the ball

The carriage was silent, Gilbert sat staring at the window, his back was straight and muscles tense. 

The discomfort was radiating off him. Facing him was the man who destroyed him and ripped him apart. He forced his eyes to look at the window trying his best to ignore the giggles filling the carriage. The woman who sat by the lord was like a savior for Gilbert, as long as she was around that man ignored him.

From the side of his eyes, he glanced at the woman who was dressed beautifully and decorated in the most luxurious jewelry. Gilbert didn't know if he should be grateful to her or pity her for marrying that monster.

It was always the same. For any big occasion or party, he dragged the so-called wife and the temporary heir with him. Gilbert wasn't sure if he and that woman were just accessories for this powerful man.

As the carriage stopped and the servant opened the door he followed after the count and his wife silently. As usual, as soon as the count of house Richmond set foot in the ball hall Nobel men and women gathered around him like flies seeking his approval. This kind of Sean always reminded Gilbert of how influential this man is and why he can't escape him.

< tsk.. > An annoyed sigh came from his side and Gilbert glanced at the woman who was standing not far away. She was yang, beautiful of noble blood, yet she was sold to this monster by her family. Being the 3 ed daughter and powerless she was smart to play the role of the charmed yang wife. Gilbert knew everything that was about her, he once considered her his lifeline, until he realized she wasn't any better.

—

< your .. son .. > he wasn't sure what came over him yet he found himself asking < he should be 6 right? > The cup in the lady's hand shook and her hand trembled as she glared at Gilbert. < he.. is the right age …. You should be careful..>

Crake...

The group turned to look at the lady who stumbled and fell to the floor covering her bloody hand with the wine < oh gosh.. > she sighed as her husband walked to her < I think I am sick from the ride .. > she murmured but loud enough that the close people would hear her.

< ooh darling ..> her husband sighed and helped her up, pretending he didn't notice her bloodied hand< it is my fault for not paying attention ..>

< Gilbert, help your mother to the resting room ..> he smiled at the yang man,

He knew that this was because of him, he enjoyed seeing his lovely wife and ex-lover bickering because of him.

< yes .. > Gilbert answered in a neutral voice and the woman obeyed and walked with him without fuss as if she didn't crush a wine glass in her hand because of his words.

< ooh my they get along very well >

< they don't even live tougher >

< you have such a lovely family count >

Comments about how amazing the count's wife and stepson were thrown in as soon as the opportunity arose.

Gilbert's fist by his side clinched. Most of them knew .. these nobles knew of Count Richmond's twisted hobbies, yet none cared…

—

Gilbert regretted his words. He watched the Richmond lady use her handkerchief to wipe her bloody hand in silence. < you need to see a healer ..>

 < he is his son .. > 

The woman's voice cut him off. 

Lady Ezabella Richmond looked up to the beautiful young man standing before her. 

She was no fool.

She had her suspicions and with time she realized the truth. 

She looked at the man standing staring at her. To say he was beautiful was an understatement.

Most ladies of the high society dream of a glance from him. Noble men joked about understanding her husband's interest in him. 

His well-balanced and symmetrical face was so pale and enticing. His long blond hair was tied neatly in a white ribbon that lost its luster in comparison. his deep green eyes that stared at her were dead. 

Everyone complimented this young man for his beauty and elegance, but when she looked at him all she saw was her biggest fear, she saw her son. Her lovely Robert, her beautiful happy innocent boy turns into this dead doll. 

Her lips trembled and she fought the tears back. < Robert is his son !> she hissed in anger . The yang man didn't say a thing for long and then he looked away < yes … yes .. you're right. He is different > 

Lies ..

Izabella clinched her hands and looked at her lap 

< I want to be alone ..> 

< yes my lady ..> Gilbert bowed respectfully and left the private room 

Click 

---

Izabella couldn't hold it back and as soon as she heard the door click she threw the water jug in front of her to the floor.

Then tears that were held back now flowed down nonstop. 

Lady Izabella huffed and sauntered to the window...

< it won't happen … > 

She stared at her reflection. She slowly wiped her tears and fixed her makeup and her appearance with calmness.

Her angry eyes were now calm < I am sorry Gilbert… you had no one .. but Robert has me ..> she finished putting on her lipstick and started at the big ring that reflected light. < I will kill him first ..> 

Izabella was a mother.

And a mother would do anything to protect her children. That was one thing the great Gerald Richmond underestimated.

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