To prevent the Pendletons from becoming a laughingstock in Capitus, Selene had to make Esther’s infertility a public
matter.
Oliver subtly adjusted his glasses, staring piercingly at Selene. “Madam Pendleton, do you know why Esther can’t
have children?”
His words held hidden meaning, unsettling Selene.
“Dad, take her away. We’ll talk about this later.” Chadwick completely missed Selene’s signals. His arrogance and
self-importance blinded him to the threat posed by Bradley and Esther, whom he considered insignificant.
“Escort Madam Pendleton off!” Chadwick signaled his groomsmen, who were clueless about the situation. They
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtfollowed his command and moved Selene offstage.
The normally reserved Richard Pendleton stepped forward, his hand gently circling Selene’s waist. He leaned in and
whispered cautiously, “Had enough?”
Selene glared at Richard. “If it weren’t for you, would this drama have unfolded today?”
‘If not for you, would I have sacrificed my dignity?; she wondered.
“Selene, my patience has limits!” Richard returned her glare, suggesting their marriage was on thin ice.
Selene looked at Chadwick, impeccably dressed for his wedding. Her son hadn’t inherited the Cassells’ grace but
rather Richard’s ruthlessness.
Still, Chadwick was her flesh and blood. Regardless of his behavior, she couldn’t abandon him.
Since marrying into the Pendletons, she had been a dutiful wife. But as Richard’s status rose, they became
strangers under one roof.
“Is the wedding still on?” Selene asked Chadwick, defeated.
Without warmth, Chadwick nodded. “Mom, there’s a time and place for everything.”
Richard did not speak, echoing his son’s sentiment.
Suddenly, Selene burst into laughter. At that moment, her laughter was as captivating as a winter rose, beautiful
yet chilly.
“Very well. Have it your way.”
Her eyes met Oliver’s, then flickered to Marcus, standing nearby. Her parents had hoped she would marry Marcus,
thinking she would find joy in the Quill family’s loving home.
But Richard’s honeyed promises had swayed her, and she had disregarded her parents’ wisdom.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
She believed she had chosen love, ready to face any trials. Yet, Mandy’s birth revealed the cruel farce her life had
become. Richard had confessed he had only married her because she was a Cassell.
She could hope to retain her status as Madam Pendleton. He would grant her the dignity and respect she deserved
but nothing more.
It was a painful realization.
Maybe she should have walked away with her pride intact when Richard shattered her illusions instead of enduring
it for her child.
Brushing Richard’s hand away, Selene pulled out her phone and tapped on their digital divorce papers.
“Sign it, Richard,” she said, her voice cold and detached.