Chapter XXVIII

The morning at Ashbourne Manor began with a flurry of activity. The servants, eager and curious about the latest development, busily moved Adelaide's belongings into Luca's chambers. Their whispers of excitement and speculation filled the air, adding a palpable sense of anticipation to the manor's usual bustle.

As the servants finished their task, Luca and Adelaide stood together, surveying the transformed room. Adelaide's belongings had seamlessly blended into Luca's quarters, reflecting a new chapter in their shared life. The space felt warmer and more intimate, symbolizing their growing bond.

Luca approached Adelaide with a tender smile. "I've been thinking about us and our future. I wanted to make our new arrangement special, and I thought a honeymoon would be a wonderful way to celebrate."

Adelaide's smile wavered slightly as she considered the practicalities. "A honeymoon sounds lovely, but with the baby on the way and the responsibilities of managing the manor, I'm not sure how we can manage a trip right now. Who would take care of everything here?"

Luca nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. We can't leave the manor unattended. Once the baby arrives and things settle down, we can plan a trip to a distant country with beautiful weather. It will give us the chance to relax and enjoy ourselves without worrying about our responsibilities."

Adelaide's eyes brightened at the thought of a future getaway. "That sounds like a dream. I'm looking forward to it."

As they continued their conversation, Adelaide broached a topic that had been on her mind. "I've noticed you seem uneasy about Tina. I haven't felt anything out of the ordinary about her myself."

Luca's brow furrowed as he considered her words. "There's something about Tina that feels oddly familiar, though I can't quite place it. I have an unsettling feeling about her, but I can't identify why. If you want to keep her employed, that's your decision, but I share your unease."

Adelaide looked thoughtful. "I'll be cautious. I haven't felt the same way, but I trust your instincts. I'll keep a close watch."

The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of private investigators, their presence adding a new layer of tension to the morning. They requested to speak with the Duke and Duchess, bringing serious news.

"Your Grace, Lady Adelaide," one of the investigators began, "we must inform you that David, the investigator in charge of Jenna's case, was murdered last night. He was found in his home, repeatedly stabbed with a knife."

Adelaide's face paled, her hands trembling as she clutched Luca's. "What does this mean for us? Someone from the manor might be involved?"

The investigator nodded gravely. "The killer left the knife behind, and we're working to identify fingerprints. Given that the details of the investigation were known only to members of the manor, we suspect the culprit is from Ashbourne Manor."

The weight of the revelation sank heavily on Adelaide and Luca. Luca's expression hardened with determination. "We need to address this immediately. We can't let this threat endanger our family."

Adelaide's resolve was evident. "I want to uncover who is responsible. It's crucial for the safety of our baby and our family."

Luca's face softened with concern. "Adelaide, while your determination is admirable, you must prioritize your health and the safety of our baby. Do not take any actions without my consent. This situation is dangerous, and your wellbeing comes first."

Adelaide nodded, her resolve tempered by Luca's caution. "I will be careful and follow your guidance. I promise to prioritize our baby and our safety."

Meanwhile, in a quieter part of the manor, Andrea and Clara were deep in conversation. The previous night's events weighed heavily on Andrea's mind as she spoke to Clara.

"I saw Tina return very late last night," Andrea said, her voice low and serious. "Her cloak was covered in blood. I'm deeply concerned about what that could mean."

Clara's eyes widened in shock. "That's alarming. We need to keep a close eye on her. If she's involved in something dangerous, it's crucial to find out before it affects the Duke and Duchess."

The two women agreed on the importance of vigilance and decided to monitor Tina's actions closely, gathering information to determine if she posed a threat.

Later, the private investigators continued their work at the manor, their faces lined with concern as they briefed Luca and Adelaide.

They were determined to solve the case and protect the Duke and Duchess from any potential threats.

As the day progressed, Adelaide and Luca faced a mix of anxiety and determination. The investigation into David's murder was intensifying, and the couple knew they had to navigate the unfolding crisis with caution and unity. Their focus was on protecting their family and uncovering the truth behind the threats that loomed over them.

The manor was filled with an air of tension and anticipation, as Adelaide and Luca prepared to confront the challenges ahead. Their commitment to each other and their unborn child guided them through the uncertainty, as they braced themselves for the complexities that lay ahead.

In the tranquil village where Viscount Edward Sinclair and Viscountess Anne Sinclair resided, the early afternoon had brought a sudden stir of gossip. As the couple enjoyed a peaceful walk, they encountered a group of animated women discussing the latest news from Ashbourne Manor. The chatter was filled with alarming details about the recent murder of a private investigator and the unsettling situation surrounding Jenna's death.

The Viscount and Viscountess exchanged concerned glances as they listened. The conversation painted a grim picture of the happenings at the manor—details about the Duke and Duchess's investigation into Jenna's death and the murder of David, the investigator. The couple was shocked and dismayed, particularly since they had not yet been informed of their daughter's pregnancy or the unfolding events at the manor.

Returning to their home, the Viscountess's face was flushed with anger. "Edward, how could we not have heard about this from Adelaide or Luca directly? This is outrageous!"

The Viscount's expression was equally troubled. "It's evident that something serious is going on, and we've been kept in the dark. We must find out more about this situation immediately."

Determined to address their concerns, the Viscount and Viscountess decided to send their trusted butler, Ross, to Ashbourne Manor. Ross was tasked with delivering their message to the Duke, conveying their worries and demanding a full explanation of the current situation at the manor.

Later that day, Adelaide and Luca were in the midst of discussing the ongoing investigation when they received an unexpected letter. It was from Jenna's parents, urging them to cease their investigation and accept Jenna's passing. The letter was unsettling for several reasons: it lacked a specific return address and was written in a manner that felt more like a plea than a formal request.

Adelaide's brow furrowed as she read the letter. "Luca, this letter doesn't sit right with me. There's no specific address, and it feels oddly worded. It's as if someone is trying to divert us from finding the truth."

Luca took the letter and examined it closely. "I agree. We haven't even informed Jenna's family about her passing yet, which means someone from the manor must have reached out to them. This only confirms our suspicion that the murderer is connected to the manor."

Adelaide's eyes narrowed with determination. "We can't let this letter deter us. If anything, it strengthens our resolve. We need to continue the investigation, especially now that an innocent man has been killed."

Luca nodded. "Yes, the death of the investigator and the letter's suspicious nature only reinforce the need to get to the bottom of this. We cannot drop the case, not until we uncover the truth."

That evening, after a quiet dinner, Luca and Adelaide were in the dimly lit drawing room. Luca's demeanor was serious as he prepared to share something significant with Adelaide.

"Adelaide," Luca began, his voice low and filled with emotion, "there's something I need to tell you about my past. It's important for you to understand what I've been through."

Adelaide looked at him with concern. "What is it, Luca?"

Luca took a deep breath and began recounting his painful history. "A long time ago, I was betrayed by someone I once trusted—Alexandra. She, along with her brother Wesley, conspired to kill my parents. Their motives were driven by a quest for revenge that I never fully understood. Alexandra even planned to kill me, but Clement, my valet, managed to save me just in time."

As he spoke, Luca's expression grew somber. "I've had a persistent suspicion that Alexandra might know I survived and could be involved in the troubles we're facing now."

Adelaide's eyes filled with tears as she listened to Luca's story. "I'm so sorry, Luca. I had no idea you had suffered so much."

Luca's face tightened. "Please don't pity me. I needed you to know about my past, but I don't want your sympathy."

Adelaide reached out, taking his hand gently. "I'm not pitying you. I care about you deeply and want to support you through this."

As Adelaide spoke, Luca could sense that she was on the verge of expressing deeper emotions. He leaned in and kissed her, trying to prevent her from declaring her feelings out of a sense of pity. The kiss was tender yet urgent, conveying the depth of his own feelings and a desire to avoid any declarations that might be influenced by sympathy.

When they pulled away, Adelaide's eyes were misty but filled with understanding. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Luca, I—"

Luca placed a finger gently on her lips, silencing her. "Let's not rush into anything. I don't want you to say something you might regret later or that's influenced by what you've just learned."

Adelaide nodded, her expression a mix of sadness and relief. "Alright, Luca. I understand."

Luca pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. They held each other in a moment of quiet intimacy, finding solace in their embrace. Luca was relieved that Adelaide hadn't expressed her feelings out of sympathy, and Adelaide was grateful for Luca's understanding. They remained close, their bond strengthening as they faced the uncertainties ahead.

The following day, Ross, the Sinclair family butler, arrived at Ashbourne Manor. His mission was clear: to deliver the Viscount and Viscountess's concerns and demand answers regarding the recent troubling events.

Ross was greeted by the Duke and Duchess in the grand entrance hall. He bowed respectfully before speaking. "Your Grace, Lady Adelaide, I have been sent by the Viscount and Viscountess Sinclair. They have heard disturbing news about recent events at the manor and wish to convey their concerns directly to you. They are particularly troubled by the murder of the private investigator and the implications of the situation."

Luca's expression darkened as he listened to Ross's report.

"Please assure the Viscount and Viscountess that we are taking these matters very seriously. We will keep them informed of any developments and ensure that the truth comes to light."

Ross nodded and made his departure, leaving Luca and Adelaide to contemplate the weight of the new information and the challenges that lay ahead.