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Chapter 133
"Easy, it's me."
She froze at the sound of the deep, familiar voice. Immediately the intruder removed his hand from her mouth and turned her around to face him.
"It's alright, it's alright..."
Ashton said as he cupped her face with both hands. Too shocked to respond, Ava offered no resistance when he pulled her into his arms and cradled her tenderly against his chest.
"I can't stop thinking about you, about what happened yesterday. I came to tell you I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry."
For long stupefied seconds, she was dazed by his unexpected appearance, and his drastic change of behavior. She remained still with one side of her face pressed against his chest. His heartbeat pounded beneath her ear, reverberated through her as it had been when he held her after they had made love. The memories, and the pain of it, filled her with sudden anger. She twisted free from his embrace, but he caught at her wrist, hold
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Disgraceful Chapter 134
With a shocked gasp, Ava pulled away and slammed the door shut but Roger was faster. Quickly he wedged his foot against the door and pushed heavily forward. The door swung open, sending her staggering back several steps. The next second, his hands shot out to grab her neck, his fingers digging into her throat so deep she couldn't breathe, gulping for air like a fish washed ashore. Obviously pleased to see her in pain, Roger shoved her over the wall and followed after her, pinning her against the stout bricks with his weight."Do you miss me, love? Don't say no because I do. You look so ravishing I can take you here and now. I've missed you that much."He squeezed her breast through the thin fabric of her gown. His hot, fetid breath struck her skin as he grunted lustfully into her ear. Turning away her head in disgust, she wondered how she had let him kiss her several times in the past. She shrieked when he ripped the top of her gown, revealing her white,
Disgraceful Chapter 135
A steely voice intruded the scene and Ava's knees almost buckled from shock and relief. She turned to see Ashton standing in the middle of the street a distance away from them. There was a commanding air about him that others inclined to obey him at once, for Roger's grip on her instantly loosened.Sending thanks to Heaven for sending her help just in time, Ava twisted free, scrambling clumsily toward her rescuer. With her hands tied behind her back, she had difficulty maintaining her balance. Quickly stalking toward her, Ashton caught her just before she fell on her knees, his hands firm and protective as they closed around her, but he said nothing. He remained silent after a while, and she tilted her head to look at him.His handsome profile turned away from her, his eyes were locked on Roger, flashing with a dangerous gleam. He pushed her gently aside, behind the shield of his tall figure. Peeking from behind him, she watched Roger standi
Disgraceful Chapter 136
"You've done enough to taint our family name. For goodness sake! I can't believe you're bringing this filth into our house.""Uncle Carl, I will thank you not to accost my guest."Ashton countered, meeting his uncle's gaze and refused to back down. His uncle's eyes, burning hot with rage, piercing him like fiery swords, but somehow the older man restrained himself from lashing out.Amidst the heated tension, a small cough suddenly drew their attention back to the door, where the butler stood with lowered gaze."Beg your pardon, Your Grace.""Yes?"Ashton answered sharply, eyes still fixed on his uncle."The Duke of Livingston has come to call."Ava felt her stomach turn over at the mention of her father's name. She suppressed an urge to run and hide behind the sofa. Across the room, Lord Carlton and Lady Cecily exchanged alarmed glances.
Disgraceful Chapter 137
"Jeez! I can't believe this is happening."Polly's face twisted into such a comical expression as she hissed the words. In front of her, Ava stood before a cheval glass, watching her reflection in the mirror."Neither can I."She replied, trying to suppress her nerves, but the strain of the upcoming event showed on her face. She had resigned herself to her reality. She had braced herself for whatever the future has in store for her. At least, she'd been spared the most terrible fate.At the moment she was in one of the guest room in Vermont Manor and she'd just done getting ready for the wedding. She'd arrived early in the morning with her father, for it had been agreed the day before that they would be heading to the church from this place.A simple coronet of baby's breath was attached on top of her Honiton lace veil, and a short white kid gloves with her initials embroidered on it wrapped her hands. Sinc
Disgraceful Chapter 138
"Mother is ill?"Ava's heart fell abruptly at the unpleasant news."I'm afraid so, but don't worry, sweetheart. I don't believe it's something serious. I've sent a message to London yesterday. Soon as she knows that you're fine, I think her health will improve quickly."Her father soothed her with gentle reassurance.All the way to the church, Ava was occupied by thoughts of her mother. It never occurred to her that her runaway would cause her mother to fall sick. She really wanted to see her mother immediately, but since she was getting married in less than one hour, she knew that things were going to be different from now. All decisions in her life would depend on her husband, and she wasn't sure if she could get his permission in that matter. Halfway through the ride, Ava was no longer able to suppress her emotions."Father, do you think I still have a chance to see mother again?""Of course, swee
Disgraceful Chapter 139
"Over my dead body!"A thundering voice startled Ava from her thinking, and she turned to see Lord Carlton jumped from his seat. Magnus' face changed, and his watery eyes turned steely."That can be arranged."He replied, undaunted and unabashed."You worthless, degenerate ..."Lord Carlton stormed across the aisle and reached his son in a couple of strides. Magnus let his father spit in his face and slap him hard, but when the older man snatched his collar, he broke free and shoved him back."How dare you!"The lord bristled. He looked shocked, not expecting his son would have dared to fight back. Growling, he hurled himself at his son. Soon both father and son got into a violent brawl."Stop it, stop it, oh..."Lady Cecily sighed and collapsed in a heap on the floor."Cecily!"Lord Carlton turned and rushed to his fainting wife.
Disgraceful Chapter 140
"Father, please let me know about mother's condition soon as you arrive."Outside the church, Ava hugged her father for the last time before they parted."Don't worry about that, sweetheart."Her father gave a gentle stroke on her arm.Since the wedding was precipitated by a pressing reason, there would be no reception afterwards, and her father needed to return home as soon as possible. They departed from the church as soon as her father's carriage was clear of the drive."You alright?"Ashton asked once they settled in the carriage. Ava nodded stiffly and pretended to gaze out the window, avoiding his eyes. Soon as the carriage rolled, a fraught silence fell between them. Neither of them had spoken a word throughout the ride. It appeared that several unpleasant incidents before had affected him as much as it had her. Surprisingly the absence of conversation that lasted all the way back home was rat
Disgraceful Chapter 141
Much to her dismay, his face changed at the mention of the other woman, and he went to answer the door.Madame. So that was the way his servants addressed Amanda. Of course. What better way to call a mistress of a magnificent French house?That was when Ava realized, by marrying him, she must learn to accept the fact that her fate would forever intertwined with Amanda. Since they shared a child together, Amanda was an inseparable part of his life. And hers. Until forever.Entirely displeased, Ava watched indignantly as he opened the door and took the paper from the butler's hand. After dismissing the servant, he unfolded the letter and began to read. An instant frown appeared between his brows."What happened?"She asked as she came up behind him, but he folded the letter before she could read it."It's Lillian. She is serio
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