Page 33 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
“They do make a charming pair,” she responded, nevertheless. “Cecilia sent a letter. She’s absolutely glowing on her honeymoon. Theo’s taken her to Italy.” Her smile turned dreamy.
Ava chuckled. “Can you imagine Cecilia in Venice? Theo must be half mad trying to keep her from climbing onto gondolas and befriending strange musicians.”
Lily smiled, knowing how mischievous Cecilia could be.
Ava cast a glance at her. “We are aware you just tried to divert our attention.”
Lily bit the insides of her cheek, though her smile never left her eyes. “Well, you caught me.” She shrugged.
“What’s the matter?” Eveline asked gently.
Lily released a sigh. The topic felt like a trap, one she had been circling for months, afraid to face.
They rounded a bend in the path, and then the sisters paused, before Eveline leaned in, lowering her voice. “You can tell us, you know. Whatever it is.”
Lily hesitated. The thought of confiding in them was terrifying. She was not used to it. But when she recalled Magnus’s brutal honesty earlier that day, how he hadn’t minced his words, she found her courage.
She took a deep breath and looked at her friends, her walls beginning to crack.
“It’s everything,” she sighed. “My father’s debts… they swallowed us whole after he died. And Nathan…” Her lips pressed together into a tight line. “He’s gambling more than ever, throwing what little we have into card games and foolish bets.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “Why would he do such a thing? Well, I’m glad you still have the manor…”
Lily shook her head. “We lost it,” she admitted bitterly. “To the duke of Blackmore no less. He has allowed us to live there but it doesn’t change the fact that we no longer own it. My brother can’t accept it. He still acts like he owns the place, but it’s not his anymore.”
Eveline’s face paled at the revelation, before her expression hardened. “Magnus? That cold man with the iron grip? Cecilia’s brother?”
“Exactly him,” Lily confirmed, nodding weakly. “He’s… ruthless, and he thrives on power.”
With a sigh, Ava reached out to squeeze her hand. “We had no idea.” Her expression turned sympathetic. “You shouldn’t have to carry this alone.”
Lily let out a hollow laugh. “I don’t have much choice, Ava.” She shrugged. “Summer’s been the only one I could talk to. Everyone else… expects strength or pity. Neither helps.”
“This isn’t right,” Eveline interjected, her voice sharp with frustration. “You deserve better than to be left drowning in silence.”
Lily dipped her head as tears welled up in her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder how we got here. How our house—my home—slipped through our fingers. I should have paid more attention to Nathan’s behavior.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Lily. None of this is your fault.” Ava squeezed her hand again. “And you are not alone.”
Lily looked up with a smile, though some doubts still clung. “Thank you, both of you. Honestly, I need all the help I can get. Finding a suitor feels impossible.”
Suddenly, Eveline broke into a mischievous grin. Ava laughed, as though she could already tell what joke her sister was about to tell.
“Well, if you’re desperate,” Eveline teased with a nudge, “I suppose the easiest solution is to marry Magnus.”
Lily furrowed her brow… before her shoulders rose to her ears defensively. “Magnus? He’s the last man I’d ever consider marrying.”
The sisters burst into laughter, the sound light with genuine warmth.
Ava nudged her playfully before stepping closer to speak in a more serious tone. “We’re serious, though. If you want, we’ll help you find someone worthy.”
Lily shook her head, letting the tension ease a little. “Thank you. Maybe that’s what I need—a little faith from friends who actually see me.”
Eveline nodded. “And plenty of patience for the foolish men out there,” she quipped. “Let’s conclude this evening with some delightful fruits, shall we?”
“Certainly. I will need some of that,” Lily agreed.
They continued their stroll, their conversation turning to lighter subjects.
