“It’s impossible,” Fiona whispered. “I… I can never bear your children.”
“What?”
The words tore at her heart as Fiona looked up at Asher.
The memory of losing her child and the hope of ever becoming a mother again was an unbearable wound. She had no choice but to tell Asher the truth. It was painful to revisit the past she didn’t want to face and the future she dreaded.
When she finished explaining, Asher murmured, “I see…”
(Why did things have to turn out this way?)
Fiona had lost her child and her husband in one fell swoop. Now, it felt as though fate was robbing her of a future with Asher too. She had never dreamed of marrying someone else after Harry, but the harsh reality of her circumstances loomed large.
“...But that doesn’t matter to me,” Asher said firmly. Fiona’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“I want to live with you as my wife. Fiona, I love you.”
His words were resolute, brimming with sincerity. Tears streamed down Fiona’s face as Asher wrapped her in a tight embrace.
“And we have Daniel,” Asher continued. “He is my son. You’ve made me believe that wholeheartedly. So, don’t worry about children. All I want is to marry you, Fiona.”
A wave of joy surged through her. Tentatively, Fiona reached out and returned his embrace.
“I… I love you too, Lord Asher,” she confessed softly.
As Fiona spoke, Asher’s eyes softened with happiness.
“You look beautiful, Fiona,” Asher said, his gaze so intense it felt as if it could pierce through her. He pressed gentle kisses to her forehead and cheeks.
Tonight was a royal ball hosted by the king, where Fiona and Asher had come to formally present their marriage to the monarch.
It had been years since Fiona had dressed up like this. She thanked Asher with a radiant smile, clearly delighted.
Once the ball began, Fiona accompanied Asher as they greeted countless guests. As a duke, Asher was surrounded by people constantly.
She couldn’t help but compare this to the few balls she had attended with Harry. At the time, Harry had not yet inherited his title and had little influence in society. The difference was staggering.
“You must be tired,” Asher said. “I’ll fetch us some drinks. Wait here for a moment.”
“Of course,” Fiona replied, watching him leave as she took a moment to catch her breath.
“Fiona…?”
Someone called her name in a familiar yet casual tone. Her heart sank with a heavy thud. Turning around, she saw none other than her former husband, Harry.
“It’s… been a while,” Harry said awkwardly.
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