Chapter 54: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 54

Rich Oaks

Under the canopy of twinkling city lights, Elsa and I weave our way through the evening crowds, our laughter creating ripples in the night. The afterglow of the comedy night still lingers, making my cheeks hurt from the relentless chuckles. The world feels a touch lighter, the clouds of distress momentarily parted.

‘Who knew comedians did so much… homework?’ Elsa muses, her laughter subsiding into a mischievous grin.

She’d come to town earlier today just to see me, and we hit up the comedy club to shake off some of the gloom. And let me tell you, it worked wonders!

‘I haven’t laughed this much in forever,’ I confess, still feeling the remnants of my laughter.

‘Really?’ she asks, looking surprised.

‘He’s something else. How do they even think up stuff that funny?’ I wonder, amazed at the comedian’s knack for cracking us up.

‘They’re pros. They do their homework,’ Elsa explains, admiring the art of bringing joy through humor.

My stomach, apparently not wanting to be left out of the conversation, audibly growls. My face reddens as I clutch my belly, trying to appease the mini beast within.

‘You’re hungry?’ she asks, eyebrows lifted

‘I blame all those late-night movies. They’ve trained me to munch constantly,’ I admit, my voice feigning irritation.

Elsa snickers, linking her arm with mine. ‘Oh, come on! It’s not the movies. It’s sheer idleness! Hanging around doing nothing probably has you snacking more.’ She mock scolds, her eyes dancing with mischief.

‘Think the restaurant’s still open?’ I ask, hopeful.

‘Let’s find out,’ she suggests, peering down the street for a taxi.

Spotting a cab, Elsa flags it down with practiced ease. As we slide into the back seat, she inquires about nearby eateries, ‘Know any place still open where we can grab a bite?’ She directs her question to the cab driver, who nods in affirmation.

Settling back, the streetlights paint fleeting patterns on Elsa’s face. In no time, we’re on our way to satisfy my sudden hunger.

The mellow lights of the restaurant cast gentle shadows around, softening the mood as Elsa and I await our meal. Her piercing gaze catches mine, the playful spark in her eyes revealing a teasing inquiry on the horizon.

‘You know,’ she begins, leaning in, ‘I always envied the bond you have with Kari.’ She toys with the silverware, adding, ‘She has an uncanny ability to know just what you need.’

I nod, absorbing her words. ‘Kari manages almost everything I do. We trust each other implicitly.’

‘You’re so fortunate to have her,’ she remarks, a tinge of envy in her tone.

‘I know. She just gets it, always knowing what to do without being asked.’

‘You’re really lucky. I wish I had someone like that in my life,’ she says, and I can feel the sincerity in her words.

‘She’s also the one managing all my projects.’

‘Seriously?’ Elsa’s eyebrows shoot up.

‘Yes,’ I say, feeling a surge of pride.

‘Never let her go,’ Elsa advises, and I nod, knowing she’s right.

Elsa tilts her head slightly, curiosity glinting. ‘How have you changed after that trip?’ she asks.

Taking a sip of my drink, I let the question linger, the cool liquid offering a brief respite. ‘The quiet… it made me see things differently. I’ve come to terms with so many things, embraced acceptance over denial. Even my faith isn’t what it used to be.”

‘Does this trip feel different to you?’

I pause, considering. The solitude has been a balm, but it’s more complex than just that. ‘It does. I guess because I’m not afraid anymore. I’m not even concerned about the outcome.”

Elsa’s look turns thoughtful. ‘When will you confront him about her and the affair?’

A sigh escapes me, a mix of sadness and acceptance. ‘I might never do it.’

‘You haven’t looked her up?’

The mere thought unsettles me. ‘No. I can’t bring myself to. It’s easier not knowing her face.’

Elsa hesitates, then delves deeper, her voice laced with caution. ‘You know, I’ve seen her. She looks a lot like you.’ She casts a sideways glance, expecting a reaction.

I keep my face neutral, though her words sting. ‘I’ve heard that before,’ I murmur.

With a mischievous grin, Elsa pushes on, ‘Maybe Duke just has a type?’

Despite the playful exterior, Elsa’s words scratch at my vulnerabilities. I draw a deep breath, steadying my emotions. ‘Whatever his reasons, it’s behind us now.’

‘She’s not that impressive. But I keep wondering, why did he choose someone who resembles you?’ Elsa ponders.

I shake my head, lost in the sea of my own confusion. ‘I don’t know.’

Elsa’s voice takes on a teasing edge. ‘Maybe he was trying to have a baby with someone who looks like you, so he could pass the baby off as yours?’

‘Please, let’s not go there,’ I beg Elsa, turning my gaze away.

‘Why?’ she probes.

‘I just can’t,’ I whisper, unable to meet her eyes.

She backs off, ‘Alright.’ Then, she shifts the conversation. ‘Would you ever… you know… get back at him?’ Elsa asks, clearly intrigued by my resilience.

I shake my head. ‘I believe in moving forward, not dwelling on revenge.’

“So why are you trying it again?”

“I honestly don’t know why. A part of me wants to prove a point.”

Elsa smiles, a gentle look in her eyes. ‘Are you excited to see him on Tuesday?’

My heart squeezes tight, and I take a deep breath. ‘No. Why are you even asking me that?’

Her laughter fills the air, laced with disbelief. ‘You used to count down to his visits.’

I feel a sharp ache, a mix of longing and sorrow. ‘Times change, people change,’ I say softly, the weight of my feelings heavy in my voice. ‘It hurts that those days are behind us. I don’t know if we can get past his betrayal. Now, every time I talk to him, all I see is him with her. Those images just won’t leave my mind.’

Elsa sighs deeply, nodding in understanding. ‘And they might never go away.’

‘I know,’ I whisper, the pain raw in my voice.

‘You should buy that house in Montecito,’ she suggests earnestly.

I’m quiet, thinking it over.

‘Seriously, listen to me,’ she continues. ‘You don’t need to wait for your anniversary, or move into the house he’s building in Carlisle. You deserve more, Aisling. You should go.’

Her words hit home, and I feel the truth in them. ‘I can’t stay around there anymore. I just want to get away.’

‘But Montecito’s an hour away. You don’t have to cut off your mom and aunt. They’re your support,’ she reminds me.

‘I’ve been independent before. I lived in Brookfield before I married him,’ I point out.

Elsa looks at me intently. ‘So, where will you go?’

I answer with newfound resolve. ‘Wood Greens.’

Elsa’s brow furrows. ‘Why there? It’s miles away.’

‘I need to be there,’ I assert, my determination unwavering.

‘But what about me? You can’t just ditch me,’ she protests.

I can’t help but chuckle, reaching out to hold her hand. ‘I need distance from everything that reminds me of his betrayal.’

Her expression softens. ‘Have you started house hunting?’

‘I’m actually looking at penthouses. A house won’t do there,’ I explain.

Her voice is cautious. ‘Are you still planning on staying married to him?’

I exhale, the weight of my indecision pressing down on me. ‘I don’t know. Maybe, until I’m ready to let go.’

‘Why do you even want to stay married?’ she probes, her eyes searching mine.

‘I don’t plan to stay married to him forever. I just don’t want to be the one to file for divorce. I want him to do it,’ I confess, feeling exposed.

‘What if he never does?’ she asks, concern etched in her voice.

‘Then I’ll wait and live my life away from him,’ I say.

‘You’re serious? You know you can’t date while still married,’ she points out.

‘I don’t have any plans to date,’ I admit, feeling a pang in my heart.

‘Aisling…’ she starts, hesitant.

‘What is it?’

Elsa gives me a long, thoughtful look. ‘This doesn’t add up.’

‘Why?’ I ask, perplexed.

‘What you’re saying… It sounds like you still have feelings for him.’

‘No, it’s not the same anymore,’ I argue, my emotions swirling.

‘Why are you so scared to ask for a divorce? How will you move on? You shouldn’t just leave without resolving this.’

‘Because I know he won’t just let me walk away, and I can’t bear an endless battle. He’ll tire out eventually, then he’ll let me go,’ I say, feeling hopeless.

Elsa encourages me, ‘Don’t be scared. Ask for it. There’s a better life waiting for you, far from all these ridiculous demands.’

I feel tears welling up as I look at her. ‘Thanks for helping me see this. You’re a blessing, Elsa.’

Our conversation pauses as the waitress brings our meals, leaving us with a kind smile.

Elsa shoots me a soft look, ‘What’s going to happen Tuesday night when he’s here?’

‘Nothing out of the ordinary. I’ll just be his wife.’

‘What does that mean?’ she probes.

‘Take care of him. Cook for him,’ I explain.

Her question is direct, ‘You gonna sleep with him?’

I shake my head firmly. ‘No, I can’t do that with him anymore. Not all the way.’

Elsa seems worried. ‘I feel like you two are heading for a clash.’

‘No, I won’t let it get to that. I’m not giving him any chance to start a fight. His stay will be smooth, no problems.’

Then Elsa’s expression changes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ‘I have a surprise, and you might hate me for it.’

I’m cautious. ‘What did you do?’

‘I won’t take no for an answer,’ she says, a hint of excitement in her voice.

‘Elsa, what is it?’

Her grin widens. ‘I got us tickets to a strip club.’

I’m taken aback. ‘What? No way.’

‘You should try it. It’s just for fun, Aisling. You need some fun.’

‘I’m fine without that kind of fun,’ I insist.

‘It’s just a different kind of fun. Only for a few minutes,’ she presses.

‘Elsa, I don’t do strip clubs.’

She’s persistent. ‘Come on, first times for everything. Five minutes, and if you hate it, we leave.’