Chapter 3

3

I wanted a divorce!

The moment the thought took root, the weight on my chest began to lift.

Once my mind was made up, I recovered quickly.

During those few days, neither Gideon nor Caden set foot in my room.

I clutched the divorce papers, desperate to get Gideon's signature.

When I reached his wing, the guards blocked me. "Apologies, Your Ladyship. The Earl has ordered that no one enters without a summons."

But then I saw Mona Thorne stroll right into his study.

I saw her tear pages from his favorite books to use as targets for a game.

I saw Caden clapping and cheering for her.

I saw Gideon watching her with a gaze so tender it hurt.

I squeezed the papers in my hand and took a deep breath. "Please tell him I'm waiting in the courtyard. I have urgent business."

Gideon looked at me through the window but acted as if I were invisible.

Caden's voice drifted out, sounding annoyed. "Dad, is she just saying that to get your attention?"

How could the child I raised turn into this in just six months?

The guard looked guilty. "The Master asks you to return to your room. He will see you when he is finished."

I waited from noon until the moon rose. Then until the sun began to climb again.

"Please, ma'am, go get some rest," my maid, Shae, begged for the hundredth time.

I thought I wouldn't sleep, but the moment my head hit the pillow, I drifted off.

It wasn't until sunset that Gideon finally remembered I existed.

He sat down, smoothing his coat, a lingering smile on his face. He smelled like fresh grass.

The three of them had been at the Royal Stables all morning. Why would they remember me?

"What is it? Caden and Mona are waiting for me for dinner." He was impatient, looking at the door instead of me.

I placed the divorce papers on the table.

He tapped his fingers on the wood―a sign he was irritated. "Yara Zane, do you even know what this is? Do I need to read it to you?"

I gave a small laugh and curtsied. "You're joking, My Lord. I wrote it myself. Of course I know."

Gideon picked up his tea and poured it over the papers. "You aren't the smartest woman, but you've always been obedient. I don't know who put these ideas in your head, but I'll let it slide this once. If there's a next time..."

I immediately pulled out another copy and handed it to him. "No one talked me into this. I want this divorce."

Gideon finally looked at me. His face was a mask of shock and fury. "Is this because of Mona? She is talented. I brought her here to mentor Caden. With your limited education, how could you possibly raise him properly?"

Even his explanation was an insult. I gripped my handkerchief, looking him in the eye. "You are the Earl. If it wasn't Mona today, it would be someone else tomorrow. None of that matters to me anymore. I just want out."

Gideon stared at me. The sheer pressure of his status was suffocating, but I didn't blink.

He snatched the papers and let out a harsh laugh. "And if I refuse? Your family will never agree to this. Stop acting like a spoiled child over nothing. If you stay in your place, I'll give you some respect. But a divorce? Never."

"Is that so? Then let's see," I said.

Gideon stormed out, his cloak snapping behind him.

He didn't believe a weak, unloved woman like me could do anything.

He was only angry because a submissive pawn had dared to challenge his authority.