Chapter 50 - The Duchess’ Secret War

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, golden and soft, but Verbena felt nothing but cold determination settle deep in her chest. Last night's kiss haunted her — not because it was her first with Theodore, but because it tasted like both love and a goodbye she wasn't ready to give.

She stood before her vanity, brushing her hair with deliberate care, her mind spinning. Estella expected her to strike soon — but why follow Estella's timeline? Why not flip the game board entirely?

"Your Grace," Eloise's voice broke through her thoughts as the maid entered, carrying fresh tea. "You seem... radiant today."

Radiant? Verbena almost laughed. If only Eloise knew the storm brewing beneath her smile.

"I slept well," she lied smoothly. "But I need you to help me with something — something secret."

Eloise's brows lifted in surprise, but her loyalty outweighed her curiosity. "Of course, Your Grace."

Verbena glanced toward the door to ensure they were alone before leaning in. "There's someone in this household working against me — against the Duke and me together. I need you to find out who they report to."

Eloise's eyes widened. "You mean a spy?"

"Exactly," Verbena whispered. "I suspect someone loyal to Estella, but we need proof."

Eloise set down the tea tray, her hands trembling slightly. "What should I do?"

"Watch. Listen. Pay attention to who leaves the estate unexpectedly or who lingers outside rooms where they shouldn't be. Start with the lower-ranked maids — the ones who think no one notices them."

Eloise nodded sharply. "I won't let you down, Your Grace."

As Eloise left, Verbena turned back to the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her — the same face, but something in her eyes had changed. This was no longer the girl who wanted a simple divorce and a peaceful escape. No, this was the Duchess of Hellgrave — a woman ready to protect what was hers.

**

At breakfast, Theodore noticed the shift immediately.

"You're up early," he said, watching as she sipped her tea. "Planning something?"

"Just thinking about the upcoming garden party," she replied sweetly. "It's important for us to show a united front."

Theodore's lips curved into a lazy smile. "You're becoming quite the Duchess, aren't you?"

She met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. "Someone has to."

His smile faltered just slightly — enough for her to notice. Was he thinking about the rumors? About her strange behavior lately? About the fact that despite their growing closeness, there was still something between them neither dared name?

"You're beautiful when you scheme," he said suddenly, making her choke on her tea.

"I—what?"

"You heard me." He leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming lazily on the table. "I can practically see the gears turning in your head. Should I be worried?"

Verbena set down her cup, rising gracefully to her feet. "Only if you plan to betray me."

The room stilled. Theodore's gaze sharpened, but instead of anger, amusement flickered there. "Betray you? After all we've been through?"

She leaned down, one hand bracing on the table beside him, her face mere inches from his. "Good," she whispered. "Because I fight dirty."

Then she kissed him — right there at the breakfast table — shocking him into silence. It was bold, almost reckless, and entirely unlike the hesitant kisses they shared before. This kiss was a promise. A warning. A taste of what she would become if anyone dared take him from her.

When she pulled back, Theodore stared at her, stunned.

"What's gotten into you?" he asked, breathless.

"Nothing," she purred. "Just embracing my role as your villainous wife."

**

Down the hall, the head maid peeked around the corner, clasping her hands over her heart. "Oh, how romantic," she whispered. "The Duke and Duchess are truly in love."

But a few steps away, hidden behind a doorframe, one of the younger maids paled, clutching a folded letter meant for Estella.

"The Duchess isn't supposed to fall in love," the girl whispered. "This… this changes everything."

**

That afternoon, Verbena summoned the butler privately.

"Sir Alwin, I need your help," she said the moment the door closed.

"Of course, Your Grace. What is it?"

"Security. I want every entrance and exit monitored. No one comes or goes without being recorded. I also want the garden party guest list carefully reviewed. I need to know if anyone suspicious slips in."

Alwin raised a brow. "You believe the Duchess Estella would act so boldly?"

"She might not have a choice," Verbena said quietly. "Desperate women do desperate things."

The butler's eyes darkened with understanding. "Consider it done."

**

That night, when Theodore returned to their bedroom, he found Verbena already in bed — wearing one of her silk nightgowns, her hair spilling across the pillow like ink on ivory paper.

"You've been full of surprises lately," he said, loosening his cravat.

She propped herself up on one elbow, watching him with a small smile. "Do you like surprises?"

"Depends." He climbed onto the bed, caging her beneath him. "Are you planning to seduce me again?"

"Maybe," she said playfully. "But not tonight."

He feigned disappointment. "Cruel."

She traced a finger along his jaw. "The real surprise is… I'm staying."

His brow furrowed. "Staying?"

"In this marriage," she clarified softly. "I'm not running anymore."

Theodore's breath caught. "What changed your mind?"

"I realized something," she whispered. "Divorce would be easy. But fighting for you? That's worth everything."

For once, Theodore had no teasing reply. Instead, he kissed her — slow and deep, until the air between them hummed with longing. This wasn't a battle, or a ploy, or a distraction. This was a beginning.

And for Verbena, beginnings were always the most dangerous part of the story.

---

End of chapter