Chapter 50: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 50

Wesbury

I’m curled up in the backseat of my official car, heading to catch a private plane to Rich Oaks. On the phone with Elsa, the conversation is a mix of light-hearted banter and underlying seriousness.

‘You missed that too,’ I tell her, a hint of teasing in my voice.

‘Can you believe it? I’m missing out on everything fun,’ she laments.

‘You really need to check yourself,’ I reply, laughing softly.

She chuckles. ‘So, what’s your plan now?’

‘Movies. Work. Meditating. Praying. Just getting myself ready,’ I say, my voice a mix of determination and resignation.

‘I’ve got some new movies to suggest,’ she offers enthusiastically.

‘Send them my way,’ I respond, grateful for the distraction.

Elsa’s tone shifts. ‘Is Duke with you?’

‘No, he’s got a meeting at the Tower. He had to leave,’ I explain.

‘I’m going to miss you, Aisling,’ she says, a touch of sadness in her voice.

‘I’ll miss you too. But you’re coming to visit, right?’ I ask, trying to keep the mood light.

‘Yes, I’ll come over,’ she confirms, and I can’t help but smile.

‘You’re the best, Elsa,’ I say, feeling a surge of affection for her.

‘I wish you’d stay here,’ she admits softly.

‘I can’t,’ I say, more to myself than to her. My tone is resolute, final.

‘You don’t have to be away too long. Remember what happened to me. I don’t want you to be next. It would break my heart,’ she warns, her voice laced with concern.

I let out a snicker, but it’s hollow. ‘It’s already happened, Elsa,’ I say, the words feeling heavy and real.

There’s a brief silence on the line.

‘What? What did you say?’ she asks, her voice filled with surprise and worry.

I glance at the driver, ensuring he’s focused on the road, the radio providing just enough cover for our conversation.

‘I said, it’s already happened,’ I repeat softly, a sense of vulnerability washing over me as I open up to Elsa about the depth of my heartache and the turmoil that lies beneath the surface.

‘Why are you telling me this now?’ Elsa’s voice comes through, tinged with concern.

I hesitate. ‘I… haven’t been able to talk about it. It’s been really hard.’

‘Your husband?’ she asks, her voice soft yet probing.

‘Yes, Elsa,’ I confirm, feeling tears threaten.

‘I can’t believe this, Aisling. When did it start?’

‘It’s been going on for a while,’ I admit, the words tasting bitter.

‘Aisling, you need to think about leaving before it gets worse,’ Elsa advises, her tone serious.

‘I know,’ I say, the reality of the situation sinking in.

‘He won’t stop, Aisling. He might lay low for a bit to win you back, but he’ll return to his ways. Have you confronted him?’ she questions.

‘No,’ I say, my heart sinking.

‘But he knows something’s off, right?’

‘Yes.’

‘Who is she?’

‘I only know her name. I haven’t looked her up,’ I say, a tear escaping down my cheek.

‘Why not?’

‘I can’t, Elsa. I just can’t,’ I reply, the pain still very overwhelming.

‘I understand,’ she says, her voice full of empathy.

‘But I’m feeling stronger now. That’s why I’m leaving,’ I add, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

‘Aisling, I’m so sorry. I’m here for you. I’ll come to Rich Oaks. We’ll have fun, I promise.’

I wipe away my tears and manage a small laugh. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’

‘I need to check on my dad. I’ll call you later, Ais. Cheer up.’ Elsa says, ready to hang up.

‘Sure,’ I end the call and place my phone back in my handbag. Staring out the car window, I’m lost in thought, my pain and anger resurfacing.

My phone buzzes in my handbag, and Duke’s name flashes on the screen. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The weight of the decision, to answer or not, pins me down. But as I stare at the incoming call, the weight of betrayal feels even heavier.

My finger hovers over the screen, and then, deliberately, I press ‘ignore’. The tiny act of defiance brings both relief and a deluge of mixed feelings, marking the widening chasm between us.