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Chapter 8
DANIEL’S HANDS were on Magnolia’s wet back and her chest was pressed against his. His face was so close, she could feel his warm breath on hers. Her ears were ringing with embarrassment.
“I need you to get out so that I can put some clothes on,” Magnolia said through gritted teeth. Daniel helped her stand straight and then turned away to leave the bathroom.
Her body was shivering from the whole situation. With shaking hands, she put on her robe and took a few deep breaths to calm down. It was in vain.
She walked to the room and found Daniel looking out the window. When he saw her reflection in the glass, he turned to face her. He held her gaze for a moment. Her eyes were frightened, wild, like a cornered animal.
Magnolia looked away as she hugged herself. She cursed herself. She had always made sure to cover her body after her baths. Even Clara did not notice her scars. She did not want anyone to see them, especially the duke. She felt vul
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Magnolia Chapter 9
“SO, EVEN THOUGH I FORBID YOU from leaving your room, you still did?” Serena Lasen was not mad. On the contrary, she was ecstatic because she was going to punish Magnolia. She took an excited deep breath. “Bring me the whip from the drawer.” Magnolia walked to the table and with shaking hands, opened the drawer. She took out the black whip. “No, not that one. The one with stones.” Magnolia’s twelve-year-old body shuddered. She grabbed the other whip and brought it to Serena. It had five braided leather pieces hanging from it, and each braid had a small stone attached to its end. Magnolia swallowed hard as she handed the whip to her guardian. “Uncover your back,” she ordered the little girl. She obeyed silently. She unbuttoned her dress and turned her bare back to Serena. Her breathing quickened and she squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the pain.
Magnolia Chapter 10
MAGNOLIA ARRIVED FIRST at the dining room. She took her usual seat as the footman poured her tea. A moment later, the duke entered and for some odd reason, Magnolia’s eyes automatically traveled to his groin area. Daniel noticed immediately and chuckled. “I am alright now, you don’t have to worry,” he teased. Her eyes widened and she looked away. “Papa.” Geoffrey ran to Daniel, saving his mother from embarrassing herself any further. “Have you grown since the last time I saw you?” He picked up Geoffrey. “Do you think so, Papa?” The boy beamed. “Well yes, I believe you have grown.” Daniel nodded. “Did you hear that, Mama? I have grown.” “Yes, great job. You have been doing great finishing all your food.” She smiled. Daniel placed Geoffrey in his chair, then he took his at the head of the table. As soon as they started eating, Henry showed up at the door. “I apologize, Your Graces.” He greeted. “I am
Magnolia Chapter 11
IT IS FINALLY HERE. Magnolia took a deep breath. Clara and two other maids entered her room in the morning. They brought her a breakfast tray and started the preparations as soon as she finished eating. It took hours and by the end of it, Magnolia was so exhausted she was not even sure she could last a whole evening of socializing. However, when she saw a gorgeous brunette staring back at her in the mirror, she forgot all about her tiredness. She could not believe how beautiful she looked. She twirled left and right and touched her curls. The maids smiled at each other, satisfied with the duchess’ reaction. Daniel knocked then opened the door to the bedroom. He was welcomed by his irresistible wife, so captivating, he did not even notice the maids sneak out. She looked at him, flushed. The silver dress she had on was perfectly fitted and flattered her curves. Her curls, dark brown, fell on her bare shoulder, contrasting he
Magnolia Chapter 12
Daniel forced himself to break the kiss. If he had not, he reckoned the ladies who were bullying his wife would have had to witness an even more inappropriate scene. Magnolia’s forehead fell on his chest. “Please, do not let go,” she murmured. “I think my legs will give in if you do.” Her revelation drew a smile on Daniel’s face, and he tightened his arms around her. Magnolia was out of breath. It was not her first kiss, but she did not understand why the feelings were dramatically different. In the past, when the baron kissed her, she felt revolted and cringed away from his touch. His kisses were violent and demanding. But why did she enjoy Daniel’s? Why did she want him to kiss her more? Why did she want to stay in his arms forever? The thoughts created chaos in her head, they went against everything she had promised herself when she was finally free from the baron. Why was she letting a man touch her and worse, she enjoyed it? “Can you walk
Magnolia Chapter 13
DANIEL KNEW THAT HE HAD BEEN AVOIDING MAGNOLIA. The feelings he had at the ball were so intense and confusing that he did not know how to deal with them. Staying away from her until he figured everything out was the only way he could think of. But Henry’s words have gotten him worried. Aurora was a spoiled child and always got what she wanted. She had been known for getting violent when she did not get her way. He groaned. For the next couple of days, Daniel continued to avoid Magnolia. He buried himself in work and spent his nights in his office. They finally met on the day of the princess’ tea party. When Daniel opened the door to the carriage and entered, he saw the surprise on Magnolia’s face. “I have to go to the palace for a meeting, going separately would be irrational,” he explained. “I see,” was all she said. Then she looked out the window as the carriage made its way through the streets of Throka. Daniel n
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MAGNOLIA WAS TOO AFRAID to even look back. Just hearing that name made her skin crawl. The duchess had to grip the edge of the table as the waves of emotions crashed against her. She swallowed hard, trying to be rational about the situation. There was no way that the princess of the kingdom invited the one person Magnolia loathed the most to her afternoon tea. But as Serena joined the princess and greeted her, Magnolia’s optimistic thoughts vanished. ‘How is this possible? It takes a week to travel from Kerika to the capital? Unless she was already here. Or maybe the princess had invited Serena before she even invited me.’ “Duchess?” the princess called Magnolia as she was the only one still standing, lost in her thoughts. All eyes were on her, she looked around and sat instantly. Her head was in chaos. Her eyes traveled to Aurora, and she realized that this whole tea charade was for the princess to torment her by inviting t
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“Victor, fetch the doctor and bring him to the house.” Daniel barked as he picked up his wife. “We are going first.” He rushed to the carriage with Clara closely behind. ‘What in the world happened?’ Countless thoughts scrambled in his head, most of them involved the princess hurting Magnolia in some way. “Jeremy, get to the house as fast as these horses can go.” “Yes, Your Grace.” The pale coachman rushed to his seat and got ready to race for his life. Once inside the carriage, Daniel held his wife on his lap, stroking her face gently. She was burning. “Magnolia, can you hear me?” Her eyes flew open. “You have to protect Geoffrey from that evil bitch,” she uttered. “Promise me.” Daniel was confused. “Who? The princess?” “No.” Magnolia groaned from pain. “Lasen—Lasen.” She clenched her fingers around his arm. “She almost killed me many times, do you understand?” She twisted in
Magnolia Chapter 16
MAGNOLIA’S HANDS SHOOK as she carried the heavy plate to the living room. Serena had been enjoying using her as a maid lately. She hurried back to the kitchen to bring the tea tray. It was even heavier than the plate. She took slow steps while being very careful. Unfortunately, as soon as she entered the living room, her small wrists gave in, and the tray fell to the floor. Every single cup and saucer were shattered. “Hurry up and clean that mess,” Serena ordered. Magnolia was too scared to even look up. She picked up all the broken pieces and rushed to the kitchen to fetch new ones. As she reached for the cups in the cupboard, a hand snatched her head and smashed it against the wall. “How dare you embarrass me in front of my guests?” Disoriented, Magnolia tried to stand, maybe run, but she fell back down. “What? Going
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