Chapter 156 The Monson Family
Henry had been in a foul mood these past few days ever since Athena was banished from the family. Margaret fell gravely ill and never recovered. Several times he attempted to visit her, only to be firmly turned away by Gwen Denison, Margaret’s maidservant.
And then there was his good-for-nothing son, Matthew. News of Matthew’s affair with Aliza had reached the Emperor. The Emperor stripped him of his position and demoted him to stand guard at the city gates, a humiliating post for a nobleman.
Enraged, Henry had Aliza dragged back to his estate and forced abortion pills down her throat in retribution. Then he summoned a slave trader and had Aliza sold off.
Eloise wept daily for Athena, hinting at Henry’s heartlessness in everything she said. Eloise wanted Nicolas to bring Athena back, but Nicolas scoffed contemptuously, “She’s the Viscountess now, far too high and mighty to even spare any attention to the mere Monson family.”
They had assumed Athena would fall into destitution after being cast out from the Monson family. However, she actually managed to marry up and land on her feet.
Nicolas advised Eloise, “Let’s discuss Athena’s situation later. For now, we must focus on Willow. Her wedding arrangements cannot go wrong again.”
Eloise nodded through her tears, knowing full well where their priorities lay. Willow’s wedding arrangements were now the family’s top priority.
Lately, Athena had been giving everyone in the Monson family the cold shoulder. They felt that letting her stay outside for a while might help temper her rebellious spirit. Without the family’s protection, maybe she’d finally realize just how much family really meant. They felt that Athena was too stubborn for her own good.
From then on, Eloise stopped dwelling on Athena altogether.
That evening, Nicolas made his way to Fiona’s quarters.
Fiona’s face lit up with delight when she saw Nicolas arrive. She hurried over to personally help him out of his outer robe.
She asked, “You’ve been so scheduled these days! What brings you here?”
Though Fiona always had a gentle demeanor, Nicolas’s gaze upon her was nothing but detached indifference. Nicolas disdained Fiona. Her gentle and virtuous nature meant nothing to him. The only worth Fiona held in Nicolas’s eyes was her family’s vast fortune. At their wedding, her wedding gifts overflowed with riches. Otherwise, a mere merchant’s daughter like her would never have been allowed to wed into the Monson family and even bear his children.
Nicolas took Fiona’s attentive service for granted. As she helped him remove his robe, he sat down without a word. From the moment he entered, Nicolas hadn’t granted Fiona so much as a direct glance.
Fiona had grown accustomed to his indifference. She busied herself, handling everything personally. Fiona busily attended to his every need, serving him a drink with meticulous care.
After days of utter exhaustion, Nicolas finally felt at ease. He then asked, “How has Cedric been these past few days?”
Fiona, noticing his weary expression, offered a gentle, reassuring smile. “Cedric is much better now, no more crying or tantrums. He’s become far easier to care for.”
Nicolas gave her an approving look. “It must have been hard on you.”
It was the most ordinary remark imaginable, yet Fiona found her eyes growing moist. Fiona shook her head, looking at Nicolas with admiration. “It’s what I should do.”
Nicolas nodded slightly, though his brows furrowed. Whenever Nicolas was troubled or hesitant to speak, Fiona could always sense it right away.
True to form, Fiona gently inquired, “Is something troubling you?”
Nicolas picked up his drink, took a sip, and sighed wearily. “Grandma has fallen ill, leaving all the affairs of the estate to Mother. But as you know, her constitution is too delicate to bear such strain. Before long, you’ll have to shoulder the responsibilities of the household yourself.”
At this point, Nicolas seemed almost embarrassed. He added, “It’s just…we are under severe financial strain…”
Before he could finish, Fiona eagerly interjected, “So this is what’s been troubling you? Since I became your wife, it’s only right that I share your burdens. Please, leave the matters to me. Rest assured, I won’t disappoint you.”
Ever since she married into the Monson family, Fiona had been walking on eggshells, terrified of making even the slightest mistake. She might not excel at much else, but when it came to business, Fiona was a real wiz. Now that this opportunity to prove herself had finally come, Fiona could not possibly let it slip away. Besides, Fiona had adored Nicolas, she’d been smitten from the very first moment she laid eyes on him.
Nicolas’s gaze warmed slightly with newfound interest. “You truly don’t mind? But that’s your wedding gifts we’re talking about.”
Fiona gently took his hand, her face glowing with tender devotion. “As your wife, I belong to you in every way. Money is just a worldly possession. If it can help you, it would be my greatest privilege.”
"Fiona, I never knew you saw it that way." Nicolas’s tense expression softened as he turned his hand to gently squeeze Fiona’s, his touch warm and fleeting. Fiona floated under Nicolas’s burning gaze.
She turned her face away, but Nicolas gripped her chin firmly. With a suggestive undertone, he declared, “I shall stay with you tonight.”
Ever since Fiona gave birth to Cedric, Nicolas had been sleeping in his study instead of her room. This was the first time Nicolas had stayed overnight in Fiona’s chambers for a long time.
Fiona’s cheeks turned crimson as she nodded shyly. “I’ll have the servants prepare a fine dinner with good wine,” she said softly.
Nicolas released her hand and said gently, “And have a hot bath prepared.”
“Understood,” Fiona murmured, her cheeks flushed crimson as she bowed her head and withdrew.
Word spread through the Fall Chamber that Nicolas would be staying the night. The whole courtyard was buzzing with excitement, as if a grand celebration were about to begin.
After dinner, Nicolas went to take a bath.
Despite having already given birth, Fiona was still so nervous she didn’t know what to do. Huddled beneath the quilt, Fiona’s fingers unconsciously traced her lower abdomen. Stretch marks still lingered there, refusing to fade even now.
Fiona couldn’t help but think, “Will Nicolas scorn me if he saw those marks? But then again, every woman gets stretch marks after giving birth. It’s just part of being a mother. Nicolas should understand.”
Just as Fiona was anxiously waiting, Nicolas emerged from his bath. His black hair cascaded over his shoulders, the tips still glistening with moisture. Every subtle expression and gesture radiated the cultivated grace of a noble scholar. Yet he exuded a commanding presence, tinged with a hint of danger. It was natural for women to be drawn to him.
Fiona loved Nicolas with every fiber of her being. Despite his indifference, nothing could dampen her devotion to him.
Fiona sat up, the thin blanket draped over her graceful silhouette. Her delicate complexion glowed with a healthy flush, a clear sign of the impeccable care she received at the Monson family. Though not a breathtaking beauty, she had dignified features and an aristocratic elegance, like a flower born to grace and luxury. Her kind and dignified face radiated reassurance, instantly putting people at ease.
Eloise had remarked that a woman like Fiona was destined to bring prosperity to her husband, that was precisely why she had arranged for Nicolas to marry her.
A surge of warmth flooded Nicolas’s chest as he strode toward the bed. No man could possibly resist her charms.
The maids and elderly servants in the outer chamber extinguished the candles, leaving only the dim glow of lamplight in the bedchamber, then discreetly withdrew. A wife’s status was only secure with her husband’s favor. That was how noble households operated.
Moments later, Nicolas strode out of the chamber, his face dark and stormy.
The elderly maidservant’s face registered alarm. Sensing something was amiss, she rushed into the chamber. There sat Fiona on the bed, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.
“My lady!” Sirena Madron hurried forward, her voice laced with concern. “What has upset Lord Nicolas?”
Fiona looked mortified, her hands instinctively covering her lower abdomen, burning with shame and resentment. Her worst fear had come true.
Nicolas’s gaze lingered on the faint stretch marks. His expression darkened instantly. He abruptly stood up and, barely glancing at her, said coldly, “I still have official business to attend to.”
Without another word, he left.