Chapter 1

My life had always been smooth sailing. My husband was a duke, my son the heir, and now I'd just arranged for him to marry the legitimate daughter of a minister.

I thought I could finally kick back and enjoy my golden years with my family.

But on the day my daughter-in-law came to visit me, I unexpectedly heard what she was really thinking.

[Grace seems pretty pleased with me. Too bad she has no clue she's about to get dumped.]

[Honestly, no guy could stand being cuckolded for over twenty years, let alone raising someone else's kid as his own.]

[Richard said we'll take action in five days.]

*****

I'd been in charge of the Palmer family for 22 years.

My husband, Richard Palmer, was the Duke, who held immense power.

Our only son, Edward Palmer, was the undisputed heir, excelling in both academics and combat.

Today, I arranged for Edward to marry Emily Monroe, the eldest daughter of the Lord Chancellor.

The hall was filled with the city's most influential figures.

Everyone called them a perfect match, the kind of alliance everyone dreamed about.

I sat at the head of the hall in my finest outfit, with a golden coronet gleaming atop my hair.

My posture was dignified, and my expression was gentle.

As I gazed at the stunning pair below, my heart brimmed with satisfaction.

My task was finally complete.

From now on, all I had to do was enjoy my life and bask in the unparalleled wealth and honor that came with my status.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds came to toast Richard and me.

Edward and Emily stood before me.

Emily held the cup with both hands, her eyes lowered, her posture humble and respectful.

"Grace, thank you for everything you've done for us," she said.

Her voice was gentle and melodious.

Feeling satisfied, I reached out to take the cup.

Just as my fingers brushed the cup, a strange, clear female voice suddenly rang out in my mind.

[Grace seems pretty pleased with me.]

I was taken aback for a moment.

I glanced around. Everyone was smiling, but nobody said a word.

Maybe I was just worn out from all the preparations lately and imagining things.

As that thought crossed my mind, my fingertips touched the cup.

The voice echoed in my mind again, even clearer this time.

[Too bad she has no clue she's about to get dumped.]

My heart lurched.

My dignified smile threatened to freeze on my face.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to maintain my poise.

My hand remained steady as I held the cup.

I told myself to keep it together and that I was imagining things.

[Honestly, no guy could stand being cuckolded for over twenty years, let alone raising someone else's kid as his own.]

My mind went totally blank, like I'd been struck by lightning.

The priceless cup in my hand gave a soft tap.

The drink rippled, nearly spilling out.

Across from me, Emily kept her head down, her expression betraying nothing.

Richard, my husband, still wore a composed smile.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on me.

I could sense everyone was wondering what was up with me.

I had no idea what was going on with me.

I actually mess up on such a big day.

[Richard said we'll take action in five days.]

[When evidence is airtight, she'll be kicked out with nothing to her name.]

[The lady of the Palmer estate will soon be my aunt.]

[And this so-called heir will be dethroned and disgraced.]

Every word Emily thought was like a poisoned blade, stabbing right into my heart.

My hand clenched so tightly inside my sleeve that my manicured nails were digging into my palm.

But I couldn't let myself break.

My 22 years as the Duchess weren't just for show.

I summoned every ounce of strength I had to steady my nerves and hold the cup in my hand.

I lifted the lid, gently stirring the bubbles on top.

Then, I brought the cup to my lips and took a small sip.

The champagne was rare and precious.

Yet as it touched my lips, it tasted more bitter than anything I'd ever known.

I set the cup down and reached for the box I'd prepared earlier. I took it from the tray the maid held at my side.

It was thick and weighty in my hand.

I handed it to Emily.

My voice was as gentle as ever, not a hint of tremor in it.

I said, "Rise, my dear.

"From now on, you are a Palmer.

"Take good care of Edward and cherish your days together."

Emily accepted the box with reverence, then bowed to me.

"Thank you for your guidance. I will remember it always," Emily replied.

She lifted her head, her face filled with the shy happiness and excitement of a new bride.

Her eyes were so clear and pure.

But deep within those clear eyes, I seemed to glimpse a battlefield drenched in blood and piled with bodies.

I saw blood, my son's blood.

Everything that followed felt as if it were shrouded in a heavy fog.

Everything seemed to blur into unreality: the guests offering their congratulations, Richard mingling with the crowd, and Edward's joy.

I felt like a puppet on strings, putting on a flawless smile and going through the motions for everyone.

No one saw through me.

All they saw was an elegant, blissful Duchess.

They had no clue that in just five days, this lavish estate would become my grave.

Night had fallen, and the guests had all left.

I returned to my private chambers alone, dismissing every servant.

I sat frozen in the hard chair.

The words I'd heard during the day kept replaying in my mind, again and again.

Cuckolded...

Someone else's kid...

In five days...

Get dumped...

Be kicked out with nothing...

Every single word was enough to doom me for all eternity.

This wasn't just my imagination.

I fiddled with the string of beads on my wrist.

The beads were icy cold, but their chill couldn't soothe me at all.

Richard and I had been together since we were young. We'd been married for 22 years.

He always treated me with respect and treasured Edward, teaching him with utmost care.

How could he possibly know my secret?

How could he ever believe Edward wasn't his son?

And then there was Emily's aunt. Who was Emily's aunt?

Each question gnawed at my heart like a venomous snake.

I absolutely couldn't just sit here and wait for my doom.

I'd never begged anyone in my life.

Now, for the sake of my son and for myself, I had no choice but to fight back.

I had to carve a bloody path out of this, no matter the cost.

Outside the window, the moon cast a cold, silvery light.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It was well-maintained yet utterly pale.

Bit by bit, my gaze turned icy and steely.

I had only five days.