Chapter 8 Whispers in the garden

The morning air was crisp, but the estate gardens were in full bloom. Arielle walked among the rows of rose bushes and peonies, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She needed peace-space to breathe after yesterday's storm.

Natalia's arrival had stirred the entire household, but no one more than Arielle. The way Damien's fiancée had spoken-so assured, so confident-had chipped away at the small foundation Arielle had built. But she reminded herself again: she was the one wearing Damien's ring.

Even if he barely acknowledged it.

"Arielle?"

She turned quickly. It was Lila-her only true ally in the mansion. Lila had started as a maid, but in recent weeks, she'd become something more: a quiet confidante.

"There you are," Lila said with a kind smile. "You disappeared before breakfast."

"I needed some air."

Lila looked at her with understanding. "Everyone's been talking about Natalia. She has that effect on people. And you."

"What about me?"

Lila hesitated, then said softly, "You're the talk of the house. The 'substitute wife.' They say you're temporary. That Natalia is still the one Damien's heart belongs to."

Arielle smiled bitterly. "Let them talk."

Lila's expression hardened. "I don't believe that. I've worked here long enough to know appearances are rarely what they seem."

They began walking together slowly through the garden paths. Birds chirped in the trees above, a light breeze rustling the leaves.

"I've been thinking," Arielle began, "about what Julian said. About my father."

Lila nodded. "You think there's a secret behind all of this?"

"I know there is," Arielle said. "My father's business collapsed overnight. We lost everything. And suddenly, I'm forced into a marriage with the Lancasters, a family who had no previous ties to mine... except maybe one."

"You think the Lancasters had something to do with your father's fall?" Lila asked.

Arielle's voice was firm. "It can't be a coincidence."

They paused at the edge of the garden where a marble bench sat shaded under an old willow tree.

"There's something else," Arielle admitted. "Damien's illness-it's real. I saw what happens when others touch him. But with me... nothing. No rashes. No reaction."

Lila tilted her head. "You think that means something?"

"I don't know yet. But he's cold to me, like I'm unwanted. If I'm the only one who can touch him, doesn't that mean something?"

Before Lila could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. They turned to see Natalia approaching, dressed in an ivory blouse and tan trousers, walking as though she owned the entire estate.

"Lovely morning," she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Arielle stood. "Just taking a walk."

Natalia's gaze lingered on Lila for a second-subtly dismissive-before she turned back to Arielle. "I thought we should talk. Woman to woman."

Lila gave Arielle a questioning look, but she nodded, silently signaling she'd be fine. With a small bow, Lila stepped away, casting one last look at Natalia before disappearing behind a hedge.

Natalia stepped closer. "You're not what I expected."

"Likewise."

She gave a light laugh. "I've met a lot of women in my life. Most of them crumble under pressure. But not you."

Arielle didn't answer.

Natalia's tone shifted. "Do you know why Damien and I were engaged?"

"Yes. Political ties."

"It was more than that," she said. "I loved him. He may not have said it aloud, but I know he felt something for me too. And then, you appeared. Out of nowhere. Married him like a thief in the night."

Arielle crossed her arms. "I didn't choose this. Your replacement wasn't my idea."

"But you stayed," Natalia countered. "You accepted the ring. The mansion. The status. Don't pretend you didn't have a choice."

Arielle's jaw clenched. "I didn't stay for power. Or luxury. I stayed because I had nothing else."

Natalia stepped even closer. "Then here's my advice, dear substitute wife-know your place. Because when Damien finally tires of this little arrangement, I'll still be here. Waiting."

Arielle's heart pounded. But she didn't let it show.

"If you were so sure of Damien's heart," she said coolly, "you wouldn't be so threatened by me."

For a moment, Natalia's façade cracked-just for a flicker of a second-before she smiled again. "Bold words. Let's see how long that confidence lasts."

She turned and walked away.

Arielle sat back on the bench, her fists clenched in her lap. Every day in this mansion felt like a battle. And yet, every battle made her stronger.

But Natalia was right about one thing-Arielle needed to know where she truly stood in Damien's life. Not for pride. Not even for revenge.

But for her own heart.

That evening, Damien returned late from a business meeting. Arielle waited in the hallway outside his study, summoning the courage to face him.

When he finally stepped out, surprised to find her there, she spoke before he could retreat.

"We need to talk."

Damien sighed. "About what now?"

"About us."

"There is no 'us,'" he replied sharply.

But Arielle didn't flinch. "Then why don't I affect you the way others do?"

He stared at her.

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed," she pressed. "When other women touch you, you break out in rashes. You panic. But not with me. Why?"

He was silent for a long time before finally muttering, "I don't know."

"I want to help you," she said, voice softer now. "But I can't do that if you keep shutting me out."

His expression hardened. "I didn't ask for your help. I didn't ask for you."

"No," Arielle said, eyes glistening, "but I'm here. Whether you like it or not."

She turned and walked away before he could respond. And for once, Damien didn't stop her.

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