News
Storytelling

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

Chapter 15

Theme:
Font Size:
24px
Evelyn read that phrase once. Then she placed the paper on the table very calmly—too calmly. Rowan, who had learned some survival, said nothing.Pippa, who had not been invited but had entered anyway, read upside down: "What are residence privileges?"Evelyn said, "A mistake."Rowan took the paper. "Yes."The solicitor, Mr. Graine, looked confused. "Your Grace—""Rewrite it.""In what manner?"Rowan looked at Evelyn. She did not help him; good, this answer had to be his."Miss Hart is not resident by privilege. She is the children's mother by right. Any guardianship acknowledges that. I seek legal recognition as their father, not possession."Mr. Graine blinked. "That is unusual phrasing.""Become used to it."Evelyn looked down. Pippa said, "Good." Mr. Graine looked startled by the judicial approval of a seven-year-old.Kit entered with a biscuit. "What are we doing?"Milo followed with ink on one cheek. "Legal things?"Kit frowned. "Do legal things have snacks?"Rowan said they should; Evelyn said not near documents. Kit put the biscuit in his pocket; everyone saw. He looked offended by suspicion.The legal meeting ended with crumbs, three questions about surnames, and Mr. Graine needing air. But the new draft was better: Hart remained, Vale was offered rather than imposed, and Evelyn's authority was named clearly. Rowan signed the draft note with a hand steadier than his heart.That night, Evelyn found him in the chapel. The chapel had been cleaned since the interrupted wedding: no flowers remained, no guests, no satin—only wooden pews, old stone, and the memory of three children shouting truth through ceremony.Rowan stood near the altar. Evelyn walked down the aisle."Trying again?"He turned. "Remembering badly.""That sounds like you.""Fair."She came to stand beside him. For a while, they faced the empty chapel. Then she said, "I hated you here."He closed his eyes. "I know.""I hated you for standing there with another woman. I hated myself because I had come too late. I hated the children for being brave faster than I was.""Evelyn...""Let me say it." He nodded. "I also loved you. That was the worst part. I saw you turn and recognize them, and I knew the man I loved was still somewhere under the Duke. I was furious with him, too."His throat tightened. "Where is he now?"She looked at him. "On trial.""How is he doing?""Better with thunder than with doctors."Despite everything, he smiled. "A narrow skill.""Useful."He faced her fully. "I will not ask you to marry me today."
PREV NEXT

News in the same category

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

30 Part