulling him.
Rafael Von Edrington
I have not refused anything, have I? You are everything to me.
Zander Von Edrington
Oh come on—You know I am kidding. Release me, release me!
Rafael Von Edrington
Of course, I do.
Both brothers continued to revel in their laughter. Yet, a shadow crossed over Zander's features. The laughter, once vibrant, began to fade as his Adam's apple bobbed with that unwelcoming emotion he wished he could bury deeper.
The emotion 𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙧 after learning that Jacinth was engaged to his brother.
Zander Von Edrington
I was really joking, Brother.
He gradually blinked awake. The darkness falling in the graveyard. Zander's gaze heavy with a somber weight as he reached for his handkerchief. With a gentle motion, he traced Rafael's name etched in the stone.
Zander Von Edrington
She misses you.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩... 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚... 𝙢𝙚...
Comments
Cara De Clare — Reverie! 🌈
Alright. They need to communicate. Like literally.
They're both just so good at hiding their feelings and locking them away beneath the shadow of indifference.
They literally have the same thought at this point — “He/She must despise me.” This ain't gonna take things anywhere. And it seems like Zander actually has been liking her for a while. Which makes me wonder on how long he can keep his feelings buried inside... Forever? Doesn't feel that way.
2025-03-19
1
Nick
according to this chapter I really loved her before my brother did but because of the situation and engagement I stepped back so sad but sacrificed his feelings for his brother is something great for family from this point zander is a great character by heart I absolutely love it 🥰
2024-11-28
2
ɖɛ۷ıι
No-- wait he ....is willing to let her go that easily?
2024-11-21
2