The household staff had been tight-lipped about Daniel’s mother. Fiona knew nothing about her whereabouts, the reasons for leaving Daniel behind, or why Asher had accepted the situation.
But if she were Daniel’s mother, she would want to know how her child was doing, no matter the distance. That thought was why Fiona had started the record.
“Thank you, Fiona,” Asher said, his voice filled with emotion as he finished reading. He looked at her with a tearful smile.
“But… Daniel’s mother—my sister—is no longer in this world.”
“What?” Fiona gasped, her eyes widening.
Fiona’s eyes widened at Asher’s words.
“Your sister… Lord Asher?”
“Yes,” he began. “The truth is, Daniel was born from a relationship between my sister and a man of low social standing. However, she lost her life during childbirth, and the man passed away from illness soon after. That’s why we decided to raise Daniel as a child of the duke’s household. For Daniel’s future, and to protect the family’s reputation, we thought it best to present him as my son. Given that I struggle with women and need an heir, it was a convenient solution as well.”
“I see…”
As Fiona responded, her gaze drifted to Daniel.
Daniel and Asher looked strikingly alike. Had no one told her, she might never have known the truth.
“But… was it wise to share such a secret with me?”
“...I told you because it’s you,” Asher said, gripping her hand tightly. Fiona’s heart skipped a beat.
“Would you stay by my side—and Daniel’s—from now on?”
“That… of course. I want to watch over Master Daniel’s growth with my own eyes,” Fiona replied, her voice steady even as her gaze wavered.
“Not as a servant,” Asher continued. “I want you to live with us as my wife, as Daniel’s mother. Fiona… I love you.”
Asher’s intense gaze bore into her, making Fiona’s chest tighten.
(Lord Asher loves me…?)
It was the first time anyone had confessed such feelings to her. Her marriage to Harry had been entirely political, devoid of genuine affection. They had shared only obligatory interactions as husband and wife before he sought companionship elsewhere. Fiona had long believed herself incapable of receiving or giving love.
(I’m happy…)
She had never expected love in return for her care. Yet the mere thought of being loved warmed her heart. And she couldn’t deny her own growing feelings for Asher.
But…
“I’m sorry.”
Fiona lowered her gaze, shaking her head gently.
“Why?” Asher asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
“I’ve been divorced once. I am unworthy of being a duchess,” she explained, tears welling in her eyes.
Deep down, she wanted to say yes, to accept his feelings and her own happiness. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
“That doesn’t matter to me at all,” Asher replied, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her hand. His gaze was filled with warmth and unwavering determination.
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