### Chapter 9: Last Day (1) “Should I prepare an engagement ring for you, or do you think it’s unnecessary?” Alfred’s voice sliced through the silence as he materialized beside Edgar, who was watching Alessandra’s carriage vanish down the winding path leading away from the estate. “Prepare the ring for tomorrow morning. We’ll be visiting the Barretts,” Edgar replied, stepping back into the depths of the house as the carriage crested the hill and the dust settled. “And ensure that no one breathes a word about her visit here until then.” “Understood, my lord,” Alfred nodded, closing the door with a practiced motion. “Shall I also gather the gifts for her family?” “Yes,” Edgar instructed, a spark of excitement lighting his eyes. “Cigars from my collection for her father, some tasteful jewelry for her mother and sister, and a bounty of paint for Alessandra. I’ll need some of the current paintings taken down as I intend to replace them with works from her. And clear out a few personal items from my chamber for her.” “You mean you’ll be sharing a room?” Alfred’s eyes widened in disbelief. Edgar paused, turning slightly as he regarded his loyal servant. “Why is that so surprising? Alessandra will be my wife, Alfred. You of all people taught me the importance of tradition.” “Tradition, yes, but nothing I mentioned ever included such… unconventional arrangements! Did she consent to this? I sincerely hope you discussed it with her beforehand.” “Not in so many words,” Edgar continued, a mischievous grin creeping on his face. “But I did tell her last that she would be the mother of my children.” “Children?” Alfred gasped, clutching his chest as though he had received a physical blow. “Seriously, Alfred?” Edgar shook his head, fighting the urge to chuckle at his friend’s overreaction. “You’re being melodramatic. I have work to attend to. Should anyone else come, send them away. And spare me further questions, or you might add too much stress to your heart. Do you wish for that?” “Of course not, young master! I’m merely eager to see this family you speak of. I’ll see to it right away,” Alfred said, rushing off on his mission. “Wonderful. We are on the brink of a new adventure, Alfred,” Edgar called out, the thrill of impending change vibrant in his tone. Meanwhile, nestled within the confines of her carriage, Alessandra couldn’t shake the fluttering sensation roiling in her stomach. The gravity of her situation loomed over her, a weight lifting only when she was a safe distance from Edgar. Pinching her arm, she stifled the bubble of incredulity rising within. “I’m going to marry Duke Collins,” she whispered in disbelief. Who could have anticipated that a spur-of-the-moment proposal would lead her down this path? Who would have thought he would actually agree? “I’m nearly free…” Tomorrow heralded her last day of navigating her family’s chaotic world. Once Edgar arrived, not even Kate or Katrina would dare to meddle in her affairs. They could resent her for being the one to capture Edgar’s attention instead of Kate, but they would be powerless to act against her. “Will Father show any interest in me now?” Alessandra mused, resting her head against the carriage's window. “I fear he might try to persuade the Duke to marry Kate instead. Tomorrow promises to be tumultuous,” she closed her eyes, relishing the brief moment of tranquility. As the carriage rolled towards home, Alessandra was not surprised to find a figure standing at the doorway, arms crossed with a scowl etched deep into her features. Katrina had been waiting, aware that her husband’s leniency would spark irritation at home. Alessandra had departed at the first light of dawn to evade any attempt from Katrina to prevent her escape. As the carriage halted, she took a deep breath, pushing the door open herself; she could feel the weight of her family's disdain heavy in the air. Keeping her head lowered, Alessandra approached the entrance of their home, determined to avoid any conflict. “Morning, Katrina,” Alessandra offered, her voice barely rising above a whisper. Katrina didn’t bother to return the greeting, her fury palpable. “Your father has lost all sense if he allowed you to leave this house. Do you both wish to further disgrace us? Imagine the scandal if others knew you were gallivanting about like this!” “I didn’t—” “Do NOT call me that!” Katrina’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “I have told you repeatedly that I am NOT your mother! Your true mother fled, leaving you to be raised by a man who clearly does not know how to control you. I will not be here to take on her responsibilities! You and your father have no understanding of the burden you place on me. I have made it abundantly clear you are not to be seen,” she raged, her face twisted in anger as she recalibrated her fury upon Alessandra. “Don’t you comprehend the chaos you bring into our lives? Our reputation nearly crumbled to dust because of that incident! Never dare to ask to leave this place again. Next time, I will ensure you remain barred in your room! The mere sight of you infuriates me. Why couldn’t you have followed in your mother’s footsteps?” “I-I’m sorry,” Alessandra replied, her chin sinking to her chest. “Back to your room, now! Your presence saps my energy, and I am fatigued by your masks. I long for the day you’re no longer under this roof. I hope you relished your little outing; it won’t happen again. Absurd!” Katrina spat, turning her back on Alessandra with a dismissive wave. Alessandra touched her mask, feeling its familiar coolness beneath her fingertips. ‘As if they’re not the reason I wear it,’ she reflected bitterly. The dichotomy of her life weighed heavily on her; to appease her family, she had to mask her true self. The second tear in her spirit came from Katrina’s incessant reminders about her mother—conversing as if she were privy to the entirety of the truth. ‘Soon, it will be over,’ Alessandra encouraged herself silently, a reflection of hope she clung to amidst the storm of her life. However, she sensed time dragging—tomorrow couldn't come fast enough, and she felt the hours stretching painfully before her. So much could transpire before Edgar arrived at the doorstep. “Staying out of sight is the best strategy,” she concluded, wanting to avoid more familial disputes. Edgar might have already sensed the pain that marred her hand, but she had no wish to drag him into the tumultuous malaise that was her family. She understood he could seek retribution on Kate for her antics, but that was a confrontation she wished to prevent. Alessandra longed to provide her family with the peace they sought—a life devoid of her presence. Invoking Edgar’s name could muddle things, complicating what should be a simple departure. She aimed to sever bonds gently, devoid of bitterness over her mistreatment. Escaping to her room seemed the only viable option to elude another encounter with Katrina or Kate. However, as she approached her door, she halted, puzzled to find it slightly ajar, as if someone had invaded her space during her absence. Could it be Katrina investigating the extent of her father’s approval for her departure? Alessandra felt hope bloom within her until dread settled in her stomach upon seeing Kate lounging near her window. “Kate,” she called hesitantly. “Oh, you’re back already? Just in time for some excitement,” Kate smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Mother just declared we’re forbidden from having pets. Imagine my surprise when I found this little creature in here!” She held aloft the kitten Alessandra had been nurturing, dangerously close to the edge of the window. “Kate, please don’t harm it! I’ll take responsibility,” Alessandra rushed forward, her pulse quickening as she anticipated the unthinkable from her sister. “You’re so tiresome, Alessandra,” Kate spat, a venomous edge to her voice. “Father was furious with me for what you did this morning, not to mention my inability to speak with the Duke last night. This is all your fault, Alessandra. Remember that!” In a fit of rage, she hurled the kitten out the window, its small body colliding with the nearby tree as it plummeted. Kate had intended to simply cast it away, but Alessandra’s return ignited a cruel fire within her. If it were possible, she would have lobbied the kitten from a greater height. “I told you never to—Hey!” Kate cried out furiously as Alessandra bolted from the room, unwilling to indulge her sister’s fury any longer.