EPILOGUE
Jane was filled with dread as her carriage rolled into the Pennington estate the following day to deliver the news of the annulment as she had been instructed to.
Usually she would be unable to visit a man alone, but as a married woman she had the priviledge to move as she liked without a chaperone.
As she emerged from the carriage, her eyes fixated on the imposing building, her heart was heavy with the realization that she was on the brink of solidifying a future with Graham.
The weight of the events to come made her legs weak, but she steeled herself, knowing she had no choice but to face him.
As she stepped into the house, she was immediately met by the butler, who greeted her warmly. "Welcome, Lady Jane. The Marquess is expecting you."
The address reminded her once again that she was no longer the duchess and would likely never be anymore. However, the man’s kind smile offered a brief moment of respite in the midst of her worries.
“This way.”
Despite her entire bodily reluctance, Jane mustered her courage, swallowing her apprehension as she nodded in acknowledgment and followed his lead.
As she ventured through the unfamiliar halls of the Pennington home, her eyes darted around, taking in the surroundings she had never seen before. Compared to the grandeur of the Montford estate she had grown fond of, the modesty of the Pennington residence struck her somewhat oddly.
A pang of sadness gripped her heart at the realization that this humble abode would now be her new dwelling, likely never setting foot in Montford again.
The butler guided her through the corridors until they stopped at a grand door, where he turned to her with a warm smile and spoke, "The Marquess eagerly awaits your presence, my lady."
Overwhelmed with different emotions, Jane found she could no longer speak, so she simply nodded in silent acknowledgment, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.
After the butler excused himself, she stood alone before the imposing door, gathering her courage before she raised her hand to knock.
"You can come in."
A shiver of dread ran down her spine at the familiar, chilling voice that beckoned her inside.
Heart pounding, she pushed the door open to find Graham seated at his desk in the study, his eyes alight with excitement and indescribable lust. His presence alone was suffocating, his smile baring manipulative undertones.
With a welcoming gesture, he urged her, "Step forward, my darling."
The affectionate term felt like insects crawling all over her body. Taking a deep breath, Jane approached the desk where he sat, doing her best to calm her shaking hands. She greeted him softly, "Good day, Lord Pennington."
Anxious to leave as quickly as she could, she delivered the news she had come to share, keeping her voice steady as she informed him, "I have done as you demanded. I have severed ties with the duke and obtained an annulment."
A twisted grin crept across Graham's face and his eyes gleamed with a malevolent joy as he exclaimed, "Marvelous news!"
Seemingly overwhelmed with happiness, he leaped from his seat, closing the distance between them in a rush of elation. Startled, Jane instinctively took a step back, her heart pounding with fear.
Observing her reaction, Graham's expression flickered with a hint of annoyance, quickly replaced by his usual sickly charming smile.
"We shall depart as soon as the formalities are concluded," He declared with excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He sighed softly as he eyed her, "Finally, we will be together forever, my love."
Feeling trapped and desperate to escape, Jane mustered the strength to utter, "Yes, I shall go get my belongings ready."
With a trembling resolve, she turned to leave, her steps quickening in a bid to put distance between herself and Graham's menacing presence.
Unfortunately, before she could make her escape, his hand shot out, gripping her own with a force that made her heart plummet in her chest.
His voice, low and husky, slithered into her ears like a venomous serpent, "Where do you think you're going?"
Jane's voice quivered as she replied, "I- I have to leave to prepare. I said so."
Her attempts to free herself were futile as his grip tightened, pulling her closer to him with a cruel force that made her cry out in pain and terror.
