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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
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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
Disgraceful Chapter 142
The next few hours felt like years as he waited outside Amanda's chamber while Doctor Engelbert and his nurse wife taking care of her. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor finally came out the room."She is going to be fine." said the doctor with a reassuring smile."I must say it's a miracle that her injury is not life-threatening. She could have split her head open."The words brought him an instant flood of relief, that soon fleeted when he saw the severity of her injury. The doctor had put roughly twenty stitches on her face and, with his positive yet ambiguous statement, had indicated that even if the wound healed well, Amanda would never look the same. The accident would leave her a permanent mark on the most visible place.Soon as the doctor left, Ashton withdrew to his chamber. He dropped onto the nearest sofa, gazing into the crackling blaze in the fireplace. H
Disgraceful Chapter 143
Despite her resolve to face her new family with her head held high, Ava found herself sighing in relief at the sight of the empty table when she stepped into the dining room the next morning. The prospect of facing her new relatives was thoroughly disconcerting, even more so when she knew they were not entirely pleased to welcome her.A male servant seated her next to the big chair at the head of the long table, which seemingly belonged to her husband. As she waited for the food to be served, she glanced nervously over her shoulder at the door, half expecting somebody would appear there.She was beginning to regret her decision to go downstairs. Polly had offered to send her breakfast to her chamber, but she declined. She decided to face her new family instead of avoiding them. She was mulling over her foolish decision to show up on her own when suddenly a plate landed on the table with a loud clattering noise. Startled, she turned to find a
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