Harry was the heir to a count’s family, a position that required an heir of his own. Staying with Fiona, now unable to bear children, was no longer an option for him.
That woman had known this too. It was why she had approached Fiona—to take her child and ensure a divorce.
(Nothing matters anymore.)
Fiona sighed quietly as she signed the divorce papers he presented to her. Perhaps this outcome had been inevitable from the start. Mourning it was a waste of time—or so she told herself, even as her chest ached unbearably.
“Goodbye,” she said softly before leaving the home she had shared with her husband.
* * *
After returning to her family’s estate, Fiona drifted through her days as though lifeless. She stayed in bed until she could no longer sleep, combining breakfast and lunch into a single meal.
To be honest, she had no appetite at all. Still, she forced herself to eat for the sake of her parents and the servants, who cared deeply about her. Afterward, she would retreat to her room and stare blankly into space. She lacked the will to do anything and found no joy in anything she tried.
Occasionally, the servants would coax her into going for a walk or shopping, but her spirits remained utterly crushed.
(I wish it would all just end soon.)
Everything in this world felt meaningless and worthless to Fiona. She couldn’t imagine her feelings ever improving. If that was the case, what was the point of enduring these empty days—of continuing to live at all? The thought was unavoidable.
And yet, morning would come again. Every time Fiona awoke to another day, she felt a fresh wave of despair.
* * *
“I have something to discuss with you, Fiona.”
One day, Fiona’s parents came to her room. She could think of countless possible topics they might want to address. Yet none of it mattered to her anymore. Her heart was so scarred that she had no room left to accept comfort or criticism from anyone.
“What is it?” Fiona replied, her vacant eyes betraying her indifference. Her parents exchanged a glance before her father spoke.
“Would you consider working for the Jorvia Duke’s household?”
“What?”
The suggestion was so unexpected that Fiona raised her head slightly.
“You mean that Jorvia Duke’s household?”
The Jorvia Duke’s family was the leading ducal house, closely tied to the royal family. Such prestigious families rarely hired servants from outside. Fiona suspected her parents had brought this up as a way to lift her spirits, but the idea seemed too far-fetched.
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