Chapter 8
There was a thick stack of letters I had written to Alden. The bard had preserved them carefully, in perfect chronological order.
Aiden and I had only met by chance. He was on the street, writing letters for others, while I just happened to be illiterate. And yet, he became the only person I could confide in.
I told him everything–my love and hate for Aiden, my grievances and fury.
He listened to it all. Eventually, he became the only one who truly understood me
Even after I died, he still carried my letters with him, hoping that one day, he might meet Aiden and speak a few words on my behalf.
ne these now?
point of reading
Now that the moment had come, he looked a little lost. “She’s already gone,” he said to Alden. “What’s the po
Aiden didn’t answer. He just took the letters back to Norfolk Manor and sat where I used to brew coffee, lit a lamp, and began reading them one by one The first was written not long after I married him. Every sentence burned with hate,
“Aiden–You once told me the world was unfair–especially to women. I thought you would stand up for us. But to my shock, you were completely ignorant of the disgusting tradition that requires a lady whose engagement is broken to be locked in a tower until her chastity is certified, You’re just mother arrogant, useless fool.”
When I cursed Aiden, I spared no cruelty. I insulted him, his ancestors, e even the dogs in his yard.
But Alden didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled softly, the corners of his eyes crinking as he read each line with quiet devotion.
Then he opened another letter–and his expression froze,
“Olivia sent word. She said Aiden returned alone and was captured by bandits. They demand 300 gold coins and forbid contacting the royal guard. They insist the Lady deliver the ransom herself.”
“Mother–in–law went to Slivershado without giving me the key to the vault or control of the household. I was desperate. I sold all my dowry and scraped together only son silver. I set out with that, hoping to stall the bandits.”
“The moment I spoke to them, I knew I’d been tricked”
“Because of my stupidity our child died,”
“Even getting home, it wasn’t Aiden who saved me. It was a bandit, who took pity on me.”
“1 passed by Aiden’s vacation villa. The lights were on. looked inside Olivia was leaning on Aiden’s chest.
“They looked like the real couple.”
“Aiden, always lies to me”
The letter wasn’t long, yet Aiden read it over and over–until dawn.
Only then did he set it dowAnd begin to write.
