Chapter 106
Daphne POV
I hate feeling so powerless.
When I look at Evelyn—like this—living a life so far from the grandeur she once commanded, it twists something deep inside me.
Instead of the poised, untouchable duchess, she's here, kneeling by the fire, sleeves rolled to her elbows, struggling to coax the stubborn flame into life.
And it's all because of me.
The guilt is overwhelming.
I sigh and rub the back of my neck, feeling utterly useless.
I'm supposed to be protecting her. Giving her the life she deserves.
Not… this.
Not a cold, creaky cottage at the edge of nowhere.
She glances over her shoulder at me, catching the tension written all over my face.
"Stop brooding," she says lightly, as if reading my mind.
I try to smile, but it feels brittle.
She makes a face at me, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes before turning back to the fire.
She looks absurdly young like this, absurdly human. Nothing like the powerful, cold duchess she once had to be.
