Elena’s POV
I wanted to laugh at the Duchess‘ remark. I didn’t ask her for forgiveness, and yet she felt like I had committed a grave sin that needed forgiveness, and wanted to act like the better person.
Going with the flow, she sat, I played with it and bowed my head a little out of respect while keeping my dignity.” Thank you, Duchess Diana.” Looking back up at her, I smile and kindly add, “But about my marriage with Deacon … It’s something the two of us will decide. I am willing to marry him, and should he continue with it… I guess no one else has the right to determine my worth.”
“Ha!” Hearing my words, Duchess Diana’s patience snapped. She slammed her hand on her chair as she stood up, looking at me with narrowed eyes.
Dripping with disdain, she smirked devilishly and commented sarcastically, “What a humble servant at best, playing a goody–two–shoes act. Mark my words, you insolent woman, once whatever potion you gave my son wears off, he’ll abandon you like he did to others before. Don’t forget who you are. You’re just a used woman that Alpha Bryson threw away. You’re not one that my son will take seriously.”
Laughing mockingly, she shook her head and looked at me like I was a piece of ant she could easily stamp on, Here I am taking pity on you and trying to save you from humiliation, but I see no gratitude from you.
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Her way of doing things was indeed twisted, and her words were sharp, but she was straightforward and wasn’t using a mask to face me. I give her credit for that.
With an unwavering voice, I nodded my head. “I understand your concern, Duchess. But it seems the news that reached your ears isn’t accurate. Let me straighten it out. It is I who initiated my divorce with Bryson and not the other way around.”
Shaking my head, I keep my head high. “There’s no shame in my past.‘
>>
Her jaws dropped, and she looked at me in disbelief for a couple of moments before laughing mockingly. “You are really shameless. How can a woman of dignity speak so proudly of her divorce like you are doing now?”
Stepping closer, she tilted her head a little in a mocking stance. “Look here, Elena. No matter who initiated it, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re divorced. Marrying again will ruin your reputation forever and will bring a huge scandal not only for you and the kingdom, but also to my son. Do you really think Deacon is so foolish to tie himself to a woman with such a disgraceful past?”
I wouldn’t lie, I feel anger radiating in me from her constant belittling, and a cold air surrounds me, intensifying the already tense air around us.
With cold eyes, I replied with a controlled voice, “I don’t regret any of the past decisions I made, Duchess. What’s more questionable is how only women are expected to bear the shame of remarriage. Meanwhile, men are free to marry over and over again without a word spoken against them.”
Having a sigh, I calmed myself and added as politely as I could. “Even the Lycan King, himself, spoke highly of me and called me a role model among women. If you like, you can ask him.”
A scoff of disbelief immediately escaped her lips. She shook her head dramatically and smirked at me. “Such a flaring lie. The king will never say such a thing, much less praise a woman like…” Scoffing with disdain, she continued while pointing at me, “…you!”
“Duchess, I meant no disrespect, but times had changed, and so did some things. Now, even women are praised and given a title, which the King is very vocal about. But you…”
>>
I intentionally pause longer, taunting her a little before continuing with soft but firm words, “You chose to cling
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Chapter 124
to the outdated way of doing things where women are stomped on and are constantly expected to be an obedient doll. If that’s what you want, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.
“I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to manipulate your way into royalty by pretending you want to advocate for women, and you got your claws on my son. You can act all dignified as you want to play, but we both know it’s all for your selfish reasons.”
“Then perhaps you should marry someone more suitable… someone who is not my son,” she uttered coldly before spreading her arms and gesturing around. “Why cling to him when there are other options available to you? I have many candidates in mind who suit my son. Women who would never shame our family like you have.”
Things were taking longer than I wanted them to be, and every word we exchanged was only tiring me out. I didn’t want to disrespect or hurt her because she’s Deacon’s mother, but it also didn’t mean that I’d let her stomp on me.
I already made those mistakes once when I got married to Bryson, and I won’t do it again.
Hardening my eyes a little, I cleared my throat and replied firmly, “I already gave my word to Deacon when he proposed to me. I will marry him, not for titles or power, but out of my own integrity. If you think I can be swayed by your words, you are mistaken, Duchess. I will not abandon my commitment to anyone.”
Her eyes narrowed with simmering rage. “You truly refuse to bow down to me, huh? How dare you refuse my wishes? How dare a woman like you think you have the power to stand up to me?”
A smile escaped my lips when I heard her words. “Forgive me, Duchess. But I won’t be bowing down to anyone’s wishes but to the man I marry. Since he chose me, I’ll stand by his side and won’t be swayed by others‘ words.”
The Duchess clenched her teeth and sat back down, thumping her chest with her fist while looking at me like she wanted to kill me. “You are impossible! You’ve ruined any chance of me accepting you!”
4 nodded my head in understanding. “I understand that you are angry, but you cannot break me, Duchess. I’ve faced far worse in my life, and nothing you say or do will change who I am now.”
She glared at me with her chest heaving with frustration. It looked like she wanted to retort again, but we heard the door suddenly swinging open.
“Mom?”
