“Why is that so hard to believe?” Asher asked sharply, wrapping his arm protectively around Fiona.
“Well…”
Catherine glanced between Harry and Asher, her jaw tightening. By every measure—looks, title, wealth—Asher was leagues above Harry. Catherine struggled to reconcile why someone like Fiona, whom she considered inferior to herself, had gained so much. Bitterness twisted her smile.
“Because Lady Fiona is barren,” Catherine spat. “For four years, she couldn’t bear children. And the one child she did conceive, she lost. She’ll never be able to have children again. That’s why Harry divorced her—because as a woman, she has no value. Oh… did she perhaps not tell you that? How terrible! To marry such a woman without knowing the truth… You have my deepest sympathies, Your Grace.”
Feigning innocence, Catherine’s words dripped with malice.
Fiona’s heart pounded in fury, her hands trembling as her nails dug into her palms. She had reached her limit—but before she could act, Asher placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
“If anyone lacks worth as a woman—or as a human being—it’s you,” Asher said icily.
“W-what?” Catherine’s smug expression faltered.
“I knew everything before I proposed to Fiona,” Asher continued, his voice unwavering. “There is no one else I could ever consider marrying. I’ve never met a woman as loving and admirable as Fiona. For someone like you to insult my beloved wife is intolerable. As Duke, I will be lodging a formal protest.”
“A protest?” Catherine stammered.
“Apologize immediately, Catherine!” Harry demanded, his face pale as he forcibly bowed her head.
“I won’t!” Catherine shrieked, glaring defiantly.
“And one more thing,” Asher added, his gaze darkening. “Regarding the incident that caused my wife’s infertility—the assault—it is currently under investigation by the proper authorities.”
“Assault? Investigation?”
Catherine’s head snapped up, and she shook off Harry’s restraining hand.
“That’s ridiculous!” Catherine laughed nervously. “Lady Fiona simply fell down the stairs. It’s absurd to call that an assault, especially months after the fact!”
“Fiona and her family were unwilling to pursue the matter at the time,” Asher said firmly, placing a comforting hand on Fiona’s shoulder. “But as her husband, I am different. I have filed an official complaint, and the perpetrator will face justice.”
Fiona had initially chosen not to press charges, believing it would bring nothing back and only force her to confront her pain. But Asher had gently persuaded her otherwise.
“I cannot forgive anyone who hurt you, Fiona,” he had told her. “The person responsible for your suffering must understand the harm they’ve caused.”
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