At the time, Fiona had thought it was pointless—a waste of time. But she now realized she had been wrong. Catherine showed no remorse and no regret. Left unchecked, she would undoubtedly harm others in the future.
“Fiona’s testimony alone would suffice,” Asher said, “but a new witness has recently come forward. The investigation is moving forward, and I’ve been informed that the perpetrator will soon be questioned.”
Catherine let out a dry, hollow laugh.
“Questioned? That’s absurd! Calling it assault just because I gave her a little push—”
“A ‘little push,’ you say?”
Catherine froze, gasping as she realized her slip. She had incriminated herself. Fury flashed in her eyes as she glared at Asher.
“So what? It was nothing!”
“It was far from ‘nothing,’” Asher retorted, his voice icy. “Neither you nor Fiona’s former husband will escape accountability. I will ensure you face the consequences of your actions—no matter what it takes.”
Asher’s sharp gaze turned to Harry, who flinched under the weight of his glare.
"…This can’t be happening," Harry muttered in disbelief.
From Asher’s tone, it was clear that Harry would face an exorbitant demand for restitution. Worse, if Asher turned the weight of high society against him, Harry would be ruined. He’d have no place left to belong, and inheriting his title as an earl would likely become impossible.
His legs gave way, and he collapsed to his knees, curling into himself in despair.
* * *
Two years passed.
“Mother, come over here!”
Daniel tugged at Fiona’s hand, his face alight with joy.
Since her marriage to Asher, Fiona and Daniel had naturally come to embrace each other as mother and son. Fiona had always cherished Daniel as if he were her own, but now that they were officially a family, her love and devotion knew no bounds. The feeling was mutual—Daniel adored Fiona deeply and relied on her wholeheartedly.
“Father, you too!”
Daniel called out to Asher, who smiled as he quickly joined them.
“What is it, Daniel?”
“Just now, the baby called me!”
Daniel pointed to the small infant sleeping peacefully in the crib that Daniel himself had once used. Fiona stroked Daniel’s head with a gentle laugh. “Oh? Is that true?”
“Yes! I heard it say ‘big brother!’” Daniel exclaimed, his face beaming with pride.
Fiona and Asher exchanged warm smiles at Daniel’s excitement.
About a year earlier, Fiona had discovered she was pregnant.
The news had been a complete surprise to both Fiona and Asher, but it filled them with immeasurable joy.
“But how?” Fiona had wondered aloud.
“My guess,” Asher had replied, “is that the doctor who declared you infertile was hired by Catherine. She likely paid them to ensure your divorce from Harry would proceed smoothly, even if it meant a false diagnosis.”
“Then…” Fiona’s eyes welled with tears. She placed a hand over her flat stomach, overwhelmed with happiness at the thought of new life growing within her.
* * *
“Mother, do you love me?” Daniel asked suddenly, looking up at her with wide eyes.
“Of course I do,” Fiona replied without hesitation, pulling Daniel into a warm embrace.
Even with her own child now born, her love for Daniel had not diminished in the slightest. If anything, it grew stronger with each passing day.
“Thanks to you, I am happy now,” Fiona said, her voice soft and full of love.
She gazed at Asher and Daniel, her heart brimming with joy as a radiant smile lit up her face.
[The End]
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