Chapter 74: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 74

Cayland

I hurry down the stairs to the visitors’ lounge, eager to see Leonard who’s just arrived in Cayland this morning to see me.

Across the room, he finishes his breakfast, the last of his toast crunching under his bite. I’ve opted for a casual look today, a stark contrast to Leonard’s always polished appearance.

He meets my gaze, waving me over. ‘Morning, Duke.’

‘Finished with breakfast already?’ I greet him as I walk in.

‘Long ago,’ Leonard responds with a grin. ‘It was great. Heading out now?’

‘In a bit,’ I reply. ‘Wanna come?’

‘No, I’ve got a pile of work, thanks to you,’ he smirks, teasing me.

I laugh at his comment.

‘How did the meeting with GEM go?’ I ask, changing the subject.

‘Longer than expected, but we nailed it,’ he says, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

‘Smart move,’ I compliment him.

‘We’re going to have to cut some departments next year,’ he says, his tone turning serious.

‘Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that. The place needs a shake-up,’ I agree.

Silence settles between us, the unspoken implications hanging unsaid. The reality of potential layoffs casts a shadow over our conversation.

‘How long are you staying here?’

‘Three more weeks,’ I tell him.

‘Three weeks?’ he repeats, clearly surprised.

‘Yeah.’

He frowns slightly. ‘What about Aisling? She can’t stay there for that long.’

A pang of guilt strikes, and I avert my gaze. ‘How’s she doing?’

Leonard leans back, searching for words. ‘She’s mostly indoors. Though I did hear she went out with a friend last night.’

My heart leaps at this tidbit. The mental image of Aisling smiling, maybe laughing, provides some solace. But the underlying worry remains a persistent ache. I’m grateful she’s safe but anxious about how she’s really coping with everything.

“And she stopped by the pharmacy for a medication last night.”

‘What exact medication did they see?’ I push Leonard for more details.

‘He didn’t see it,’ he replies.

‘Is Aisling sick or something?’ I can’t help but worry.

‘I don’t know,’ he admits, his uncertainty matching mine.

‘She visited a pharmacy,’ I begin, feeling sick to my stomach. ‘I’m just worried she might be unwell.’

Leonard’s brow furrows. ‘That doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Maybe she just needed some painkillers.”

“I’m headed to Rutland,” I say, watching for Leonard’s reaction. ‘Over the weekend. Meeting with Aisling’s father.’

He blinks, genuinely surprised. ‘Why?’

I take a deep breath, finding the strength to say what’s been weighing on me. ‘Her brother and I spoke. Aisling is considering meeting with a divorce attorney.’

Leonard’s face contorts with shock and disbelief. ‘A divorce? You two have been through so much together.’

‘Yeah,’ I reply, the reality of it sinking in.

‘That can’t happen, Duke. You can’t let it,’ he says, his voice firm.

I sigh deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. ‘I’m not even sure if I want to get back together,’ I confess, feeling torn.

‘What are you saying, Duke?’ Leonard’s bewildered.

‘I’ve been thinking… maybe divorce isn’t the worst option,’ I admit, surprised at my own words.

‘Duke, no. What’s gotten into you?’ Leonard’s disbelief is clear.

‘I talked to my priest. He gave me a lot to think about. I’ve been up all night wrestling with it,’ I say, my voice breaking. ‘I might have to let her go, Leonard. If we got back together, things might not change. And I can’t risk failing her again. The thought of hurting her more…

I can’t bear it.’