Chapter 18

They were left alone. Eleanor was wary but didn't want to show weakness in front of Dowager Duchess.

"Eleanor," the Dowager Duchess said, her voice cool and composed as she regarded Eleanor with a piercing gaze. "It seems we need to have a word."

Eleanor's heart clenched with apprehension as she followed the Dowager Duchess to a secluded alcove, her mind racing with fear of what was to come. She knew that the formidable woman held sway over the Hawthorne household, her word law within its walls.

Once they were alone, the Dowager Duchess fixed Eleanor with a steely gaze, her expression unreadable. "I have tolerated your presence in this house out of respect for my son," she began, her tone measured but firm. "But recent events have made it clear that you do not belong here."

Eleanor's heart sank as the Dowager Duchess's words washed over her, the weight of their implications pressing down upon her. She knew that her secret was in danger of being exposed, and she feared the consequences of revealing the truth to the formidable woman before her.

"I understand, Your Grace," Eleanor replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will make arrangements to leave at once."

"Eleanor," Daniel called out, his voice urgent as he reached her side. "What's going on? Why did my mother say you're leaving?"

Eleanor turned to face him, her expression pained as she met his gaze. "Daniel," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "Your mother made it clear that I'm no longer welcome here. She wants me to leave."

Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mother, you can't be serious," he exclaimed, his voice rising with anger. "Eleanor is not going anywhere. She belongs here with me."

The Duchess's eyes narrowed as she regarded Eleanor with thinly veiled contempt. "She has no place in this family," she declared, her voice dripping with disdain. "You need to rid yourself of this woman before she brings shame upon us all."

Daniel's fists clenched at his sides, his anger boiling over as he faced his mother. "How dare you speak to Eleanor like that?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the ballroom. "She is not going anywhere, and I won't let you or anyone else dictate who I can and cannot love."

Eleanor's heart swelled with gratitude at Daniel's impassioned defense, her love for him shining in her eyes. "Daniel, please," she whispered, reaching out to touch his arm. "It's all right. I can't ask you to choose between me and your family."

Daniel shook his head vehemently, his determination clear in his eyes. "No, Eleanor," he insisted, reaching out to gently grasp her hand. "You belong here, with me. I won't let my mother's actions drive you away."

Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise at his declaration, a glimmer of hope flickering in their depths. "Daniel, I..." she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the words.

But before she could speak further, Daniel pulled her into his arms, holding her close as if afraid to let her go. "I love you, Eleanor," he murmured against her hair, his voice thick with emotion. "And I won't let anything or anyone tear us apart again. I choose you, Eleanor," he declared, his voice unwavering. "I will always choose you."

With that, Daniel turned to face his mother, his gaze steely as he prepared to defend the woman he loved against all odds.

Eleanor's heart swelled with love and gratitude as she returned his embrace, her fears momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his arms.