Chapter 156
the Monson family
Henry had been in a foul mood these past few days.
Ever since Athena was banished from the family. Margaret fell gravely ill and never recovered.
Several times he attempted to visit, only to be firmly turned away by Gwen Denison, Margaret’s maidservant.
And then there was his good–for–nothing son, Matthew.
News of Matthew’s affair with Aliza affair had reached the Emperor,
The Emperor stripped him of his position.
Now the Emperor had demoted him to stand guard at the city gates, a humiliating post for a nobleman,
i
Enraged, Henry had Aliza dragged back to his estate and forced abortion pills down her throat in retribution,
Then he summoned a slave trader and had Aliza sold oft
Eloise wept daily for Athena. In everything she said, she hinted at Henry’s heartlessness.
Elors wanted Nicolas to bring Athena back, but Nicolas scoffed contemptuously, “She’s the Viscountess now, far too high and mighty to even spare any attention at the mere Monson family.”
They had assumed Athena would fall into destitution after being cast out from the Monson family
However, she actually managed to marry up and land on her feet.
Nicolas advised Eloise, “Let’s discuss Athena’s situation later. For now, we must focus on Willow. Her wedding arrangements cannot go
Eloise nodded through her tears, knowing full well where priorities lay
Willow’s wedding arrangements were now the family’s top priority
wrong again.”
Lately, Athena had been giving everyone in the Monson family the cold shoulder. Letting her stay outside for a while might help temper her rebellious
Without the family’s protection, maybe she’d finally y realize just how much family really meant
They felt that Athena was too stubborn for her own good.
From then on, Eloise stopped dwelling on Athena altogether.
evening, Nicolas made his way to Fiona’s quarters.
Fiona’s face lit up with delight when she saw Nicolas arrive. She hurried over to personally help him out of his outer rabe
She asked, “Have your scheduled these days! What brings you here?”
Fiona alaayo most a gentle sende, yet colas gane upon her was nothing but detached indifference.
Nicolas disdained Fiona. Her gentle and virtuous nature rogant nothing to him
The only worth Fiona held in Hinutes’s eyes was bortaly’s vast fortune.
1F4
23:38 Mon, 30 JUN
Chapter 156
E
Mt their wedding, her wedding gifts overflowed with riches.
Otherwise, a mere merchant’s daughter like her would never have been allowed to wed into the Monson family and even bear his children.
Nicolas Book Fiona’s attentive service for granted. Mer she helped him tet his robe, he sat down on without a word
From the moment he entered, Nicolas hadn’t granted Fiona so much as a direct glance.
Fiona had grown accustomed t
red to his indifference. She busied herself, handling everything personal
Fiona busily attended to his every need, serving dink with meticulous care
r days of utter exhaustion, Nicolas finally felt at ease, He then asked, “How has Cedric been these past few days?”
Fiona, noticing his weary expression, offered a gentle, reassuring smile. “Cedric is much better now, no more crying or tantrums He’s become far easier
to care for.
Nicolas gave her an approving look, “it must have been hard on you
was the most ordinary remark imaginable, yet Fiona found her eyes growing moist.
Fiona shook her head, looking at Nicolas with admiration. “It’s what i should do.”
Nicolas nodded slightly, though his brows furrowed.
Whenever Nicolas was troubled or hesitant to speak, Fiona could always sense it right away.
True to form, Fiona gantly inquired, “is something troubling you?”
Nicolas picked up his drink, took a sip, and sighed wearily “Grandma has fallen ill, leaving all the affairs of the estate to Mother. But as you know, her constitution is too delicate to bear such strain. Before long, you’ll have to shoulder the responsibilities of the household yourself”
At this point, Nicolas seemed almost embarrassed.
He addedm “it’s just…we are under severe financial strain…
Before he could finish, Fiona eagerly interjected, “So this is what’s been troubling you? Since I became your wife, it’s only right that I share your burdens Please, leave the matters to me. Rest assured, I won’t disappoint you.”
Ever since she married into the Monson family, Fiona had been walking on eggshells, terrified of making even the slightest mistake.
She might not excel at much else, but when it came to business, Fiona was a real w
whic
Now that this opportunity to prove herself had finally come, Fiona could not possibly let it slip away.
Beside, Fiona had adored Nicolas, she’d been smitten from the very first moment she laid eyes on him.
Nicolas’s gaze wanted slightly with newfound interest. “You truly don’t mind? But that’s your wedding gifts we’re talking about”
Fiona gently took his haut, her face glowing with tender devotion. “As your wife, I belong to you in every way. Money is just a worldly possession. if it can help you, it would be ( greatest privilege”
riona, finaleved you see it that way Nicolas’s tense expression softened as he tumed his hand to gently squeeze Fiona’s, his touch warm and
Fiona luated under Nicolas’s burning gare
She turned her face way, but Nicola gripped chan tumly. With a suggestive undertone, he declared, “I shall stay with you tonight.”
2/4
23:38 Mon, 30 Jun
Chapter 156
Ever since Fiera gave birth to Cedric, Nicolas had been sleeping in his study instead of her room.
Tho was the first time Nicolas had stayed overnight in Fiona’s chambers for a long time.
Fiona’s cheeks turned crimson as she nodded shyly. “I’ll have the servants prepare a fine dinner with good wine,” she said softly
Nicolas released her hand and said gently, “And have a hot bath prepared”
“Understood,” Fiona murmured, her cheeks flushed crimson as she bowed her head and withdrew.
K38%
Word spread through the Fall Chamber that Nicolas would be staying the night. The whole courtyard was buzzing with excitement, as if a grand celebration were about to ben
inner, Nicolas went to take a bath
Despite having already given birth, Fiona was still so nervous she didn’t know what to do
Huddled beneath the quilt, Fiona’s fingers unconsciously traced her lower abdomen.
Estretch marks still lingered there, refusing to fade even now,
Fiona couldn’t help but think, “Will; Nicolas scorn me if he saw those marks?
“But then again, every woman gets stretch marks after giving birth. It’s just part of being a mother.
Nicolas should understand.”
Just a Fiona was anxiously waiting, Nicolas emerged from his bath.
Het black hair cascaded over his shoulders, the tips still glistening with moisture.
Every subtle expression and gestureradiated the cultivated grace of a noble scholar
Yet he exuded a commanding presence, tinged with a hint of danger.
It was natural for women to be drawn to him.
Fiona loved Nicolas with every fiber of her being. Despite his indifference, nothing could dampen her devotion to him.
Fiona sat up as the thin blanket draped over her graceful silhouette.
Her delicate complexion glowed with a healthy flush, a clear sign of the impeccable care she received at the Monson family
Though not a breathtaking beauty, the had dignified features and an aristocratic elegance, like a flower born to grace and luxury.
Here and dignified face radiated reassurance, instantly putting prople at ease.
Eloise had remarked that a woman like Fiona was destined to bring prosperity to her husband, that was precisely why she had arranged for Nicolas to
A surge of warmth flooded Nicolas’s chest as he strode toward
No man could possibly resist her charms.
The candies in the outer chamber
leaving only the dun glow of lamplight in the bedchamber.
The maids and elderly servants outside exchanged knowing smiles and discreetly withdrew
3/4
23:39 Mon, 30 Jun
Chapter 156
Awife’s status was only secure with her husband’s favor. That was how noble households operated.
Moments later, Nicolas strode out of the chamber, his face dark and stormy.
The elderly maidsenant’s face registered alarm. Sensing something was amiss, she rushed into the chamber.
Theresat Fiona on the bed, silent tears streaming down her checks.
“My lady” Sirena Madron hurried forward, her voice laced with concem. “What has upset Lord Nicolas?”
Fiona looked mortified, her hands instinctively covering her lower abdomen, burning with shame and resentment.
Hay worst fear had come true.
38%
Idly. “I still
Nicolas’s gate lingered on the faint stretch marks. His expression darkened instantly. He abruptly stood up and, barely glancing at her, said coldly,” have official business to attend to
Without another word, he left.
4/4
