Chapter 4
I picked up one of the prescriptions and read it softly, “Punica granatum? People use it to stabilize the baby.‘
“Could it be… you two had already been secretly involved, and
and take my place?”
Riley’s face turned ghostly pale. She shrieked, “No! That’s
“}
d my sister is carrying the Earl’s child? Is that why you came up with the scheme to drug me
se–I
only did it
“Whether you’re pregnant or not can easily be determined,” I interrupted my place today, I think we all deserve some clarity.”
“If you dared to drug my milk, what else might you have done? Doctor,
to help
you-
”
95
then turned and called the physician behind me. “Since
Kingsley
tell
In my previous life, she had hidden her pregnancy and married into the Kingsley far pregnancy. This time, I would expose them–let everyone see the scandal they had tried to bury.
Barely
୧
Riley’s eyes welled with tears. “You really want to humiliate me like this? I’d rather die the
if to dash her head against it.
But I was prepared. My maid caught her firmly.
you
took
us whether or not she’s with child.”
into the marriage, she had announced her
slandered.‘
Then she lunged toward a marble column, as
Lilian gave a crisp order. “Hold Riley–be gentle. If she really is pregnant, that might be the future heir to the Kingsleys.”
looked at her and said coolly, “Don’t be so quick to panic, sister. If this is all just a misunderstanding, I’ll apologize. But if it isn’t…‘
Benjamin’s face darkened as the physician reached out. Riley couldn’t move, restrained by Lilian’s people.
The physician examined her quickly, then declared, “The young lady is indeed pregnant–over two months along.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, I slapped Riley hard across the face. “Shameless!”
”
“You seduced your sister’s fiancé behind her back and now pretend you’re some innocent maiden ready to die for honor? Shame of
“You drugged your own sister and stole her place at the altar, when all along you were already carrying the Earl’s child.”
”
I turned toward Benjamin. “So the Earl knew she was pregnant–he knew she was going to take my place. I suppose this whole plan wasn’t was it?”
The guests gasped in horror.
“Oh God! How shameless they are?”
“Lord Kingsley was involved with his own fiancée’s sister? How could things like this happened.”
Riley’s alone,
“Poor Rowena–betrayed by both her sister and the man she was to marry.”
I lifted my chin. “Since the Earl and my sister were already involved, and she is carrying his child, why not come clean? Why humiliate me on wedding day instead?”
Benjamin’s expression was a storm. “What do you want, then? Riley and I are already married. You now know she carries my child- legitimate, so Riley will remain my lawful wife.”
“If you still wish to marry into the Kingsley family, I can take you as a mistress. That’s the best I can offer.”
I let out a mocking laugh. “You’re a disgrace bastard. A man without honor or integrity. I would never marry you.”
“But you have destroyed this engagement, Earl. You must offer compensation.”
my
my
heir
must be
Lilian stepped forward. “Indeed. This marriage is annulled, but the Kingsley estate must compensate the Donovan family.”
I raised my hand, calm and poised. “One hundred thousand silver coins. Pay that, and I’ll treat this as if it never happened. You and my sister may live happily ever after. If not, I’ll take this straight to the palace and inform the King. Whether the child survives the fallout is uncertain–but public disgrace is guaranteed.”
Benjamin’s face turned black with rage. “You’re a daughter of Donovans, and you would stoop to extorting money over a failed marriage? Do you have no shame?”
I sneered. “You’ve already ruined my name. If I walk away without compensation, then I lose both my dignity and my dowry. Since you’ve already stolen my honor, the least you can do is pay the price.”
“If I can’t preserve my reputation, then I’ll preserve my wealth. Don’t you agree, sister? Or would you prefer I reclaim the engagement and take my place back?”
Chapter 4
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*1 wouldn’t mind. If I take it back, I’ll still be Countess Kingsley. But you already carrying another man’s child–well, I doubt General Callahan would still warst you.”
